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How is availability in your area? I got into reloading in early 2014. This was basically when things started to become readily available around here after the big guns and ammo buy out following the Sandy Hook shooting. Having just seen how fast things can dry up, I was determined to have what I needed on hand at all times to be able to shoot at my normal rate for at least a year. I am confident that I have that, and a bit more. I was able to get a pound of Win296 and 300 large pistol primers the other day, and got 500 small magnum pistol primers last week. I also just ordered 2900 Hi Tek coated bullets a few minutes ago.
From what I have seen, primers are hardest to find right now, specifically small pistol. That is where I miss Walmart. The one in my area carried CCI large and small pistol primers. I used to pick up 200-300 every couple weeks when I was in there getting groceries. Those dried up back in mid December last year and since they had announced they were getting out of the handgun ammo market, I knew there wouldnt be more. back in Febuary I was at an area gun shop sale, and got 2000 Federal small pistol primers, on sale for $28.90/1000. I wish now that I had purchased twice as many, but as I said, I am good for at least a year.
I have not even looked for powder. My friend was coming to town the other day and offered to stop a big shop along the way to get the pound of Win296 for me. I had checked online to insure they had it, but I didnt really look for any other powder. I have 8 unopened pound cannisters and another 4 that are around half full. That should hold me and with the bullets on order now, I will have enough lead.
Compared to many of you who have been loading for years, my stockpile is fairly small. Its hard to build up an inventory when you are going through 5000 rounds a year. I hope you all have what you need to keep the lead flying!
From what I have seen, primers are hardest to find right now, specifically small pistol. That is where I miss Walmart. The one in my area carried CCI large and small pistol primers. I used to pick up 200-300 every couple weeks when I was in there getting groceries. Those dried up back in mid December last year and since they had announced they were getting out of the handgun ammo market, I knew there wouldnt be more. back in Febuary I was at an area gun shop sale, and got 2000 Federal small pistol primers, on sale for $28.90/1000. I wish now that I had purchased twice as many, but as I said, I am good for at least a year.
I have not even looked for powder. My friend was coming to town the other day and offered to stop a big shop along the way to get the pound of Win296 for me. I had checked online to insure they had it, but I didnt really look for any other powder. I have 8 unopened pound cannisters and another 4 that are around half full. That should hold me and with the bullets on order now, I will have enough lead.
Compared to many of you who have been loading for years, my stockpile is fairly small. Its hard to build up an inventory when you are going through 5000 rounds a year. I hope you all have what you need to keep the lead flying!