Best source for handgun ammo components?

brianidaho · June 30, 2001, 01:08 AM

I'm brand new to the reloading game, and will be starting with .40 S&W for my Witness compact. I'm looking for inexpensive loads, with 150-165 gr bullets. I'm just looking for "practice" loads now-until my shooting skills improve trying to chase the optimum load for accuracy is a waste of time. Looking to shoot around 100 rounds per week on average.

I live in a fairly small town, so my selection of components locally is limited. Nosler 150 gr bullets were $12/100 (least expensive .40's they had), powder $13.90 per pound (AA #5) and primers about $1.50/100. What is a good way to cut costs, especially for bullets? I'm sure I could do better for power and primers on the web as well, but the HM shipping will eat up the difference. Are these prices even close to competative? Thanks in advance.

Also, whats the conversion factor from grains to pounds (or oz)? I should know this one but can't find it.

Thanks in advance.

Brian

Wayward · June 30, 2001, 01:34 AM

I buy my bullets from Berry's and have been happy with them. As far as primers and powder I buy my stuff at gun shows. The prices you list for these items looks pretty good compared to my local dealers. At the gun show I pay $13.95 for 1K of CCI small pistol primers or $62.95 for 5K. Powder runs about $15 per pound or $86.95 for 8 pounds of AA9.

tonyz · June 30, 2001, 08:18 AM

I agree with Wayword, your price on primers and powders is very reasonable. At the gunshow, were I get the cheapest price. I pay $12.50 for 1k primers or $60.00 for 5k. Powder runs from 10.00 to 18.00 depending on which powder.
As for Bullets, I like west coast plated about $30.00 a 1000. Here is there web site.

http://www.westcoastbullet.com/

Good Shooten,

Tony

45Colt · June 30, 2001, 10:55 AM

Also, you're getting good prices on everything but the bullets. Try Oregon Trail for lead, West Coast for copper plated RN's and swc's, Rainier for copper plated hollow points. Have heard about Star for hollow points in metal jackets, but I don't have an address or phone for them, so haven't bought any, yet. HTH. Walt

k in AR · July 1, 2001, 09:11 AM

I use BlueStar, they are local for me out of Searcy AR., but do have a Web site as well. Check them out, the owner is an A#1 kind of guy!

http://www.blue-star-inc.com

Gunrnr · July 15, 2001, 11:37 PM

I tend to be a might thrifty ("cheap", if you ask my wife!), so I'm usually willing to do a little research before purchasing reloading supplies.

I think that with a few exceptions, most major mfg make components better than you'll ever need. The difference in prices between suppliers can be quite significant, BUT, so can their S&H charges, so be careful.

Here's a partial list of places I often check before making an order. It's not arranged very well, and I can't guarantee that all the entries are still in business, but it's a good place to start.

Good luck!

Gunrnr

Reloading supplies

http://www.wholesalehunter.com/
http://www.tntreloading.com/
http://135.145.60.4/shot.htm
http://www.championshooters.com/
http://www.starlinebrass.com/
http://www.blue-star-inc.com/
http://www.bhshooters.com/
http://www.turngray.com/
http://www.gibrass.com/
http://www.scharch.com/
http://www.southernbellebrass.com/contact.htm
http://ammunition-reloading.virtualave.net/products.htm
http://www.grafs.com/index3.html
http://www.georgiaprecision.com/order.htm
http://www.huntingtons.com/
http://www.ballisticproducts.com/
http://www.snowcrest.net/oldwest/
http://www.precisionreloading.com/
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/
http://www.midwayusa.com/
http://www.lockstock.com/
http://www.natchezss.com/
http://www.gamaliel.com/
http://www.rmss.com/
http://www.tntreloading.com/
http://www.pcproxy.com/
http://www.pla-net.net/~rcomer/ammo.htm
http://www.sinclairintl.com/

http://www.zcr.com/hitech
http://web.mountain.net/~kneiper/surpow.htm
http://www.gibrass.com/gunpowder.html
http://www.chestnutridge.com/products/brass.asp
http://www.alabamaammo.com/

