Have I missed the boat?

skybolt · December 13, 2020, 08:00 PM

Howdy, long story short-years ago I acquired a bunch of reloading stuff, presses, dies, trimmers, scales, bullets, and things that I have no idea what they do. All the stuff is a bit older but is Lyman. In the last month (for obvious reasons) I decided to finally educate myself on reloading and thought I’d gather some components.....WRONG!

Have I missed the boat on reloading? Seems there isn’t a primer/bullet or powder in my neck of the northeast. Do you guys think things will settle down and manufacturers will be able to catch up?

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dahermit · December 13, 2020, 08:21 PM

They have caught-up in the periods of past shortages albeit at higher prices.

berettaprofessor · December 13, 2020, 08:43 PM

They will catch up but it may take months to a couple years.

Shadow9mm · December 13, 2020, 08:46 PM

In short, if you already have the equipment no, your not too late.

What calibers are you thinking about loading for?

Now is a good time to get brass prepped and research loads you are interested in.

There is plenty of once fired brass available if you look for it at reasonable prices.

Build a system, first, second, third choice so you have options if you cant find your preferred primer or powder.

Get on some websites and sign up for e-mail notification when products come back in stock. when they do, jump on it as fast as you can. you will get some eventually.

Eventually things will settle down again, just a kink in the supply chain right now in my opinion.

skybolt · December 13, 2020, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadow9mm

In short, if you already have the equipment no, your not too late.

What calibers are you thinking about loading for?

Now is a good time to get brass prepped and research loads you are interested in.

There is plenty of once fired brass available if you look for it at reasonable prices.

Build a system, first, second, third choice so you have options if you cant find your preferred primer or powder.

Get on some websites and sign up for e-mail notification when products come back in stock. when they do, jump on it as fast as you can. you will get some eventually.

Eventually things will settle down again, just a kink in the supply chain right now in my opinion.

Excellent advice, thanks!

308
38/357
9mm
10mm (would like some REAL loads)
35

On account of your handle can I assume you’re into MR920’s ?

Thanks

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Shadow9mm · December 13, 2020, 09:24 PM

no problem. No, had that nickname for a long time, added 9mm onto it.

If you have not handloaded before, I would start with the handgun calibers. Handgun brass, in my experience, is a LOT easier to work with than rifle.

Also, powder for pistols goes a LOT farther. You can get a lot more testing, and round loaded on 1lb of powder. For example, with HP-38 for 9mm I can get about 1300 round per pound, vs benchmark for 223 at 285 per lb.

As far as research, with what you are trying to load for, i would look for powders that can do all your handgun cartridges, 38/357, 9mm, and 10mm. They may not have the best performance, but if you can load all 4 with 1 powder it will save some money and keep you from having to track down multiple powders.

I have been researching 9mm powders. Looking for the best performance with 115 and 124g bullets. Short answer is N340. I built a spreadsheet and cross referenced all the loads I could find to see what would work in both bullet weights, and the best performance.

https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...57#post6837457

Last note, Midway does have some of the vihtavuori powders in stock as of yesterday. they are expensive, especially with shipping and tax, and hazmat fees but they were available.

Did a bit of research, I love data and spreadsheets. It is far from comprehensive. A lot will depend on the bullet weight you want to shoot and the powders you can get your hands on, and now many manuals and websites you want to look through. but you can find powders that work well across the board, or work for 2-3 of them.

Smoke & Recoil · December 13, 2020, 09:34 PM

https://nereloading.com/ Check this place out, I've ordered from them with no problems...I use Visa gift cards with them, just enter the gift cards as Credit Cards.

Shadow9mm · December 13, 2020, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smoke & Recoil

https://nereloading.com/ Check this place out, I've ordered from them with no problems...I use Visa gift cards with them, just enter the gift cards as Credit Cards.

prices look reasonable, thanks!

BJung · December 13, 2020, 09:51 PM

Welcome to the hobby. If you have steel pistol dies, I recommend you replace them with carbide pistol dies. All of my brass comes from the range. If your outdoor range allows you, start collecting as much brass as you can, clean, and prep them so when powder and primers become available, you can just prime and insert a bullet..

