How buying from a local distribution center in not "lame"
I buy from all the business around me (my neighbors) to support them, even if sometimes I have to pay more. I do not care. Those are the ones that will provide a job for my children and friends in the end.
But sometimes I actually buy cheaper than online and still help the ones next to me.
Try this:
- Find the closest distribution center.
- If you have any friends shooting enthusiasts organize for a few orders to buy bulk.
- You will be surprised of the savings. If you do not have friends and/or a distribution center then go online but still buy bulk.
- Ask friends if someone is active or retired military, LE/fire then you most like have additional discounts if he puts the order.
Good US made affordable and cases for at least x4 or x5 reloads.
http://www.surplusammo.com/products...AE223AF-%2d-900-Rounds-on-Stripper-Clips.html
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/57281-1.html
Sign up for on sale items... this one is not US made but at least is not from a communist country like China. 5.56/box...They were gone pretty quickly.....
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/75970-1.html
The original 5.56 round was designed to be brass.
The AR-15 was designed for the original 5.56 round not the other way around.
If steel was any better everyone would be using steel. It is just cheaper, not better. cannot reload. There is good steel stuff, but that is not cheaper.
Reloading...
Option A
If you want to learn to reload fast and inexpensively it can be done. No dusty tumbling needed but I understand this is not for everyone.
Option B
If you shoot this brass and save it and do not want to reload save it.
Someone might buy it from you. Then you can take these $'s and invest into the next 900 or 1K rounds.
Ammunition or not, one dollar saved at big retailers (ie: walmart) in Chinese c.r.a.p. is one dollar long term investment towards the future misery of our children.