Should I bother trying to get into reloading right now?
- Thread starter vicroll91
- Start date
bozo699
Gold $$ Contributor
Don,
That would be great!…. As you know even for us old timers it’s nice to have a manual
Wayne
Right now it may be a little tough to find stuff and expensive BUT it's around if you look hard.... This seems to happen about every ten years anymore so if you do decide to get into reloading as soon as this BS passes buy plenty of what you need and store it properly.... If done correctly it will last a very long time.... When I first started reloading the world was going through this mess and I just paid a little more and drove a little further to find what I needed....
itchyTF
Gold $$ Contributor
I started reloading in the 60’s with a “wack it with a hammer” Lee kit. Then went with an RCBS junior, then a Rockchucker (with the aluminum primer catcher). Number of years ago had an opportunity for a big discount on Redding equipment so I picked up a press and some other stuff and gave the RC to my son.
I got some Lee factory crimp dies when they were all the rage and was severely unimpressed. I figured if they can’t make simple cuts like this equal, I won’t be interested in anything else they make. Fortunately I don’t really need anything else but if I do, it won’t be Lee. These are 2 different dies. I think I have a third like this.
I got some Lee factory crimp dies when they were all the rage and was severely unimpressed. I figured if they can’t make simple cuts like this equal, I won’t be interested in anything else they make. Fortunately I don’t really need anything else but if I do, it won’t be Lee. These are 2 different dies. I think I have a third like this.
divingin
Gold $$ Contributor
Problem is that if you're swapping components while just figuring out the reloading process, you will never get to a point where you know what does and doesn't work. You will get a lot of practice though.
I say go for it! I live in Alaska and while there are shipping laws that we have to live with here, components are becoming more available. Just yesterday, Sportsman’s Warehouse had some primers and Vihtavuori powders in stock. The last two weeks, I’ve seen powder in all but two gun stores here (not counting Cabelas/BPS). Bullets are showing up as well, but brass is still an issue for most common calibers for rifles.
I think it's an okay time to get into reloading, sure. No telling when supplies will be stifled due to spiteful actions by the government, so ... there's no time like the present.
Availability of components is a bit of a problem, sure. In that your average shop isn't going to have much on the shelves for long, and prices tend to be fairly high.
I just got back into reloading earlier this year. Looked for the best deals I could find. Only paid an unconscionable amount once or twice. But, otherwise, obtained a good stock of all components at mostly reasonable and fair prices. Hard to do, but it can be done.
Was able to pick up several thousand rounds' worth of components. Bullets in a couple different weights, a couple of different powders, and primers. Plenty to last me at least a couple of years. Only took me seven months of searching, picking up decently-priced stuff as I came across it. Could have had it all within two weeks, had I not cared a bit about prices. IMO, so can you, depending on your willingness to trade search time for price paid.
In many towns, people are reporting the occasional shop (here and there) that has supplies at "normal" prices, instead of the pumped-up, supply-and-demand driven, even extortionate, pricing many shops do. Lucky you, if you happen to have one or two such gun shops in your area that do reloading components and equipment.
Good luck on acquiring all of your components and gear. It's good to see another person getting into reloading.
divingin
Gold $$ Contributor
I don't know. Just about every reloader I know has upgraded at some point(s). Many have complete redundant packages (not necessarily in use) for the calibers they load (press, dies, accessories.)
I'm not saying it's needed, but it seems to be part of the game.
That's a good point. I started out with some of the best components and could use that as a benchmark.
vicroll91
Silver $$ Contributor
A little update here on my search for components -
Took a drive last week to a few local gun shops in my area looking for primers and powder. All sold out, and most said they hadn't had any in stock in 1-2 months. I did find a box of 57 SMKs in 168g for 12 bucks, so I went ahead and picked them up. As I was paying I asked the owner how long it had been since they had primers in stock, to which he replied, "What are you looking for?" I told him I was after larger rifle primers, so he said he'd check if he had anything. Sure enough, guy comes back with three hundred Winchester large rifle primers! Gave them to me for eight bucks a pop, which was miles ahead of the $25+ price tag I've seen on GB.
I have two pounds of powder on the way from Hodgdon, so I'd say things are looking up. More updates to come as the adventures continue...
Took a drive last week to a few local gun shops in my area looking for primers and powder. All sold out, and most said they hadn't had any in stock in 1-2 months. I did find a box of 57 SMKs in 168g for 12 bucks, so I went ahead and picked them up. As I was paying I asked the owner how long it had been since they had primers in stock, to which he replied, "What are you looking for?" I told him I was after larger rifle primers, so he said he'd check if he had anything. Sure enough, guy comes back with three hundred Winchester large rifle primers! Gave them to me for eight bucks a pop, which was miles ahead of the $25+ price tag I've seen on GB.
I have two pounds of powder on the way from Hodgdon, so I'd say things are looking up. More updates to come as the adventures continue...
bozo699
Gold $$ Contributor
Vic,
I had a upset with my bad hand and haven’t finished up the stuff I rounded up for you. If I can’t get it soon I’ll send it as is but I really wanted it done and ready for you to use sorry for the delay.
Wayne
vicroll91
Silver $$ Contributor
Hi Wayne,
No worries at all. I'm no stranger to cleaning up old tools so don't worry if they need some tlc.
Hope that hand heals up for you soon!
Austin
lol. Maybe where you live, not in Michigan.
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.