Calguns.net  

Home My iTrader Join the NRA Donate to CGSSA Sponsors CGN Google Search
CA Semiauto Ban(AW)ID Flowchart CA Handgun Ban ID Flowchart CA Shotgun Ban ID Flowchart
Go Back   Calguns.net > INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES > Ammo and Reloading
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read

Ammo and Reloading Factory Ammunition, Reloading, Components, Load Data and more.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-27-2014, 1:20 PM
jwilson.redding jwilson.redding is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 216
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default With the way supply is, is it worth getting into Reloading?

I am close to having the funds to purchase a Lee Classic Turret Kit and the dies needed for 9mm, .40 S&W and .223
However, I thought I would search around for supplies and found that powder is hard to find in town.
All in all, is it worth buying reloading gear now, or am I better off investing in another firearm?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 01-27-2014, 1:50 PM
Spyder's Avatar
Spyder Spyder is offline
Honorary MLC
CGN Contributor
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: In a shack, in the woods
Posts: 16,091
iTrader: 126 / 100%
Default

Supplies for those calibers are pretty easy to find. Go for it. Buy powder in semi-bulk, and only pay one hazmat fee. Don't get stuck on "I have to use bullseye/blue dot/whatever"...if you're just starting out, buy a pound each of a few different types of powder, and start learning how to do it. By the time you use up a couple of pounds of powder loading 9mm and 40, we'll be swimming in powder again!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 01-31-2014, 3:46 PM
glock7's Avatar
glock7 glock7 is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: V.C.
Posts: 3,391
iTrader: 26 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spyder View Post
Supplies for those calibers are pretty easy to find. Go for it. Buy powder in semi-bulk, and only pay one hazmat fee. Don't get stuck on "I have to use bullseye/blue dot/whatever"...if you're just starting out, buy a pound each of a few different types of powder, and start learning how to do it. By the time you use up a couple of pounds of powder loading 9mm and 40, we'll be swimming in powder again!
Exactly. I was stuck on the hp 38, 231, varget, h335 thing and I'm glad there were those shortages in a way, it helped me discover other powders and improved my Google fu....
__________________
#blackriflesmatter
<4 years till retirement, can't wait to leave this state
California, where all of the good stuff is banned, registered, regulated or prohibited, yay.....

Law abiding firearm owners have no chance in this state.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 01-27-2014, 1:52 PM
kdsd731 kdsd731 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Fontana, CA
Posts: 663
iTrader: 1 / 100%
Default

Still worth it. Equipment cost aside, saves you money per round and you can make a more precise round too. Buy in bulk to save the most.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 01-27-2014, 1:53 PM
Mike402 Mike402 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 555
iTrader: 25 / 100%
Default

I've thought about this myself. I'm new to reloading, and yes, it has been a major pain trying to find powder and certain bullets. Especially frustrating when I am seeing the ammo shelves full again.
However, I have gotten a lot of enjoyment over the last couple of months and am still glad I did it. This shortage (hopefully) won't last forever, and we can move forward.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-27-2014, 1:56 PM
Whiterabbit Whiterabbit is offline
Calguns Addict
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 7,554
iTrader: 20 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jwilson.redding View Post
All in all, is it worth buying reloading gear now?
Yes. next question?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-27-2014, 1:58 PM
Armando de la Guerra Armando de la Guerra is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,018
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

Of course it is. Components are hard, but not impossible to find. Your firearms are worthless without ammo.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 01-27-2014, 2:31 PM
jwilson.redding jwilson.redding is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 216
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

Thank for the feed back! I am sure I will have a lot more questions as i get started.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 01-27-2014, 2:36 PM
Frozenguy's Avatar
Frozenguy Frozenguy is offline
CGN/CGSSA Contributor
CGN Contributor
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: East Bay
Posts: 6,301
iTrader: 98 / 100%
Default

I just started and I have ordered enough components for 45, 30-06, and .223/5.56 to initiate a fiery divorce within any solid marriage.

