Is it the worst time ever to get into reloading????

[Alchemy]

Have really wanted to start reloading but it seems like now is the absolute worst time ever to get into it. No components, absorb pricing, etc….

 

[tcpip95]

I agree with you. I just got into reloading, and got very good pricing direct from RCBS as a veteran. I also just bought a Henry lever gun in 45-70, and since I also shoot 30-06, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP I figured it's time that I start reloading - especially for the 45-70 and 30-06. To me, buying factory ammo is just throwing away money - if you can even find it - hence the reloading.

Primers is the main shortage, but if you really want them you'll pay the price. To me it's more important to have the ammo on hand. I've got the brass so I just need to suck it up and pay these prices for now...

 

[*zap*]

12 months from now might be a worse time to do it.....

 

[InkedElkSlayer]

Been reloading long enough that I have quite the stockpile of numerous components. Once you get there, you can weather the storm. Right now is bad… for certain components. This is nowhere near as bad as during the Obama gun selling craze though. You couldn’t buy a box of 22 shells then.
If you are completely new to reloading, play the long game. It’s expensive. It takes time. Start acquiring what you can. Get your Press, powder thrower, scale, a million other brass prepping gadgets now. Then start to get bullets, powder, brass, primers as you can.
Another thing, it’s expensive now. Yep. But wait 10-15 years. The 1000 primers you got screwed on in 2022 will be a steal in 2032.

 

[A382DWDZQ]

Just be patient and you can find what you need.

 

[11boo]

Now is a bad time for sure. you can do it but everything is at a premium as you know. This will pass, and when it does, remember how bad that time was . Buy primers by the 5k. Powder in 8 pounders.

Thats been keeping me shooting.

 

[MuleyFever]

Depends on what you want to reload for. The only thing universally hard to get is primers. I have seen many powders available over the last couple of weeks. Brass and bullets for most cartridges are available.

 

[Super tag]

In my opinion it’s a great time to start, who knows what the future will bring.

 

[Alchemy]

The reoccurring theme seems to be just start! Peice the equipment together now and start picking up components when available…. I would start with 6creedmoor and 308 and have been saving my lapua brass for both over the last year, have over 300 pieces on 1xfired for both cartridges.

A quick search on midwayusa site and it looked like components were almost non existent. 100 .30 cal Berger bullets were $72 and out of stock. Really gets a guy excited to dive head first….

 

[Rob5589]

You're new so look at it that way. You'll pull your hair out if all you do is dwell on how primers used to be 2.00/100. Don't overlook used hard parts; press, scale, tumbler, etc. You can usually save a few bucks here and there. Get on it of you're going to do it. Who knows what the future holds.

 

[11boo]

Last year I picked up a nice Lyman single stage press for 60 bucks at a pawn shop. People sell this kind of stuff all the time, the Dillon type presses always go for a premium though.

 

[hodgeman]

Reloading is a long term game, and is an interesting hobby all by itself.

The good news is that you can start slow and build up your kit until components become more available. Once you get going, you can stock up at a good deal...heck, I'm loading primers purchased in the Bush administration. The prices on the boxes seem absurdly low now but I bought a bunch when they were cheap and plentiful.

One of the major benefits to reloading is that you can make what the factories don't. Need a low recoil 300WM to let a kid shoot it...easy. Need to wring every foot pound of energy from a 30-06...piece of cake. You can load everything from ultra-premium precision rounds to plain vanilla deer loads.

It's just more flexible.

 

[NevadaMike]

I started collecting stuff about a year ago. I have not bought any of the scalpers stuff. Amassing quite a pile has not been a problem. Be patient and just keep your eyes open in the mornings with your coffee. I still have not loaded a single bullet but I scored H1000 off of Hodgons website just last month. I an taking a reloading at Unknown Munitions in April then its go time.

 

[Go West Old Man]

Nah, now is a good of a time as any.

Keep an eye on various classifieds locally & elsewhere, and check the small gun stores and big retailers occasionally. I started gathering stuff a couple months ago by finding a great deal on a little used, clean Hornady Classic press and powder dispenser locally. Since then I’ve found once & twice fired Lapua brass, a die set, fresh Federal 210 primers (traded for) and 215 primers (bought retail …got lucky) , & some powder bought locally. It’s a start. Bought some of the smaller accessories/equipment with Christmas gift cards. Still more to get, but I’m confident I’ll find the rest of what I need sooner or later.

 

[Zappaman]

The main point is learn to WAIT. I JUST had a guy (three months ago) offer me a nice Model 70 270 rifle, press, bullets, and brass for $700. Sometimes you have to buy a larger "deal" from someone getting out of guns... it happens.

 

[tcpip95]

I'm looking to reload 45-70 and I came across Magtech 9 1/2 LR primers. My Speer book lists CCI 200 as the recommended primers pretty much across the board for bullets of this caliber (.458"). Are these Magtech primers comparable with CCI 200? Also, how bad is the price of $187/1,000 primers (excluding HAZMAT fee)? Don't want to blow myself up first time out.

 

[Ucsdryder]

I'm looking to reload 45-70 and I came across Magtech 9 1/2 LR primers. My Speer book lists CCI 200 as the recommended primers. Are these Magtech primers comparable with CCI 200? Also, how bad is the price of $187/1,000 primers (excluding HAZMAT fee)? Don't want to blow myself up first time out.

Primers were 40/1000
Powders were 30/lb
Eld bullets were 30/100


Now, get what you can but if you try to buy everything tomorrow you’re going to get crushed. Take your time, but when you find a decent deal and be patient.

 

[lennywd87]

I'm looking to reload 45-70 and I came across Magtech 9 1/2 LR primers. My Speer book lists CCI 200 as the recommended primers pretty much across the board for bullets of this caliber (.458"). Are these Magtech primers comparable with CCI 200? Also, how bad is the price of $187/1,000 primers (excluding HAZMAT fee)? Don't want to blow myself up first time out.

A lot of people start during the tough times so you wouldn’t be the first or the last. Get on the wait lists for primers 187 for 1000 is absurd. In the last month I’ve picked up 4000 for around 350-400 total. Bench rest primers in large rifle are $125 but you can get quarter moa without them. I’ve got plenty of paper to prove it. 70-80 bucks for 1000 plus 10-15 for hazmat or $105 in store is standard right now


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[tcpip95]

Thanks guys. From a learning standpoint, are these Magtech primers a compatible substitute for CCI 200?

 

[TheLoamRanger]

I feel the pain as well. I should have started reloading in 2018/2019 when I first got the itch. That was mostly due to increased volume at the time. But now, I just want decent quality, consistent loads that I know work well for me since none of those factory loads have been seen for 18 months.

My plan, consistent with the advise here, is to slowly pick away at the tools and supplies needed as decent deals pop up.