Well,..... NUTS......!

[Poper]

So I laid out a reloading chore for .38 Specials as I was down to my last 100 loaded rounds.... And guess what? I only have 800 primers on hand!
On to the interwebs...!
Wow! SPP everywhere! But a large variation in price... Finally bought 5k from MidSouth Shooters'. And couldn't resist a couple of toys. Next thing I knew I blew waaaayyyy past my budget.... Oh, well. I just will have to stay in my lane for an extended period of time and hope no additional dire emergencies pop up!
Oh, and a buddy said he would share the hit for half of the primers, so I do have that excuse going for me when Mrs. Poper sees the CC bill! ......... Doh!

 

[Palladan44]

And guess what? I only have 800 primers on hand!

Unless you bought cheap and stacked deep years ago, there was no real reason to have an overstock of primers the last few years. Too damn expensive!
I'd say you're in good shape, but I'm not sure it's time to stack deep quite yet.....

 

[9mmepiphany]

I only have 800 primers on hand!

You live more dangerously than I'm willing to...I get concerned when my SPP stash get close to 5k

but I'm not sure it's time to stack deep quite yet....

A lot depend on which SPP you're willing to load.

I've converted to imported primers and they are generally running less than $50/k...many times less than $45/k. My preferred Federal SPP for my revolvers are still in the $70/k range...getting worried as I'm almost down to 10k

 

[Palladan44]

You live more dangerously than I'm willing to...I get concerned when my SPP stash get close to 5k


A lot depend on which SPP you're willing to load.

I've converted to imported primers and they are generally running less than $50/k...many times less than $45/k. My preferred Federal SPP for my revolvers are still in the $70/k range...getting worried as I'm almost down to 10k

Good point. On that note, how's the reliability on those imported ones?
I'd imagine, like light bulbs, they can't be that hard to get right.

 

[9mmepiphany]

On that note, how's the reliability on those imported ones?

I've pretty much standardized on Ginex SPP which has replaced CCI in my inventory for loading both my striker and hammer fired pistols...mostly 9mm and .45ACP. I've tried other brands but I've had such positive results that I haven't really looked around much since I standardized on the Ginex

Genix offers nickel plated and brass primers. The nickel ones are softer...almost as soft as Federal. My 1911 and SIG 320 will set off the brass ones, but my M&P9 won't. I've also heard from folks shooting their tuned CZ that they've had issues with the brass primers. The only difference to keep in mind is that the Ginex are metric primer and take a more positive pressure to fully seat. I'm priming on progressive presses and don't have issues fully seating them once I figured out that they do require a bit more

 

[LV Gun]

Good point. On that note, how's the reliability on those imported ones?
I'd imagine, like light bulbs, they can't be that hard to get right.

They are like light bulbs, if you can screw in a light bulb you can use them. I have used 15000 Unis Ginex SP and 10000 Unis Ginex LP plus 10000 Servicios Aventuras SP all are good primers. What you see about them seating a little harder is true you just have to make sure you seat them deep but if you’re brass is like most of mine that has been reloaded a lot they are a blessing due to seating tighter. In the SA brand I had two guns that I would get a few FTF’s every 100 rounds or so but would go off on the second try, one of the guns has an extended firing pin (S&W 929PC ) ….The UG brand never had an issue in either SP or LP .

Edited Note- I am currently using Magtech SP primers I have used 2500 of the 5000 I got from Grafs I have not had one FTF or any issues with them so far and they seat more like US made primers . I load the following calibers with SP primers 9mm, 38 special, 38 super , 40 S&W and 45 auto .

 

[horsemen61]

So I laid out a reloading chore for .38 Specials as I was down to my last 100 loaded rounds.... And guess what? I only have 800 primers on hand!
On to the interwebs...!
Wow! SPP everywhere! But a large variation in price... Finally bought 5k from MidSouth Shooters'. And couldn't resist a couple of toys. Next thing I knew I blew waaaayyyy past my budget.... Oh, well. I just will have to stay in my lane for an extended period of time and hope no additional dire emergencies pop up!
Oh, and a buddy said he would share the hit for half of the primers, so I do have that excuse going for me when Mrs. Poper sees the CC bill! ......... Doh!