Bullet manufacturers

Http://www.xmission.com/~chad/egs/co...hard_cast.html
http://www.montanagoldbullet.com/
http://www.mkcb.com/
http://www.bergerbullets.com/faq.htm
http://www.hornady.com/
http://www.nosler.com/
http://www.nosler.com/
http://www.theshootist.com/catalog/rcbs/index.html
http://www.sierrabullets.com/
http://www.barnesbullets.com/
http://www.precisionbullets.com/products.html
http://www.carrollbullets.com/
http://www.jdcomponents.com/prices/prices.html
http://www.maadigriffin.com/
http://www.theshop.net/chas/sureshot/products.htm
http://www.djbullets.com/
http://www.NWARMS.com/
http://www.nationalbullet.com/
http://www.bull-x.com/csj.htm
http://www.neihandtools.com/
http://www.beast-enterprises.com/slugs.html
http://www.proshootpro.com/
http://www.accu-castbullets.com/
http://www.westcoastbullet.com/#products
http://www.laser-cast.com/

Gunrnr · July 15, 2001, 11:43 PM

One link you will not find in my list is "Wideners"... there's a real good reason for that!!!

(I learn from my mistakes...):barf:

George Helser · July 16, 2001, 02:58 AM

Gunrnr

1) WIDENERS
I have placed a few orders with Wideners and was happy. What problems did you have?

2) LOW COST RELOADING SUPPLIES
www.brunoshooters.com seems to have very low prices. They are local to me and the only place I found in town stocking VV powder.

Regards,
George
In sunny Arizona

Gunrnr · July 16, 2001, 01:13 PM

George,

Widener's is 0 for 3 with me, which is one more chance than I usually give any vendor.

Our first attempt to do business with them was during the '94 Primer Rush. If you recall, there were rumors that the Antis and Klintoon were going to restrict the number of primers anone could possess without an "armory license". My sources had pretty much dried up and my customers were screaming for them, even at the ridiculous prices they were bringing. Widener's advertised primers and refused to honor their printed prices (not even wholesale prices -- RETAIL!). They also required very high minimum orders. They then failed to deliver any primers at all.

Second and third attempts were orders we tried to place on the internet. After much hassle with their site, the order was placed but never filled. After many tries to contact them, they claimed our corporate card was refused. We checked with our issuer, who stated there was no attempt to process.

Sorry, George, but we've been in business for ten years and you sure don't have to twist my arm to sell you something at our asking price. And I damn sure won't lie to you when there's a customer service issue!

That, in addition to the fact that their website is next to useless, their catalog advertises items that they do not carry, and their customer service is an oxymoron.

pwiz · July 16, 2001, 08:42 PM

I find Midsouth to be reasonable in primers, powder and bullets. I don't cast my pistol bullets anymore, I use their Mangus .38-148gr, .44-235gr and .45-200gr heads. Works for me.

pwiz

labgrade · July 16, 2001, 10:38 PM

7000 grains to the pound ...

Since everybody else posted tons of info on where to get the stuff, here's a link to converting anything to anything else - just amazing the stuff on ethe web ...

June 30, 2001, 08:18 AM	#3
tonyz Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2000 Location: Wa Posts: 922	Primmers And powder I agree with Wayword, your price on primers and powders is very reasonable. At the gunshow, were I get the cheapest price. I pay $12.50 for 1k primers or $60.00 for 5k. Powder runs from 10.00 to 18.00 depending on which powder. As for Bullets, I like west coast plated about $30.00 a 1000. Here is there web site. http://www.westcoastbullet.com/ Good Shooten, Tony __________________ Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained

