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

[rayporter]

the best time to get into reloading was 3 years ago, the second best time is today;

i predict a crash in prices some day; be ready and stock up.
until then you will get good at finding components..

i dont use magtech so i wont comment.

 

[Lawnboi]

It’s not a bad time. Prices are a little inflated but not bad. Could have bought about anything I needed in the last few months, some of it is just being lucky, right place, right time. I’d recommend building components, but don’t go overboard. Easy to see guys buying 10k plus primers at a time to sit on them in their basement but you don’t need that.

Once you get what you need jump into it. It’s not hard, but does take some learning

 

[A382DWDZQ]

The primers Magtech PRLR (9 1/2) are equivalent to the CCI 200. If you’re starting with them, should be fine. If you change primers, work up from starting load again.

 

[jonson25]

Definitely not as easy as it used to be, but the glory days of finding what you want when you need it are behind us. (At least for the time being.) Need to plan ahead, be patient and be diligent at checking stores and sites to gather the right components you are looking for.

 

[menhaden_man]

Post some WTB adds here, lots of guys with excess stuff. I just bought brass and bullets from two different guys in the last week.

 

[35WhelenAI]

If you want to get involved in reloading, no time like the present. We don't know what the future is going to hold. It may hurt a bit with respect to what you think you should pay but then you're in the game.

Fwiw, I worked at a major outdoor retailer during the .22 LR shortage. No issue with powder and primers or other components at that point. No question it's the worst it's ever been with respect to the reloader in my opinion.

Been doing it for many years and have plenty on hand for the calibers I load. Just don't go to the range as much as I used to, especially playing around to develop loads. I have new powders I bought in the last couple years I'd like to work up loads for. However expending large amounts of components when I already have loads that work fine doesn't make sense to me at this point.

I did just pick up a Magnetospeed Sporter, the itch is starting to need a scratch for basic development with said new powders. I know what I want to do so I'm not going to expend a lot of componentry getting where I need to be based on past experience. Stairstep load development, two cartridges at a given powder charge and I can cover the bases I need with 10 shots. Gives me plenty of input as to pressure and info on velocity that I'll know within the first few stairsteps if I'm going to get to where I want to be. If it doesn't look good I'll just pull the bullets.

 

[longbarrel]

I agree that the key is patience. Also routinely check a half dozen on-line suppliers, not just one or two. I have found fairly good prices on occasion, and availability, by diligently checking suppliers each morning for a few things that I have decided to search for.

 

[Rich M]

Once you gear up, the next “shortage” will not bother you nearly as much.

If you have a fav factory load, you could buy 5,000 and save money over the long haul. Reloading isnt about saving money, its about tinkering.

I dont think we’re ever going back to what we had 5 years ago.

 

[WCB]

If you are starting from absolute scratch...yes this is the worst time. Cost wise, availability wise for (bullets, casings, powder etc. ) However I have seen more long time reloaders/handloaders having issues as they are locked into that 1 primer 1 powder 1 bullet they have always loaded and don't want to try something new or different.

Same thing in general with guys shooting factory loads. Can you find 6.5prc...sure can you find the exact load you want maybe not.