What were the other toys?

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I've pretty much standardized on Ginex SPP which has replaced CCI in my inventory for loading both my striker and hammer fired pistols...mostly 9mm and .45ACP. I've tried other brands but I've had such positive results that I haven't really looked around much since I standardized on the Ginex

Genix offers nickel plated and brass primers. The nickel ones are softer...almost as soft as Federal. My 1911 and SIG 320 will set off the brass ones, but my M&P9 won't. I've also heard from folks shooting their tuned CZ that they've had issues with the brass primers. The only difference to keep in mind is that the Ginex are metric primer and take a more positive pressure to fully seat. I'm priming on progressive presses and don't have issues fully seating them once I figured out that they do require a bit more

That is incredibly useful information! Thank you.

Us low volume shooters often don’t get the chance to test new/different components. Personally, I do try - I go out of my way to try new bullets- but I’m shooting 1500 rnds a year or less using SPP - mostly .38Spl. - and not much more than that in LPP - mostly .44Spl and .45Auto.

It’s good to know the alternatives are worth the investment.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Us low volume shooters often don’t get the chance to test new/different components. Personally, I do try - I go out of my way to try new bullets- but I’m shooting 1500 rnds a year or less using SPP - mostly .38Spl.

I'm cursed by being a tinkerer.

I compete in IDPA shooting .38Spl. so WC and SWC bullets are really in the mix as they slow down reloads. I've tried FP (conical) and and RN-FP, but they aren't quite as slick getting into the cylinder as RN bullets. So you'd think it would be pretty easy to developed a load for 158-160gr bullets, But I currently have the following polymer coated bullets that I'm playing with:

1. Black Bullets International - 158gr
2. Black & Blue Bullets - 170gr (no longer in production)
3. Bayou Bullets - 158gr (having issues filling orders)
4. Falcon Bullets - 160gr

...and they all have slightly different profiles, different slicknesses, and accuracy tendencies over longer distances

 

[Poper]

Unless you bought cheap and stacked deep years ago, there was no real reason to have an overstock of primers the last few years. Too damn expensive!
I'd say you're in good shape, but I'm not sure it's time to stack deep quite yet.....

I turn 70 this summer. No reason to "stack deep" now. I already have more powder, primers and bullets for rifles than I will ever live long enough to shoot. These SPP today should see me through for the forseeable future. I'm a little light in pistol bullets but a buddy casts bullets dang near on an industrial scale since he inherited 2500 lbs of pure lead x-ray shielding salvaged from a medical office tear-down and another 1500 lbs of wheel weights. He's been retired for 20 years (medically - due to a motorcycle accident) and really doesn't have much else to keep him out of trouble.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I'm cursed by being a tinkerer.

I compete in IDPA shooting .38Spl. so WC and SWC bullets are really in the mix as they slow down reloads. I've tried FP (conical) and and RN-FP, but they aren't quite as slick getting into the cylinder as RN bullets. So you'd think it would be pretty easy to developed a load for 158-160gr bullets, But I currently have the following polymer coated bullets that I'm playing with:

1. Black Bullets International - 158gr
2. Black & Blue Bullets - 170gr (no longer in production)
3. Bayou Bullets - 158gr (having issues filling orders)
4. Falcon Bullets - 160gr

...and they all have slightly different profiles, different slicknesses, and accuracy tendencies over longer distances

My favorite round nose .38Spl is the Speer swaged 158gr. They are using the same coating now as Hunter’s Supply and Grizzly - it’s just a clear-coat polymer - and it’s really good. I suspect the per-bullet cost, even in bulk, is prohibitive for your circumstances but it can’t hurt to check.