June 30, 2001, 10:55 AM	#4
45Colt Member Join Date: December 2, 2000 Posts: 60	7000 grs per pound of powder +/- Also, you're getting good prices on everything but the bullets. Try Oregon Trail for lead, West Coast for copper plated RN's and swc's, Rainier for copper plated hollow points. Have heard about Star for hollow points in metal jackets, but I don't have an address or phone for them, so haven't bought any, yet. HTH. Walt

July 15, 2001, 11:37 PM	#6
Gunrnr Member Join Date: April 8, 2000 Location: Upwind of Albuquerque, NM USA Posts: 81	Haven't found a "best" supplier, yet! I tend to be a might thrifty ("cheap", if you ask my wife!), so I'm usually willing to do a little research before purchasing reloading supplies. I think that with a few exceptions, most major mfg make components better than you'll ever need. The difference in prices between suppliers can be quite significant, BUT, so can their S&H charges, so be careful. Here's a partial list of places I often check before making an order. It's not arranged very well, and I can't guarantee that all the entries are still in business, but it's a good place to start. Good luck! Gunrnr Reloading supplies http://www.wholesalehunter.com/ http://www.tntreloading.com/ http://135.145.60.4/shot.htm http://www.championshooters.com/ http://www.starlinebrass.com/ http://www.blue-star-inc.com/ http://www.bhshooters.com/ http://www.turngray.com/ http://www.gibrass.com/ http://www.scharch.com/ http://www.southernbellebrass.com/contact.htm http://ammunition-reloading.virtualave.net/products.htm http://www.grafs.com/index3.html http://www.georgiaprecision.com/order.htm http://www.huntingtons.com/ http://www.ballisticproducts.com/ http://www.snowcrest.net/oldwest/ http://www.precisionreloading.com/ http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/ http://www.midwayusa.com/ http://www.lockstock.com/ http://www.natchezss.com/ http://www.gamaliel.com/ http://www.rmss.com/ http://www.tntreloading.com/ http://www.pcproxy.com/ http://www.pla-net.net/~rcomer/ammo.htm http://www.sinclairintl.com/ http://www.zcr.com/hitech http://web.mountain.net/~kneiper/surpow.htm http://www.gibrass.com/gunpowder.html http://www.chestnutridge.com/products/brass.asp http://www.alabamaammo.com/ Bullet manufacturers Http://www.xmission.com/~chad/egs/co...hard_cast.html http://www.montanagoldbullet.com/ http://www.mkcb.com/ http://www.bergerbullets.com/faq.htm http://www.hornady.com/ http://www.nosler.com/ http://www.nosler.com/ http://www.theshootist.com/catalog/rcbs/index.html http://www.sierrabullets.com/ http://www.barnesbullets.com/ http://www.precisionbullets.com/products.html http://www.carrollbullets.com/ http://www.jdcomponents.com/prices/prices.html http://www.maadigriffin.com/ http://www.theshop.net/chas/sureshot/products.htm http://www.djbullets.com/ http://www.NWARMS.com/ http://www.nationalbullet.com/ http://www.bull-x.com/csj.htm http://www.neihandtools.com/ http://www.beast-enterprises.com/slugs.html http://www.proshootpro.com/ http://www.accu-castbullets.com/ http://www.westcoastbullet.com/#products http://www.laser-cast.com/ __________________ "Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical, liberal minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a [color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color] by the clean end." http://nationalgunforum.com/index.php

July 15, 2001, 11:43 PM	#7
Gunrnr Member Join Date: April 8, 2000 Location: Upwind of Albuquerque, NM USA Posts: 81	Oh, I forgot to mention... One link you will not find in my list is "Wideners"... there's a real good reason for that!!! (I learn from my mistakes...):barf: __________________ "Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical, liberal minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a [color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color] by the clean end." http://nationalgunforum.com/index.php