Shadow9mm · December 13, 2020, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burbank_jung

Welcome to the hobby. If you have steel pistol dies, I recommend you replace them with carbide pistol dies. All of my brass comes from the range. If your outdoor range allows you, start collecting as much brass as you can, clean, and prep them so when powder and primers become available, you can just prime and insert a bullet..

I love my Hornady carbide dies, but steel will work in a pinch. If you nee to buy dies, spend the extra on carbide. If you already have dies, i would save your money to spend on powder, primers, bullets, so you can buy them when you find them.

RC20 · December 13, 2020, 10:57 PM

Yes you missed the boat but timing can suck.

However, I made it through a previous outage. I carried a list of powders for my calibers and scored it when it came up.

R17 was not popular at the time, fond it on the shelf. Grabbed a Hornady and yes it was listed in 06. So I took the 3 or 4 they had.

I scored some at smaller gun shops (same with primers which are your biggest issue).

You can get bullets and brass at Natchez, Mid South, Midway and others. Once fired 308 can be had (I prefer RP over FC etc)

Last week I came across H4831 in a gun shop that does not normally carry powder. I got 8 lbs (it works in all my calibers).

Probably can be done.

Amazing the frenzy people get into. 2008 to 2010 would have been legislation if there ever was going to be.

I just accept it and I keep stocked up. Sans a situation like the 4831 (1 lb) I buy in 8 lb containers (5 lb for R17)

Powder can be shipped in the lower 48 at ok price. Not sure if they can ship primers. Neither can be shipped to AK (at any sane price) unless you want to buy your own boat.

jetinteriorguy · December 14, 2020, 06:20 AM

Short term, yes you’ve missed the boat. Long term, you’ll be fine. Welcome to the club.

reinert · December 14, 2020, 08:46 AM

Evidently you’ve not reloaded before, and since you’re finding out supplies aren’t available, now’s maybe a great time for study. Did you get reloading manuals with your equipment? There’s much for you to learn as you start to get into reloading. One thing that’s not on short supply is reading material. If you want to make good, safe ammo, there’s lots to learn before you seat that first bullet. Now’s a good time to learn all you can by hitting the books while you wait for components to come around to the shelves again. 2021 ought to be a very interesting year ahead. Yup, very interesting indeed.

Shadow9mm · December 16, 2020, 08:14 AM

As evidence you have not missed the boat. I just got powder and 1000 CCI small pistol primers and 1lb of powder pistol. Neither was cheap, primers were $60, I'm used to paying $35-$45. powder was $32, I'm used to $28-$$30. Got it from a small shop near where I grew up. You can find things. They are still coming in, you just have to be patient and diligent in your search, be willing to drive. My buddy picked them up for me, gonna be a 2hr drive to get it from him, but worth it.

Mjake15 · December 16, 2020, 08:48 AM

Just when I thought I had misses the boat......Reloading is my new old friend. I used to load 25-30 years ago. Mostly shotgun and some hand gun. I sold everything off except for the knowledge that one acquires. About 3 years ago after talking with a good friend who reloads, I took the plunge and bought a D750 progressive and components and along the way have amassed a nice selection of other components by trading up and down for things I need and would like to have. I made my own wet tumbler and loading bench too. Hang in there. There are a lot of great folks out there and on this forum who can and will help out. Hang in there.

skybolt · December 16, 2020, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reinert

Evidently you’ve not reloaded before, and since you’re finding out supplies aren’t available, now’s maybe a great time for study. Did you get reloading manuals with your equipment? There’s much for you to learn as you start to get into reloading. One thing that’s not on short supply is reading material. If you want to make good, safe ammo, there’s lots to learn before you seat that first bullet. Now’s a good time to learn all you can by hitting the books while you wait for components to come around to the shelves again. 2021 ought to be a very interesting year ahead. Yup, very interesting indeed.

Correct, I have never reloaded before but have been exposed to it. I did not get any literature with the goods but have since acquired a couple manuals and have started educating myself. I'm super excited and have begun rearranging my office/work space to accommodate a station. My plan is to keep things super simple until I get the hang of things, not looking to squeeze every bit of performance out of each round, I just want reliable, decent rounds for training purposes...for now.
Thanks for all the encouragement!

skybolt · December 16, 2020, 10:49 AM

Oh yeah, I've ordered 250 rnds of 115gr rnd nose, just ordered some N340 powder and a tumbler. I have a bunch of various caliber pistol brass that I've kept in anticipation, now Im waiting on 9mm dies (watching a set on ebay for $80) and primers. In the stuff I acquired there are dies for .44, 45, 38/357, 30-06, 308, 270, 32 Remington and I think a 257 Roberts?