Buy Lead Handgun Bullet, .358, 158 Grain Ammo | Speer

Shopping for the Lead Handgun Bullet, .358, 158 Grain - Learn more about the latest Lead Handgun Bullet and other hunting, shooting or reloading gear at Speer.

www.speer.com

I like them because they run smoothly in my old H&K speed loaders.

 

[Doug B.]

They are like light bulbs, if you can screw in a light bulb you can use them. I have used 15000 Unis Ginex SP and 10000 Unis Ginex LP plus 10000 Servicios Aventuras SP all are good primers. What you see about them seating a little harder is true you just have to make sure you seat them deep but if you’re brass is like most of mine that has been reloaded a lot they are a blessing due to seating tighter. In the SA brand I had two guns that I would get a few FTF’s every 100 rounds or so but would go off on the second try, one of the guns has an extended firing pin (S&W 929PC ) ….The UG brand never had an issue in either SP or LP .

Edited Note- I am currently using Magtech SP primers I have used 2500 of the 5000 I got from Grafs I have not had one FTF or any issues with them so far and they seat more like US made primers . I load the following calibers with SP primers 9mm, 38 special, 38 super , 40 S&W and 45 auto .

Glad to hear your results with the Magtech SP primers. My experience has been exceptionally good with them as well. 0 FTF's.

 

[Dogleg7]

Stopped in a gun store yesterday in central Louisiana and apparently they haven't kept up with primer prices. They had 1000 CCI sp for $159.95.

 

[Glockpride]

Stopped in a gun store yesterday in central Louisiana and apparently they haven't kept up with primer prices. They had 1000 CCI sp for $159.95.

They trying to retire on selling 1 case of primers?!?

 

[9mmepiphany]

Stopped in a gun store yesterday in central Louisiana and apparently they haven't kept up with primer prices. They had 1000 CCI sp for $159.95.

That’s what happens when you over pay figuring to cash in due to the shortage, but either mis-time it or don’t have the traffic to sell off your stock

 

[Highland Lofts]

I have been buying SPP from Norma USA.
$49.99 a thousand.
Buy 3,000 primers get free shipping, free hazmat.

 

[PWC]

I'm a low volume serious shooter, but I'm not a "serious" shooter. Seldom do I have the correct match of bullet, case, powder and primer per the manual. Most times I have to interpolate my loads, rifle or handgun. What ever primer I have in stock, cases are mostly mixed range pick up. Rifle is Rem and Fed plus some range pick up. I choose the best match between powder and bullet weight, start at mid range and go from there. Usually, best accuracy is toward the hi end, but not the max load.

I've done this long enough that my notebook shows what works, FOR ME. I don't hunt, don't chase one hole groups, and at 80 yrs old 200 yds is it, mostly 100yds. (Long walks round trip) I make sure I sit low at the bench so recoil is absorbed by muscle meat rather than collarbone.

I go to the state supervised, we'll run, outdoor range during the week for safety, as abundantly discussed here. Used to be less well attended, now I don't know if it's more old retired folks or younger ones scheduling shooting time, but it's gett'n crowded.

 

[Riomouse911]

I'm cursed by being a tinkerer.

I compete in IDPA shooting .38Spl. so WC and SWC bullets are really in the mix as they slow down reloads. I've tried FP (conical) and and RN-FP, but they aren't quite as slick getting into the cylinder as RN bullets. So you'd think it would be pretty easy to developed a load for 158-160gr bullets, But I currently have the following polymer coated bullets that I'm playing with:

1. Black Bullets International - 158gr
2. Black & Blue Bullets - 170gr (no longer in production)
3. Bayou Bullets - 158gr (having issues filling orders)
4. Falcon Bullets - 160gr

...and they all have slightly different profiles, different slicknesses, and accuracy tendencies over longer distances

These 165 from Ibidjiheads bullets are about as speed loader friendly a bullet design as I can find in .358. The ever-so-slightly-sorta pointed tips really find the charge holes easily in my 7-shot 686+.