Luckily I'm not married yet
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 01-27-2014, 6:04 PM
pennstater's Avatar
pennstater pennstater is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: California Territory
Posts: 4,576
iTrader: 8 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frozenguy View Post
I just started and I have ordered enough components for 45, 30-06, and .223/5.56 to initiate a fiery divorce within any solid marriage.

Luckily I'm not married yet
^^^Now, thats funny right there!^^^
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 01-28-2014, 6:35 PM
Capt.Dunsel Capt.Dunsel is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Patron State Of Shooting Stuff
Posts: 1,199
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frozenguy View Post
I just started and I have ordered enough components for 45, 30-06, and .223/5.56 to initiate a fiery divorce within any solid marriage.

Luckily I'm not married yet

When you start reloading you might as well be married . It will become your favorite time , next to putting little hard things through the same hole.
__________________
Bweise says "I have to say the situation was not at all helped by 22 yr old former Airsoft douches who kept touting here, "But possession is not illegal!" "

Fighting on the internet is like being in the special Olympics , everybody wins but your still retarded.

Librarian " Calguns is not a 'general discussion board".
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 01-28-2014, 6:49 PM
Frozenguy's Avatar
Frozenguy Frozenguy is offline
CGN/CGSSA Contributor
CGN Contributor
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: East Bay
Posts: 6,301
iTrader: 98 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by milotrain View Post
And Hornady 55s for less than $100perK?


Fixed... Added Cali Tax.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/165...-bulk-packaged
Quote:
Originally Posted by Capt.Dunsel View Post
When you start reloading you might as well be married . It will become your favorite time , next to putting little hard things through the same hole.
Haha hell ya
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 01-27-2014, 2:56 PM
madjack956's Avatar
madjack956 madjack956 is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: The mountains of Arizona
Posts: 2,618
iTrader: 9 / 100%
Default

I reload for the precision.
__________________
Paralyzed Veterans of America www.pva.org
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 01-27-2014, 2:56 PM
bsumoba's Avatar
bsumoba bsumoba is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,216
iTrader: 74 / 99%
Default

200 rounds of factory plinking .308 = $0.60/rd approximately...

I'm doing it at $0.37/rd with my recycled range brass

That's about $40-50 dollars total saved on last night's reloading session.

Now, if I compare my "precision/match" reloads to factory match...its about $1.00/rd versus my $0.44/rd.

Worth it!

Last edited by bsumoba; 01-27-2014 at 3:00 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 01-27-2014, 2:57 PM
ireload's Avatar
ireload ireload is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: San Diego
Posts: 2,524
iTrader: 26 / 100%
Default

Yes it still worth it. Bulk purchase and patience are two of your best friends. The components comes and goes like a tide in a ocean. You just have to watch out with internet suppliers and buy accordingly.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 01-27-2014, 2:57 PM
Bumslie's Avatar
Bumslie Bumslie is offline
CGN/CGSSA Contributor
CGN Contributor
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: PRK Socal
Posts: 5,358
iTrader: 53 / 100%
Default

If your main intention is to supply yourself with ammo for the short term
Until commercial ammo is readily available, then no, it's not for you.

It's a hobby, and a lifetime one at that. If you're in it for the long haul, then anytime is a great time to get into it.
__________________
NRA Life Member
WARNING: This post may contain material offensive to those who lack wit, humor, and common sense. Some overly sensitive "men" will be offended.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ivanimal View Post
I love you! (some Homo)
Quote:
Originally Posted by ivanimal View Post
I am a Gay muslim sometimes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kestryll View Post
OP you are an uninformed tool.
Go Broncos!
Go Kings Go!
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 01-27-2014, 5:58 PM
Lucky Scott's Avatar
Lucky Scott Lucky Scott is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: So Cal.
Posts: 2,592
iTrader: 57 / 100%
Default

Not hard to find if you look around. Mail order has it, local gun shops have it, and gun shows have it. Powder, primers, and bullets.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 01-27-2014, 6:18 PM
sl0re10 sl0re10 is offline
Calguns Addict
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 7,242
iTrader: 2 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucky Scott View Post
Not hard to find if you look around. Mail order has it, local gun shops have it, and gun shows have it. Powder, primers, and bullets.
or open a thread with what your looking for.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 01-27-2014, 6:20 PM
orangeusa's Avatar
orangeusa orangeusa is offline
Whatever
CGN Contributor
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Orange
Posts: 9,055
iTrader: 85 / 100%
Thumbs up

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bumslie View Post
If your main intention is to supply yourself with ammo for the short term
Until commercial ammo is readily available, then no, it's not for you.