BJung · December 16, 2020, 10:52 AM

One thing I don't think those books tell you is focus on your reloading and don't let your mind wander. Keep your table clean and simple so you don't cross components. Powder is one example. Another is the brass you're sizing or filling in each step. Do one task at a time with nothing else around it. I've caught myself more than once possibly not filling a case or taking unflared brass that's next to a tray of flared cases. Fortunately I did not but still.. I've pulled bullets I've picked up at the range that people tossed and when I pulled the bullet, found the case empty. You don't want a bullet stuck in your barrel, especially if you are shooting fast. And, after I fill my cases with powder, I look into them, even under a light to make sure all the cases are filled. You cannot afford a double charge. I don't mean to scare you but be careful

USSR · December 16, 2020, 11:20 AM

That boat sails every 4 years. Maybe, if we're lucky, things will ease up a bit in a year or two. Buy what you can, but just remember, the boat sails again in 2024.

Don

skybolt · December 16, 2020, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burbank_jung

One thing I don't think those books tell you is focus on your reloading and don't let your mind wander. Keep your table clean and simple so you don't cross components. Powder is one example. Another is the brass you're sizing or filling in each step. Do one task at a time with nothing else around it. I've caught myself more than once possibly not filling a case or taking unflared brass that's next to a tray of flared cases. Fortunately I did not but still.. I've pulled bullets I've picked up at the range that people tossed and when I pulled the bullet, found the case empty. You don't want a bullet stuck in your barrel, especially if you are shooting fast. And, after I fill my cases with powder, I look into them, even under a light to make sure all the cases are filled. You cannot afford a double charge. I don't mean to scare you but be careful

Thanks for the heads up.
Surprisingly I have an eye for detail, that’s not to say I don’t make mistakes though!

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Average Joe · December 16, 2020, 12:17 PM

Everything runs in cycles, eventually, they will come back around.

skybolt · December 16, 2020, 06:42 PM

Any suggestions on affordable yet effective tumblers?

Shadow9mm · December 16, 2020, 06:52 PM

if you want cheap, try the frankford arsenal with walnut media. they are around the $50 to $60 mark. I bought my media at the pet store, crushed walnut shells as lizzard bedding. A tad cheaper and no shipping. I leave my brass in for about 3-4 hours, comes out looking great.

BJung · December 16, 2020, 06:55 PM

Tumbler, Harbor Freight
Media, Feed Store

jimbob86 · December 16, 2020, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Have I missed the boat on reloading? Seems there isn’t a primer/bullet or powder in my neck of the northeast. Do you guys think things will settle down and manufacturers will be able to catch up?

I take it this is your first shortage? This too, will pass .... maybe into something worse, or better .... but there is no time like the present to learn something new (for the past is ....past, and "new" isn't there....) .... Knowledge Trumps Ignorance, and and skills are much better than ineptitude ....

.... you have picked a hard time to acquire components, but a fine time to learn- when I started, I had no internet ... and did not know anyone that reloaded ..... people that I met that did reload were not exactly helpful .... it seemed like it was some secret society that nobody wanted to talk about .... there is so much more information out there for free these days ....how to videos, even .... keep at it, and you'll find stuff to work with ..... I will caution you - you won't save any money .... but you will shoot so much more .... you won't think of a "box" of 308 Winchester as 20 rounds anymore ..... but 50, or 100 .... or a 50 cal ammo can full of loose rounds ..... and you will learn so much along the way ..... I can't imagine why everyone does not handload, just for this reason ....