They are marketed as 9mm/.38 Super bullets, but they have a .358” option.

https://www.ibejiheads.com/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=51&osCsid=70b270000dd03be06440895e6a9d770c

They shoot well inside 18 yards or so. But I haven’t shot them at 50 yds, so I can’t give any opinions on longer-distance use like you do.

Just an idea.

Stay safe.

 

[9mmepiphany]

They are marketed as 9mm/.38 Super bullets, but they have a .358” option.

Interesting...I have looked at iejhaeds bullets site, but moved on when I didn't see offerings for .38Spl/.357Mag

I know it hasn't been proven, but my feeling has been that the increased bearing surface of NLG bullets add a bit to longer distance accuracy. I may have to try out a case

They seem to have a similar profile to the 170gr BNB bullets I used to load. The longer bullets seemed a bit more accurate at 45 - 50 yards, which allowed for a bit more leeway in sight alignment when shooting quickly. A bit less important now that they have limited Standard Stages to 35 - 40 yards

 

[lightman]

I turn 70 this summer. No reason to "stack deep" now. I already have more powder, primers and bullets for rifles than I will ever live long enough to shoot. These SPP today should see me through for the forseeable future. I'm a little light in pistol bullets but a buddy casts bullets dang near on an industrial scale since he inherited 2500 lbs of pure lead x-ray shielding salvaged from a medical office tear-down and another 1500 lbs of wheel weights. He's been retired for 20 years (medically - due to a motorcycle accident) and really doesn't have much else to keep him out of trouble.

Buying cheap and stacking deep has been my strategy for a number of years. Of course it helped that I had additional income from a sideline business! This strategy has kept me from being affected by the many shortages over the years. I did get caught short on large rifle primers during the Obama years when I was still shooting long range competition. I had to pay $50-55 for Federal Large Rifle Match Primers!

 

[Highland Lofts]

Now you are paying $100 for a brick of primers.

 

[Soonerpesek]

Now you are paying $100 for a brick of primers.

Maybe you are, but MANY of us have found MUCH more reasonable prices recently.................

 

[Highland Lofts]

Here locally the cheapest primers are $89.99 up to $125.
Norma USA has small pistol primers for $49.99 free shipping and free hazmat over $150.
I use these for small rifle reloading

 

[Palladan44]

My preferred Federal SPP for my revolvers

I use CCI for my revolvers (mostly all Smith's w/ firing pin attached to the hammers) I save federal spp for my striker fired guns

 

[Poper]

I'm a low volume serious shooter, but I'm not a "serious" shooter. Seldom do I have the correct match of bullet, case, powder and primer per the manual. Most times I have to interpolate my loads, rifle or handgun. What ever primer I have in stock, cases are mostly mixed range pick up. Rifle is Rem and Fed plus some range pick up. I choose the best match between powder and bullet weight, start at mid range and go from there. Usually, best accuracy is toward the hi end, but not the max load.

I've done this long enough that my notebook shows what works, FOR ME. I don't hunt, don't chase one hole groups, and at 80 yrs old 200 yds is it, mostly 100yds. (Long walks round trip) I make sure I sit low at the bench so recoil is absorbed by muscle meat rather than collarbone.

I go to the state supervised, we'll run, outdoor range during the week for safety, as abundantly discussed here. Used to be less well attended, now I don't know if it's more old retired folks or younger ones scheduling shooting time, but it's gett'n crowded.

Mostly the young crowd, I think.
I used to go to Ben Avery every Sunday and would stand in line for an hour or so until it opened but quit that when they started requiring reservations and I haven't been back to the Main Range since. Then they totally screwed up the rifle silhouette range so I quit that, too. Management has so FUBARed Ben Avery Shooting Range they drove me away with an awful taste in my mouth. It used to be a world class place that the average guy could enjoy for seven bucks a day. That's ancient history now and they can have it their way. I won't and don't have to. There are plenty of other places in this state to burn gunpowder and throw lead.

My apologies for the mini rant.