It's a hobby, and a lifetime one at that. If you're in it for the long haul, then anytime is a great time to get into it.
Agreed. There is a lot of work and prep involved. But I find it as rewarding as shooting. Maybe more.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 01-27-2014, 5:59 PM
sghart sghart is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Sacramento County
Posts: 1,056
iTrader: 35 / 100%
Default

It depends on why you are doing it. Most guys start reloading for cost savings. I have saved a ton of money over the years. I also get to shoot more rounds.

Don't get discouraged. This dry period won't last forever. Be diligent in your searching, try to form networks for group buys, and come on the board here and ask lots of questions.

I load for 9 handgun calibers and 7 rifle calibers. I cast my own lead for all of them except one (.223). I still want to try new stuff.

It is a great lifelong hobby.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 01-27-2014, 6:07 PM
scotchblade's Avatar
scotchblade scotchblade is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: 707
Posts: 795
iTrader: 6 / 100%
Default

Of course it is! You just need to familiarize yourself with online sellers and check often (multiple times daily,) if you have to. Bookmark this: http://www.gunbot.net/

I shoot .44 Special and Magnum. I would never shoot if I didn't reload.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 01-27-2014, 6:15 PM
Alpineshooter's Avatar
Alpineshooter Alpineshooter is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 162
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

Its a great hobby that affords me to shoot WAY more than I could if I had to bye factory ammo, gives me some quiet time alone, and allows me to keep the cupboards full during the political crisis. Get ready and store up....Hillary is coming in a few years!
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 01-27-2014, 6:16 PM
sl0re10 sl0re10 is offline
Calguns Addict
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 7,242
iTrader: 2 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jwilson.redding View Post
I am close to having the funds to purchase a Lee Classic Turret Kit and the dies needed for 9mm, .40 S&W and .223
However, I thought I would search around for supplies and found that powder is hard to find in town.
All in all, is it worth buying reloading gear now, or am I better off investing in another firearm?
You could start with just the dies for the caliber that makes the most econ sense.

I just reload 223. Its the caliber that makes sense for me to reload... I just buy the others.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 01-27-2014, 6:19 PM
klewan klewan is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,031
iTrader: 3 / 100%
Default

I was looking at online powder vendors, and they just don't have anything in stock. Stuff to reload 50BMG was around, but normal pistol and rifle, no luck.

Bulk is great, but if you can't buy even 1 pounders.....Calling the LGS in the area seems a better way to go than online.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 01-27-2014, 7:59 PM
Divernhunter Divernhunter is offline
Calguns Addict
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Denair, Ca
Posts: 8,742
iTrader: 13 / 100%
Default

No. There are too many new people and it make things harder to get and the cost higher for us old-timers
__________________
A 30cal will reach out and touch them. A 50cal will kick their butt.
NRA Life Member, NRA certified RSO & Basic Pistol Instructor, Hunter, shooter, reloader
SCI, Manteca Sportsmen Club, Coalinga Rifle Club, Escalon Sportsmans Club, Waterford Sportsman Club & NAHA Member, Madison Society member
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 01-27-2014, 9:43 PM
CK_32's Avatar
CK_32 CK_32 is offline
I need a LIFE!!
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Orange County
Posts: 14,369
iTrader: 39 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Divernhunter View Post
No. There are too many new people and it make things harder to get and the cost higher for us old-timers
You actually say that as a joke but its spot on. No because if every body gets into reloading your going to go full circle and now instead of your ammo being sucked up by all of us and everyone we just move the party to reloading.