December 13, 2020, 08:00 PM	#1
skybolt Member Join Date: May 4, 2011 Posts: 24	Have I missed the boat? Howdy, long story short-years ago I acquired a bunch of reloading stuff, presses, dies, trimmers, scales, bullets, and things that I have no idea what they do. All the stuff is a bit older but is Lyman. In the last month (for obvious reasons) I decided to finally educate myself on reloading and thought I’d gather some components.....WRONG! Have I missed the boat on reloading? Seems there isn’t a primer/bullet or powder in my neck of the northeast. Do you guys think things will settle down and manufacturers will be able to catch up? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

December 13, 2020, 08:43 PM	#3
berettaprofessor Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2008 Posts: 1,091	They will catch up but it may take months to a couple years. __________________ "What most people forget is that the first country the Nazi's conquered was their own." 44AMP on thefiringline.com

December 13, 2020, 08:46 PM	#4
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 3,969	In short, if you already have the equipment no, your not too late. What calibers are you thinking about loading for? Now is a good time to get brass prepped and research loads you are interested in. There is plenty of once fired brass available if you look for it at reasonable prices. Build a system, first, second, third choice so you have options if you cant find your preferred primer or powder. Get on some websites and sign up for e-mail notification when products come back in stock. when they do, jump on it as fast as you can. you will get some eventually. Eventually things will settle down again, just a kink in the supply chain right now in my opinion. __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload.

December 13, 2020, 09:24 PM	#6
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 3,969	no problem. No, had that nickname for a long time, added 9mm onto it. If you have not handloaded before, I would start with the handgun calibers. Handgun brass, in my experience, is a LOT easier to work with than rifle. Also, powder for pistols goes a LOT farther. You can get a lot more testing, and round loaded on 1lb of powder. For example, with HP-38 for 9mm I can get about 1300 round per pound, vs benchmark for 223 at 285 per lb. As far as research, with what you are trying to load for, i would look for powders that can do all your handgun cartridges, 38/357, 9mm, and 10mm. They may not have the best performance, but if you can load all 4 with 1 powder it will save some money and keep you from having to track down multiple powders. I have been researching 9mm powders. Looking for the best performance with 115 and 124g bullets. Short answer is N340. I built a spreadsheet and cross referenced all the loads I could find to see what would work in both bullet weights, and the best performance. https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...57#post6837457 Last note, Midway does have some of the vihtavuori powders in stock as of yesterday. they are expensive, especially with shipping and tax, and hazmat fees but they were available. Did a bit of research, I love data and spreadsheets. It is far from comprehensive. A lot will depend on the bullet weight you want to shoot and the powders you can get your hands on, and now many manuals and websites you want to look through. but you can find powders that work well across the board, or work for 2-3 of them. __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload. Last edited by Shadow9mm; December 13, 2020 at 09:48 PM.

December 13, 2020, 09:34 PM	#7
Smoke & Recoil Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: East shore of Lake Michigan. Posts: 714	https://nereloading.com/ Check this place out, I've ordered from them with no problems...I use Visa gift cards with them, just enter the gift cards as Credit Cards. __________________ Sent from my Tandy 1000 Last edited by Smoke & Recoil; December 13, 2020 at 09:35 PM. Reason: goofed

December 13, 2020, 08:21 PM	#2
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	They have caught-up in the periods of past shortages albeit at higher prices.

December 13, 2020, 09:51 PM	#9
BJung Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2019 Posts: 773	Welcome to the hobby. If you have steel pistol dies, I recommend you replace them with carbide pistol dies. All of my brass comes from the range. If your outdoor range allows you, start collecting as much brass as you can, clean, and prep them so when powder and primers become available, you can just prime and insert a bullet..

December 13, 2020, 10:57 PM	#11
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	Yes you missed the boat but timing can suck. However, I made it through a previous outage. I carried a list of powders for my calibers and scored it when it came up. R17 was not popular at the time, fond it on the shelf. Grabbed a Hornady and yes it was listed in 06. So I took the 3 or 4 they had. I scored some at smaller gun shops (same with primers which are your biggest issue). You can get bullets and brass at Natchez, Mid South, Midway and others. Once fired 308 can be had (I prefer RP over FC etc) Last week I came across H4831 in a gun shop that does not normally carry powder. I got 8 lbs (it works in all my calibers). Probably can be done. Amazing the frenzy people get into. 2008 to 2010 would have been legislation if there ever was going to be. I just accept it and I keep stocked up. Sans a situation like the 4831 (1 lb) I buy in 8 lb containers (5 lb for R17) Powder can be shipped in the lower 48 at ok price. Not sure if they can ship primers. Neither can be shipped to AK (at any sane price) unless you want to buy your own boat. __________________ Science and Facts are True whether you believe it or not Last edited by RC20; December 13, 2020 at 11:03 PM.