July 16, 2001, 01:13 PM	#9
Gunrnr Member Join Date: April 8, 2000 Location: Upwind of Albuquerque, NM USA Posts: 81	George, Widener's is 0 for 3 with me, which is one more chance than I usually give any vendor. Our first attempt to do business with them was during the '94 Primer Rush. If you recall, there were rumors that the Antis and Klintoon were going to restrict the number of primers anone could possess without an "armory license". My sources had pretty much dried up and my customers were screaming for them, even at the ridiculous prices they were bringing. Widener's advertised primers and refused to honor their printed prices (not even wholesale prices -- RETAIL!). They also required very high minimum orders. They then failed to deliver any primers at all. Second and third attempts were orders we tried to place on the internet. After much hassle with their site, the order was placed but never filled. After many tries to contact them, they claimed our corporate card was refused. We checked with our issuer, who stated there was no attempt to process. Sorry, George, but we've been in business for ten years and you sure don't have to twist my arm to sell you something at our asking price. And I damn sure won't lie to you when there's a customer service issue! That, in addition to the fact that their website is next to useless, their catalog advertises items that they do not carry, and their customer service is an oxymoron. __________________ "Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical, liberal minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a [color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color] by the clean end." http://nationalgunforum.com/index.php

June 30, 2001, 01:08 AM	#1
brianidaho Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2000 Location: Coeur d'Alene, ID Posts: 446	Best source for handgun ammo components? I'm brand new to the reloading game, and will be starting with .40 S&W for my Witness compact. I'm looking for inexpensive loads, with 150-165 gr bullets. I'm just looking for "practice" loads now-until my shooting skills improve trying to chase the optimum load for accuracy is a waste of time. Looking to shoot around 100 rounds per week on average. I live in a fairly small town, so my selection of components locally is limited. Nosler 150 gr bullets were $12/100 (least expensive .40's they had), powder $13.90 per pound (AA #5) and primers about $1.50/100. What is a good way to cut costs, especially for bullets? I'm sure I could do better for power and primers on the web as well, but the HM shipping will eat up the difference. Are these prices even close to competative? Thanks in advance. Also, whats the conversion factor from grains to pounds (or oz)? I should know this one but can't find it. Thanks in advance. Brian __________________ I need ammo....lots of ammo. Ever since I got my FAL!

June 30, 2001, 01:34 AM	#2
Wayward Member Join Date: November 18, 2000 Location: Texas Posts: 79	I buy my bullets from Berry's and have been happy with them. As far as primers and powder I buy my stuff at gun shows. The prices you list for these items looks pretty good compared to my local dealers. At the gun show I pay $13.95 for 1K of CCI small pistol primers or $62.95 for 5K. Powder runs about $15 per pound or $86.95 for 8 pounds of AA9.

July 1, 2001, 09:11 AM	#5
k in AR Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 1999 Location: Arkansas USA Posts: 436	I use BlueStar, they are local for me out of Searcy AR., but do have a Web site as well. Check them out, the owner is an A#1 kind of guy! http://www.blue-star-inc.com

July 16, 2001, 02:58 AM	#8
George Helser Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2000 Location: Scottsdale AZ Posts: 242	Gunrnr 1) WIDENERS I have placed a few orders with Wideners and was happy. What problems did you have? 2) LOW COST RELOADING SUPPLIES www.brunoshooters.com seems to have very low prices. They are local to me and the only place I found in town stocking VV powder. Regards, George In sunny Arizona

July 16, 2001, 08:42 PM	#10
pwiz Member Join Date: April 23, 2001 Posts: 61	I find Midsouth to be reasonable in primers, powder and bullets. I don't cast my pistol bullets anymore, I use their Mangus .38-148gr, .44-235gr and .45-200gr heads. Works for me. pwiz

July 16, 2001, 10:38 PM	#11
labgrade Member In Memoriam Join Date: November 29, 1999 Location: west of a small town, CO Posts: 4,346	7000 grains to the pound ... Since everybody else posted tons of info on where to get the stuff, here's a link to converting anything to anything else - just amazing the stuff on ethe web ...