So if your looking into reloading for the sake of reloading and benefits aside of just costs. Yea go for it. If your just looking to skip the scarce ammo supply and costs your just going to go full circle when everyone else comes over to this side of the table. Also were basically already there. Powders and primers for the most part were and still are harder to get than loaded ammo.
__________________
For Sale: AR500 Lvl III+ ASC Armor

What's Your Caliber??


My Youtube channel
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 01-28-2014, 4:48 AM
at_liberty at_liberty is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 699
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

Quote:
Powders and primers for the most part were and still are harder to get than loaded ammo.
I don't see that, and I have outfitted for a number of new calibers lately. What is hard is paying a price you like. The supplies are there, if you search or diligently watch for a few weeks and are ready to grab what comes up.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 01-28-2014, 5:20 AM
wild_weasel's Avatar
wild_weasel wild_weasel is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Under the Guns
Posts: 1,252
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

At the moment reloading components are readily available along with tools. I am reloading 223/5.56 and 9mm for 15 to 20 cents a round using name brand FMJ bullets. Which works out to $10 for a box of 50 9mm or $4 for a box of 20 223/5.56. With magnums or the more exotic rounds the savings are even bigger casting and reloading my own bullets I can reload 45 Colt and 45 ACP for $7 a box of 50. If you shoot a decent amount it will not take long to recover the cost of your tools.
__________________

Towards thee I roll, thou all-destroying but unconquering whale; to the last I grapple with thee; from hell's heart I stab at thee; for hate's sake I spit my last breath at thee.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 01-28-2014, 5:22 AM
xMAC1x xMAC1x is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: socal
Posts: 894
iTrader: 10 / 100%
Default

Yes its a labor of love.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 01-28-2014, 6:08 AM
russt russt is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Solano County
Posts: 1,039
iTrader: 9 / 100%
Default

definitely worth it as everything is readily available online except powder, which with some looking, or buying from the reloading sales thread can be had too.
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 01-28-2014, 7:57 AM
Pauliedad Pauliedad is offline
CGN/CGSSA Contributor - Lifetime
CGN Contributor - Lifetime
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Contra Costa County - 925
Posts: 2,095
iTrader: 73 / 100%
Default

I started for availability and let me warn you that it is an all consuming hour burning labor of love. There are so many different aspects to it that you can really do what inspires you at the moment.
Clean, prep, organize, prep, research, prep, shop, reload, scrounge, read online, prep.....
Glad I found it.
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 01-28-2014, 9:44 AM
jwilson.redding jwilson.redding is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 216
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

Thanks for all the input, as a married man I am pitching this as a "cost saving" measure... and I want to get into USPSA at the club in town, so I don't doubt that it will start saving me money sooner than later.
Thanks again.
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 01-28-2014, 10:21 AM
milotrain's Avatar
milotrain milotrain is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,301
iTrader: 16 / 100%
Default

Yes. Always.
__________________
weg: That device is obsolete now. They replaced it with wizards.
frank: Wait a minute. There are more than one wizard? Is [are?] the wizard calibrated?
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 01-28-2014, 10:27 AM
elemenope elemenope is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 635
iTrader: 22 / 100%
Default

Despite what people say, reloading doesn't actually save you money. While you end up making bullets for less than what they cost (if you just add up the components), but you still have to factor in purchasing the hardware (presses, dies, and everything else needed) to even load. The fact is, if you load, you shoot, and loading leads to shooting more.

Load for accuracy and consistency and as a hobby if you're interested in doing it. All that said, I'm glad I got into it, but after adding up everything, I have a fairly huge investment since I started. In the last year I spent over $2000 on bullets, brass, powder, and primers alone. That's not including my Dillon 650, dies, toolheads, quick change kits, workbench, etc to get me going.