December 14, 2020, 06:20 AM	#12
jetinteriorguy Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 3,172	Short term, yes you’ve missed the boat. Long term, you’ll be fine. Welcome to the club.

December 14, 2020, 08:46 AM	#13
reinert Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 646	Evidently you’ve not reloaded before, and since you’re finding out supplies aren’t available, now’s maybe a great time for study. Did you get reloading manuals with your equipment? There’s much for you to learn as you start to get into reloading. One thing that’s not on short supply is reading material. If you want to make good, safe ammo, there’s lots to learn before you seat that first bullet. Now’s a good time to learn all you can by hitting the books while you wait for components to come around to the shelves again. 2021 ought to be a very interesting year ahead. Yup, very interesting indeed.

December 16, 2020, 08:14 AM	#14
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 3,969	As evidence you have not missed the boat. I just got powder and 1000 CCI small pistol primers and 1lb of powder pistol. Neither was cheap, primers were $60, I'm used to paying $35-$45. powder was $32, I'm used to $28-$$30. Got it from a small shop near where I grew up. You can find things. They are still coming in, you just have to be patient and diligent in your search, be willing to drive. My buddy picked them up for me, gonna be a 2hr drive to get it from him, but worth it. __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload.

December 16, 2020, 08:48 AM	#15
Mjake15 Junior Member Join Date: November 29, 2020 Posts: 2	Just when I thought I had misses the boat......Reloading is my new old friend. I used to load 25-30 years ago. Mostly shotgun and some hand gun. I sold everything off except for the knowledge that one acquires. About 3 years ago after talking with a good friend who reloads, I took the plunge and bought a D750 progressive and components and along the way have amassed a nice selection of other components by trading up and down for things I need and would like to have. I made my own wet tumbler and loading bench too. Hang in there. There are a lot of great folks out there and on this forum who can and will help out. Hang in there.

December 16, 2020, 10:49 AM	#17
skybolt Member Join Date: May 4, 2011 Posts: 24	Oh yeah, I've ordered 250 rnds of 115gr rnd nose, just ordered some N340 powder and a tumbler. I have a bunch of various caliber pistol brass that I've kept in anticipation, now Im waiting on 9mm dies (watching a set on ebay for $80) and primers. In the stuff I acquired there are dies for .44, 45, 38/357, 30-06, 308, 270, 32 Remington and I think a 257 Roberts?

December 16, 2020, 10:52 AM	#18
BJung Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2019 Posts: 773	One thing I don't think those books tell you is focus on your reloading and don't let your mind wander. Keep your table clean and simple so you don't cross components. Powder is one example. Another is the brass you're sizing or filling in each step. Do one task at a time with nothing else around it. I've caught myself more than once possibly not filling a case or taking unflared brass that's next to a tray of flared cases. Fortunately I did not but still.. I've pulled bullets I've picked up at the range that people tossed and when I pulled the bullet, found the case empty. You don't want a bullet stuck in your barrel, especially if you are shooting fast. And, after I fill my cases with powder, I look into them, even under a light to make sure all the cases are filled. You cannot afford a double charge. I don't mean to scare you but be careful

December 16, 2020, 11:20 AM	#19
USSR Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 2017 Location: Finger Lakes Region of NY Posts: 1,442	That boat sails every 4 years. Maybe, if we're lucky, things will ease up a bit in a year or two. Buy what you can, but just remember, the boat sails again in 2024. Don __________________ NRA Life Member NRA Certified Metallic Cartridge Reloading Instructor

December 16, 2020, 12:17 PM	#21
Average Joe Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,325	Everything runs in cycles, eventually, they will come back around.

December 16, 2020, 06:42 PM	#22
skybolt Member Join Date: May 4, 2011 Posts: 24	Any suggestions on affordable yet effective tumblers?

December 16, 2020, 06:52 PM	#23
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 3,969	if you want cheap, try the frankford arsenal with walnut media. they are around the $50 to $60 mark. I bought my media at the pet store, crushed walnut shells as lizzard bedding. A tad cheaper and no shipping. I leave my brass in for about 3-4 hours, comes out looking great. __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload.

December 16, 2020, 06:55 PM	#24
BJung Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2019 Posts: 773	Tumbler, Harbor Freight Media, Feed Store