Should I bother trying to get into reloading right now?

[vicroll91]

Hi all,

So I'm at that point where I'd like to start reloading. I strictly shoot .308 for both precision shooting and deer hunting.

Midway's got a good deal going on a Lee set that should meet my needs. A few more odds and ends and I'll be all tooled up.

Now, the sticking point for me is the scarcity of primers/powder right now. Am I better off just continuing to buy FGMM and hold off on reloading for now? Or have people been having some luck finding primers/powder locally? I only just set up alerts on a few sites that may get them in eventually, so I'll keep a close watch on those. Thoughts?

 

[garandman]

Yes.

Yes. Primers are coming back....slowly. My local stores are getting a decent supply of powders. And they are staying on the shelves a while.

 

[mdram]

powder drops all the time
primers quite often also

 

[Retired Grunt]

At least you can find some stuff now, you may have to be a little pickier but you can at least find it. Heck I found Varget last month.

 

[garandman]

Varget, H4350 both on local shelves.

 

[rwj]

I would start the journey down the rabbit hole. As noted above, components are starting to become available. If you choose not to start now, save all those factory cases!

 

[divingin]

Am I better off just continuing to buy FGMM and hold off on reloading for now?

You're better off doing both while you climb the reloading learning curve. Ensures you have something to shoot, even if you can't get components or screw up your latest reload effort.

 

[Walt Krafft]

It depends on why you want to reload. What are your goals? More accurate ammo, save money, enjoyment of the hobby of reloading? Is the Lee setup you picked out going to be good for the long term or just to get started? Buying ammo for 308 may be the better option. If you are going to get into other calibers the rabbit hole can get very large.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

It’s all obtainable right now. Just be sure to purchase primers, powder, and bullets immediately when you see them for sale. Some seem to think supplies are going to return to normal soon, and I think they are just kidding themselves.

 

[garandman]

You're better off doing both while you climb the reloading learning curve. Ensures you have something to shoot, even if you can't get components or screw up your latest reload effort.

THIS ^^^ is a great point. Difficulty in getting some components may be a huge plus right now.... in slowing you down to do your research rather than rushing in and buying a buncha stuff you'll regret later.

Powder and primers not so much. Press, powder dispenser, dies big time.

Fore instance, instead of that Lee , it might be bettter to save up and get and RCBS Rockchucker, or even LE Wilson chamber-type dies and a K&M Precision arbor press. Sometimes a good deal turns out to be a complete waste oif $$$

That said...at the end of the day... the only way to know what will shoot in YOUR gun is to shoot your gun. Other ppls experience has its limits in terms of what your gun will like.

 

[CA_Shooter]

I think this is probably a great time to get into reloading.

I personally have been reloading for about 6 years now, and up until the shortage, I didn't learn anything new because:

• I used the same rifle and round (6.5 creedmoor)
• I used the same brass: hornady
• I used the same bullets: 140 ELD-Ms
• I used the same powder: H4350
• I used the same primers: GM210M

Barrel 1: I used 38.8 grains and a jump of about .064

Barrel 2: I used 41.2 grains and a jump of about .064

Using this setup was really really easy. I literally didn't use any other components when reloading other than the above. I really didn't learn anything other than the basics when reloading.

Along came the shortage and I had to change everything, including using small rifle primers. I then ran into all kinds of issues, and the result of that is I learned a lot.

Being forced into trying different components taught me a lot. So I suggest now is a great time to start reloading.

 

[AWS]

I would say that a Lee kit will get you started, I have two Lee Cast Classic Turret presses on my bench that get used as single stage presses but can change out turret heads instead of screwing in and out dies all the time, I have nine turrets, some with multiple cartridges in them. I also have a Lyman Crusher for serious case forming and bullet swaging.

The Lee press will size your 308 just fine, from others experience the Lee powder measure/dump is quite accurate, I personally dump light and trickle so most any dump works well for me, I have 6 of numerous brands on the bench. Dies are a crap shoot the only Lee dies I use are really oddballs that I only load a few rounds a year, they have worked fine for what I do with them. I used Redding Type S FL bushing dies and Hornady seaters with the sliding sleeve for all my serious stuff.

One thing about presses they are hard to wear out if you use them within their limitation and don't depreciate much so if down the line you find you need more than the Lee they aren't too hard to peddle.

Kind of a mess but the other side is my shop and I've had a few remodel obs going.

 

[Bc'z]

With the Lee kit you get a complete set of shell holders, a bonus in my book.
I started with the Lee challenger kit 22 years ago, still using the powder thrower, funnel, shell holders, hand primer.
If you decide reloading is for you andup grade your press the Lee will make a great decapping/ bullet pulling station.

 

[justpassinthru]

Lee will work but there's better stuff out there that will last a lifetime.

 

[garandman]

Lee will work but there's better stuff out there that will last a lifetime.

And will re-sell much better if reloading isn't for the OP.

 

[DiffEQ]

@smoketheclay , Lee equipment will serve you well for years and years. You can upgrade later if you want. There is better equipment, but it costs 2x-4x more than Lee. IMO, the key is getting into reloading *now* with equipment you can find and afford.
As old farts like me leave the range, equipment comes available, which is how I chanced into my Dillon 650. You can be reloading, honing your technique, learning what you like and don't like about your equipment while watching for those caches of equipment that show up for sale now and then. Check Craigs List and the Nickel Ads, and any other person to person resale medium for local deals.

 

[justpassinthru]

And will re-sell much better if reloading isn't for the OP.

I started with a Lee Loader and a plastic hammer way back in the '70s and have never had a product by Lee that didn't work, it's just that I prefer working with higher quality tools made from steel instead of aluminum.

 

[garandman]

I started with a Lee Loader and a plastic hammer way back in the '70s and have never had a product by Lee that didn't work, it's just that I prefer working with higher quality tools made from steel instead of aluminum.

I've had Lee stuff. I like their dies OK, esp. their crimp dies. . The rest of their stuff leaves me uninspired with the kind of confidence I get using RCBS / Dillon / K&M / LE WIlson, etc.

 

[vicroll91]

Thanks all for many great replies. I'd say without a doubt I am going to take the plunge. I've got about 500 pieces of spent Federal brass from factory ammo, so I figure I can get the gear set up, mess around with depriming/cleaning, and try and learn as much as I can while on the hunt for powder and primers.

Again, much appreciated, and I'm sure I'll be back around soon as I get further into the hobby.

 

[Dgd6mm]

vic, most Lee equipment will work for you. I use the Lee Classic Cast press, it's solid. The powder drop has served me well for 20 years or more. I was given an old O'haus scale years ago and threw the piece of crap Lee scale in the garbage. I use all brands of dies. My Lee dies produce accurate ammo but like my custom dies better. You need to be careful around this crowd, most on here think everyone has deep pockets. We can easily spend your money.

If you don't mind give a little information on where your budget is. Also I know I have .308 brass I have no use for. I believe it's once fired Remington. I'd be glad to pick out 100 or so pieces and send them to you.

Don Dunlap