I also tried the "it will save us money babe!" excuse. Yah, after the first CC bill, she didn't buy it.
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 01-28-2014, 10:41 AM
milotrain's Avatar
milotrain milotrain is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,301
iTrader: 16 / 100%
Default

It only saves you money in one specific way. IE: Instead of black hills 77gr ammo I can make match 77gr .223 for $.35 a round. That is a savings of $.63 a round. I can make around 100 rounds an hour including case prep (much faster than that if I do large batches but 100 rounds an hour from range brass to shiny ammo is not a bad baseline), which means I'm paying myself $63 an hour, which is well above my actual rate. Coupled with the fact that reloading is a good way to decompress (for me) and can be done when I'm not working or wouldn't want to work means that it is an actual cost savings. I've made well over enough ammo to pay off my equipment, and anyone who shoots competitions will do so in one to two years.

But in general I totally agree that reloading "doesn't actually save you money."

It is fun and WAY more convenient.
__________________
weg: That device is obsolete now. They replaced it with wizards.
frank: Wait a minute. There are more than one wizard? Is [are?] the wizard calibrated?
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 01-28-2014, 10:42 AM
Teeko's Avatar
Teeko Teeko is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 2,696
iTrader: 86 / 100%
Default

I'd like to meet someone local to learn how to reload and receive advice.
The only problem is that I'm not in a career yet so funds are limited.
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 01-28-2014, 10:52 AM
wild_weasel's Avatar
wild_weasel wild_weasel is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Under the Guns
Posts: 1,252
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

Shopping around in what is left of the real world in North Orange County these are the prices I’m finding for the following components.

Powder
$27/pound = .0039 cents per grain
Bullets
Berry’s or Xtreme 115gr 9mm plated $44/500 = .09 cents per bullet
Hornady 55gr FMJ-BT $89/1000 = .089 cents per bullet
Primers
Tula small rifle or pistol $18/1000 = .018 cents per primer
Winchester small rifle or pistol $27/1000 = .027 per primer
Brass
mixed used range brass

9mm
5gr Unique = .0195 cents
115gr bullet = .09 cents
SPP = .027
TOTAL = .16 cents per round

223/5.56
26gr WW748 = .1014 cents
55gr FMJ-BT = .089
SRP = .018
TOTAL = .21 cents per round
__________________

Towards thee I roll, thou all-destroying but unconquering whale; to the last I grapple with thee; from hell's heart I stab at thee; for hate's sake I spit my last breath at thee.

Last edited by wild_weasel; 01-28-2014 at 10:57 AM..
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 01-28-2014, 10:55 AM
Bumslie's Avatar
Bumslie Bumslie is offline
CGN/CGSSA Contributor
CGN Contributor
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: PRK Socal
Posts: 5,358
iTrader: 53 / 100%
Default

^^^ Where are you finding Tula for $18 per k?
__________________
NRA Life Member
WARNING: This post may contain material offensive to those who lack wit, humor, and common sense. Some overly sensitive "men" will be offended.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ivanimal View Post
I love you! (some Homo)
Quote:
Originally Posted by ivanimal View Post
I am a Gay muslim sometimes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kestryll View Post
OP you are an uninformed tool.
Go Broncos!
Go Kings Go!
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 01-28-2014, 11:03 AM
milotrain's Avatar
milotrain milotrain is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,301
iTrader: 16 / 100%
Default

And Hornady 55s for less than $100perK?

Quote:
TOTAL = .23 cents per round
Fixed... Added Cali Tax.
__________________
weg: That device is obsolete now. They replaced it with wizards.
frank: Wait a minute. There are more than one wizard? Is [are?] the wizard calibrated?
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 01-28-2014, 7:24 PM
milotrain's Avatar
milotrain milotrain is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,301
iTrader: 16 / 100%
Default

Where in stock?
__________________
weg: That device is obsolete now. They replaced it with wizards.
frank: Wait a minute. There are more than one wizard? Is [are?] the wizard calibrated?
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 3:41 AM.




Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Proudly hosted by GeoVario the Premier 2A host.
Calguns.net, the 'Calguns' name and all associated variants and logos are ® Trademark and © Copyright 2002-2021, Calguns.net an Incorporated Company All Rights Reserved.
All opinions, statements and remarks made by Calguns.net on this web site and elsewhere are solely attributable to Calguns.net.



Seams2SewBySusy