TexasCHLforum.com

With folks buying up available factory ammo, would it be simpler to get into reloading?

Or are reloading supplies also experiencing their own intense shortages? If so, I'll just have to be patient.

Frankly, I have no aptitude or desire to get into reloading and that's not a knock on re-loaders. I've great admiration for re-loaders, but a man's got to know his limitations and I'm limited in this arena...

If, and it's a big one, I get into reloading, I'd very much appreciate an expert re-loader advising me on how it's done, or I won't get into it. I hate it when I blow off a finger or the rest of me...?

I'm also curious: Are there others like me, wondering when/if factory ammo will come back into common availability?

I remember not very long ago the U.S.A./gun/ammo world came unglued. It took years for things to relatively normalize. I say relatively, because at one time I could easily find and pay a mere $4.63 for a box of 50 cartridges of Winchester White Box 9mm FMJ practice ammo. Most recently, I had to pay a mere three times or so that much...

I guess I should thank my lucky stars I don't need a larger caliber to practice with. I remember a retired Houston Police officer buddy of mine listening to me complain about practice ammo cost. He wryly informed me I was getting off cheap. He paid $50.00 a box for FMJ 45 caliber practice ammo...

powder and primers are the first to disappear off the shelves. I called my gun shop buddy Monday morning to check on powder...I needed a can of 2400. He had only a single one pound can of A2400 and stuck my name on it. I just had a chance to go pick it up today, and he said he had no idea when he would be able to re-stock... and that I probably got the last $20 OTD can of powder for quite some time.

Reloading doesn't automatically equate to better availability, but it does allow one to stock up ahead of time for at least half the price of factory ammo.

Abraham -

these folks seem to have a good selection available (not "sold out") https://www.ammunitiontogo.com/index.ph ... ki4flc0km3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I just ordered 9 mm and some 9x18 this morning - they're in Brenham, Tx if you're close-by to pick up, else UPS

Not counting the start-up cost of my RCBS Rock Chucker and tools or my labor....

Adding up bullets, powder, primers, and brass it's costing me $7.15/50 for 44 Mag and less than $7/50 for .357.

Priceless bonus: fun time in the man cave and the satisfaction of winning a match with my own reloads

Thanks everyone.

Very much appreciated.

doc540 wrote:Not counting the start-up cost of my RCBS Rock Chucker and tools or my labor....

Adding up bullets, powder, primers, and brass it's costing me $7.15/50 for 44 Mag and less than $7/50 for .357.

Priceless bonus: fun time in the man cave and the satisfaction of winning a match with my own reloads

that's pretty close to my costs for .44 and .357, depending on whether cast (most of the volume) or jacketed (very few). Also pretty close to same for .45 acp.

The lovely Mrs. HenryAKirk seems like she might give me the on starting to reload my own ammo so she can shoot more too.
I understand I need to start with a quality manual or two, can anyone point me in the right direction to get as much quality information as possible?
I want to get started gathering books and presses ect. before she changes her mind.

"Modern Reloading - Second Edition" (Lee) is stoked with good information, although you may have to read over some of his personal chest thumping.

My most grievous rookie mistakes have been related to proper bullet seating and crimping.

Pay close attention to that process when you're studying and preparing to reload.

Better yet, have an experienced friend walk you through it.

Then remove the die, loosen everything, and learn to reset it properly more than once.

Hope that helps!

Once again, you've all been very generous with your help, thank you very much.

I know cabelas usually does reloading classes on the weekends, never been to one but it might be helpful.

I keep tossing around starting to reload but it didnt really seem to be much cost savings for me, however given the rampage of people stock piling it might be the best alternative

I agree with the OP; I've just been thinking the exact same thing. I've got some Christmas money to spend and I'm seriously considering spending it on reloading. Ammo is just through the roof these days.