So all I needed to find today was some powder (AA7, AA9 or Blue Dot), primers (CCI) and bullets (180gr TMJ) to reload my first batch.
First shop had 1 1lb bottle of AA7 and Federal Magnum LP only. I'll take them. No bullets
Second shop doesn't even carry powder, primers or bullets.
Third shop has 2 1lb bottles of Blue Dot and one box of Winchester LP primers and no bullets. I'll take the powder and primers, wait, cash only and the nearest ATM is 5 miles back towards my house.
Nevermind, so I came home and order 500 bullets online and I'll try Bass Pro or another store when I make my 100 mile one way commute to my doctor tomorrow. I really wanted to use all my reloading stuff since I have been collecting for months.
End rant
It is discouraging....not much different in this area. I live about one mile from a Bass Pro Shops regional distribution center, but the store never has, say, AA#9. I asked once about 'ordering' from the attached warehouse but was told to order online or thru a catalog. :P So I order from a local gun store but he only orders powder, primers and such when he has a big enough order to spread out the haz mat fee. Not frequent, but I understand it as a business decision.
I guess you don't want to hear about the Sportsmans Warehouse about 5 miles from my home. Very well stocked reloading aisle, and two more aisles for reloading dies/equipment and parts.
I was there last night and picked up 500 bullets - 250 Nosler 135 Gr JHP and 250 Berry's 180 gr TC. Both are destined for my Glock 29.
Got home and realized all I have are slow powders for pushing 180-210 grain bullets from 10mm, 357 and 44 magnum. So, back I went for some Power Pistol or AA#5. They had both but Power Pistol was cheaper so I picked up a lb.
And still had time to set up and load 50 rounds last night.
Oh, and the prices were the same or lower than Grafs&Sons or CheaperThanDirt.
Yeah...I won't mention that. :P
I'd be willing to bet that there is at least 50,000 bullets, 500 lbs. of powder, 50,000 primers, and 10,000 cases within 10 minutes of me.
I lucked out that everyone seems to reload here.
I bet I could make that bullet and brass count at my house. Primers, I probably only have about 8,000 and powder probably 60 lbs.
Oh, and the bullets are still in "ingot" form.
Quote from: sqlbullet on August 31 2012 07:41:19 AM MDT
I guess you don't want to hear about the Sportsmans Warehouse about 5 miles from my home. Very well stocked reloading aisle, and two more aisles for reloading dies/equipment and parts.
Oh, and the prices were the same or lower than Grafs&Sons or CheaperThanDirt.
Yeah...I won't mention that. :P
Thanks......... :P
Quote from: sqlbullet on August 31 2012 07:41:19 AM MDT
I guess you don't want to hear about the Sportsmans Warehouse about 5 miles from my home. Very well stocked reloading aisle, and two more aisles for reloading dies/equipment and parts.
I was there last night and picked up 500 bullets - 250 Nosler 135 Gr JHP and 250 Berry's 180 gr TC. Both are destined for my Glock 29.
Got home and realized all I have are slow powders for pushing 180-210 grain bullets from 10mm, 357 and 44 magnum. So, back I went for some Power Pistol or AA#5. They had both but Power Pistol was cheaper so I picked up a lb.
And still had time to set up and load 50 rounds last night.
Oh, and the prices were the same or lower than Grafs&Sons or CheaperThanDirt.
Yeah...I won't mention that. :P
Yeah, you should keep that to yourself. Haha
I did hit Bass Pro on my way home from my doctors and picked up 100 Hornady 180gr XTP, 2 pounds of Blue Dot, 1k CCI 300 primers and 3 100rd plastic ammo boxes. Looks like I am in business this weekend. My very first batch. Probably will do 10 or so and head to the desert to try them out.
Loading just a few is smart. If I may offer a suggestion.
Process all the brass you have up to ready for powder and bullet. Then you can just leave our seating/crimping die set up and charge/seat/crimp.
My two cents.
Quote from: sqlbullet on August 31 2012 10:37:05 AM MDT
I bet I could make that bullet and brass count at my house. Primers, I probably only have about 8,000 and powder probably 60 lbs.
Oh, and the bullets are still in "ingot" form.
Nice! I'll get there, someday. My wife and I vowed to buy a house before any more stuff, though a small entertainment budget is allowed. The economy set us back by 10 years.
We should have a group buy, the places around me have nothing.
Quote from: sqlbullet on August 31 2012 03:57:59 PM MDT
Loading just a few is smart. If I may offer a suggestion.
Process all the brass you have up to ready for powder and bullet. Then you can just leave our seating/crimping die set up and charge/seat/crimp.
My two cents.
What he said. ;)
How much crimp do they require. I am using a Dillon 3 die set.
Just iron out the flare. Mine end up about .422-.423. Depends some on the bullet. Fat cast bullets might be a bit more.
Dillon dies are a two-edged sword. Thery start out as taper crimped. However, when turned further down towards max they become a roll crimp. So be careful not to err on the tight side or you may have feeding issues.
My lgs doesn't carry any either >:( but CTD is only a few miles from me 8)