Reloading supplies

Joe Boleo · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 10:00 am Post subject: Reloading supplies

I just returned from a large gun shop and was surprised to see the low levels of powder, primers and shot. The prices were the same on powder, but primers and shot prices were off the charts. I am glad I have a stash. Looks like hard times may be coming. Take care...
Joe

ElyBoy · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 1:16 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading supplies

I see the same thing Joe, but Gary who is the main man at the Wolf's Den gun shop, where all the old shooters go, was saying the other week that lead prices might go down this summer.
I would blow off his observation, but he knows what he is talking about almost all of the time.
I wonder if anyone else around here have heard of possible falling prices?

Eric

K.W. · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 6:03 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading supplies

ElyBoy.

Possible falling prices! Don´t make me laugh.

Kauko.

Bushmaster · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 7:43 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading supplies

Yeah...I have to agree with K.W. on "falling prices". Just can't see it happening...

Handloader · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 11:28 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading supplies

We order primers, powder, shot and components bi-weekly and there is no shortage. Federal and CCI primers are backordered due to the Federal contract for 5.56 ammo, but, other than that we see no problems.

Prices are another issue. Currently we sell 25# bags of shot for $49 and primers, brass and copper related components have gone up noticeably this past year. Watch the spot price on metals in the Commodities section of your newspaper. If prices remain stable, rise or fall, then retail will slowly follow. The probability is that prices will stablize this year and may see some slight market adjustments up or down.

Reloading has gotten a boost from increased prices. We are selling lots more reloading kits and have received superb response to our forthcoming reloading clinics.

Gil Martin · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 12:23 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading supplies

I just paid $38.00 for a 25-lb. bag of #6 shot. That is the most I have ever paid. Even if component metal prices go down, it is doubtful that it will reduce the costs of primers, bullets and shot. Look at gas prices, even if oil prices per barrel dip, the pump prices remain unchanged. All the best...
Gil

chambered221 · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 7:27 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading supplies

Three years ago lead was traded for around $800 a ton

In the last year we seen prices go from about $1500 to just over $4000 a ton

we are currently tradeing in the neiborhood of $2400 to $2800 a ton

IMO, we will see prices stablize and hold around $2000 or so for about the next 12 months and see a steady but slow decline afterwords.

The sad part is , the goods associated with commodities never come back down to the original prices.

hunterjoe21 · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 7:55 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading supplies

Handloader wrote:

We order primers, powder, shot and components bi-weekly and there is no shortage. Federal and CCI primers are backordered due to the Federal contract for 5.56 ammo, but, other than that we see no problems.

Prices are another issue.

Since I started loading, I have found a reliable local source. He tells me the same thing. He can get me whatever I want, some things I may have to wait a while for, some things I may have to pay more for, but he can get it for me. It's a matter of supply and demand.

1895ss · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:22 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading supplies

I usually buy a years supply and then some of reloading supplies, or as much as I think I'll need and it does seem that my stock is getting larger and larger, at the local gun show every spring. I sometimes have to buy more bullets from another source but I generally never run out of anything. I usually buy primers about 4000 to 5000 at a time so I don't ever run short of them either. I might add that prices at the gun show are generally pretty good because of the competition.

hunterjoe21 · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:33 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading supplies

It's finally show season around here...

Although dealer gun sales at shows are almost non-existant around here.

ElyBoy · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 9:17 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading supplies

When this post started, it got me thinking about my supplies.
I have around 7000 .45ACP bullets on hand. Red River Cast, Rainier,Berry's, and Precision.
I just purchased a 4# Keg of W-231 for $58.00, and I have 20 boxes of Winchester Large Pistol primers.
Plenty of Rifle Bullets and Primers. All the rifle power that I will need.

After reading from you guys, I think that I will hold off, and start buying Powder and Primers at the shows coming up, sense I am OK for supplies for this coming year.
I will most likely order a couple of thousand bullets from Precision though.

I think that Chambered said pretty much what Gary was saying at the Wolf's Den, except that just because the prices might drop, it doesn't mean that us buyer's will see the drop.

This is a good thread guys. I have learned much from it.

Thanks,

Eric

hunterjoe21 · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 9:39 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading supplies

Eric,

You will need at least 2500 rounds to get you through the upcoming Muslim invasion.3500 if Mrs Rodham is elected...

ElyBoy · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 9:55 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading supplies

hillary will give it up without a fight Bow

I'll need more ammo than that. Sniper

Eric

Handloader · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 10:46 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading supplies

Not only is reloading equipment selling faster, but, casting inquries increase, too. It makes sense. If you enjoy shooting and cleaning your guns, you probably will enjoy reloading and if you reload long enough the allure of casting and saving even more may be irresistible.

Dedicated reloaders understand that economy is but one part of the formula. There is a satisfaction of brewing your own rounds with all its attendant versatility. Well, casting is another aspect that expands the satisfaction of the entire process. And, it can be very economical.

Sourcing lead is the biggest challenge and will determine overall cost to a great extent. Some footwork may find surplus lead sources very cheap or free, even given the increase in value. There are still garages and tire shops that will give old balancing weights free or for a nominal charge. While linotype is almost never used, once in awhile I score big through a circle of friends that know I will value any source for free or less than market cost. I normally have 200lbs or more of lead reserves.

So, I can load 45 Colt 255gr rounds for about six cents each. Since I shoot about 200 to 400 rounds a week . . . . you get the idea.

ElyBoy · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 11:10 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading supplies

Don't get me started on casting, Handloader.
I've been thinking about it for awhile now, but I think that if I should take on that hobby, the hammer would come down. Big time.
I get away with murder around here as it is, but I think that casting, and the lead fumes that go with it, would put me in the dog house with my labs. Mad

I can just hear it now " But Honey, you don't realize how much money I'm saving you."
Then the slamming of the door, and I'm out in the kennel with Magnum, and Smoky. Crying or Very sad

Eric