Should I bother trying to get into reloading right now?

[Webster]

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?

I am lucky that I have a large reputable gun supply store near where I live (Fin Feather Fur). 15 minute drive. They are online now. they have at least three stores in Ohio. . No need to order by mail. Had back surgery 2 years ago and stocked up about 3-5 years ago. Have not hunted or gone to the range in 2 years so I have about a 5 yr supply. Hope to get out next summer. Every time I walk in the store i try to buy a 2-3 boxes of Sierra 6mm. 60 gr Varminters. They always have Hornady 58 Gr V-Max. 6 months since I was in the store.

Added later:
The website looks like they have no powder. Primers are way up in price,but I think they are out.

Fin Feather Fur Outfitters

Fin Feather Fur Outfitters established in 1985 providing outdoor gear for hunters, fishermen, campers, shooters and reloaders and everything outdoor related

www.finfeatherfur.com

 

[vicroll91]

I am lucky that I have a large reputable gun supply store near where I live (Fin Feather Fur). 15 minute drive. They are online now. they have at least three stores in Ohio. . No need to order by mail. Had back surgery 2 years ago and stocked up about 3-5 years ago. Have not hunted or gone to the range in 2 years so I have about a 5 yr supply. Hope to get out next summer. Every time I walk in the store i try to buy a 2-3 boxes of Sierra 6mm. 60 gr Varminters. They always have Hornady 58 Gr V-Max. ^ months since I was in the store.

Fin Feather Fur Outfitters

Fin Feather Fur Outfitters established in 1985 providing outdoor gear for hunters, fishermen, campers, shooters and reloaders and everything outdoor related

www.finfeatherfur.com

I've had some luck finding primers at nearby shops. The Dunham's near me has had CCI small rifle primers for weeks. I don't have anything that uses the small primers so I haven't bought any, but it's good to see them. Haven't seen much in the way of powder, though.

 

[EOD Rob]

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?

The good side for you just starting out in reloading right now is that you don't remember how cheap reloading supplies were before all the BS started!
Go for it bro! You have to start somewhere. Then you get bit by the reloading bug!
My recommendation would be to start out slow with getting things over time. One thing here, another thing there. You can drop a lot of money into reloading equipment very quickly.

 

[GLO123]

I will say yes, you should start reloading. You can save money by reloading compared to factory ammo. You can also load for accuracy. I reload for .308 and showed my son in law my reloading room. He said last summer he wanted to learn how to reload 9mm. I know they are a huge pain in the butt but I figured 1) I could spend time with him, 2) teach him how to reload because someday he will get my stuff. So off we went in the middle of an ammo shortage to find what we needed. In one month I was able to find the dies, powder, primers and projectiles for us to reload 2500 rounds. You need to be looking at the usual places each week or a few times each week. My point is it’s not too late to get into reloading.

 

[miles johnston]

I am 79 years old, I used to reload a lot. sold so much equipment. Now I realize how much I just enjoyed the process an relaxation it brought me. I will begin to hunt down some used equipment just to fill the days of old age. Go for it not for savings just to relax.

 

[TheCZKid]

Short answer, yes. I used to shoot in small bore competition when I was a kid 9 to 13 years old, and have always loved shooting ever since. My dad used to reload, but he passed away when I was 14 in 1973. So I never was able to do that with him. But I discovered that as an option open to me now, and love it.
Reloading takes the shooting experience to a new level, as I'm not just a shooter, my craft of reloading is integral to my shooting accuracy. Each gun is a new challenge to tweak and test for, and the satisfaction is I have the best ammo / gun combination I can achieve, at least the best for now...
I started reloading in 2013 (50 years after my dad died), and it's been quite a wonderful craft and hobby to develop. And I'm always learning, so what I thought was "good enough" 8 years ago with my first 30-06 load, I recently realized I need to take that load to the next level of accuracy, try different components, do my due diligence, and now I have a much better deer / elk load as a result.
You can take it as simple or intricate as you choose. Keep it inexpensive, or invest in higher quality equipment. And do it over time. No need to spend a fortune, and try to get everything at once. Part of the fun is in learning as you go, and your understanding will change over time. I prefer quality over quantity in equipment.
I learned initially watching YouTube videos on how to do reloading, back when they still allowed it. But reloading manuals, forums, and some YouTube videos and Patreon channels ate all a great resources.