Overpriced Reloading Components?

[CJW]

Sent an email to Midway a few days ago regarding this price gouging on ammo and bullets....Old Larry is taking advantage of the situation...got a reply..vendors are increasing their prices....BS...some of the Nosler bullets are 20 per cent over retail from Nosler and Swift bullets are absolutely criminally overpriced. Now I know why Larry always has such a smile on his face.

I just looked at some tulammo 7.62x39 fmj for $.85 per round. Walmart used to have that stuff for $.30 per round. A box of 338 core lokt remingtons are $98 per box.

Depending on where you look he's supposedly worth $200-300 million so yes I would have a smile on my face too.

 

[CoElkHunter]

I just looked at some tulammo 7.62x39 fmj for $.85 per round. Walmart used to have that stuff for $.30 per round. A box of 338 core lokt remingtons are $98 per box.

Depending on where you look he's supposedly worth $200-300 million so yes I would have a smile on my face too.

Yes, more outrageous prices. The last .338 Core Lokts I bought over a year ago were $60/box. That was way over priced at the time, because the Barnes 225r TSXs were slightly less expensive. Guess I should have bought some, but my crystal ball failed to forecast the Covid armageddon and everything that followed?

 

[CJW]

What has made this prolonged and severe shortage of everything firearm, ammo, components, etc. related has been the “perfect storm”. First, Covid shut down everything in March and fear/panic buying started. Then more panic/fear buying do to the widespread rioting here in the U.S. And now we have an anti gun President in office , so more of the same. We’ve gone through this panic buying and shortages several times before, but it was only before the uncertainty of a Presidential election. This now has been going on since last March! It’s no wonder there’s a severe shortage of everything. Just to put this time around in perspective?

I was too young for the Clinton shortage and didn't reload or shoot much during the Obama shortage. I still don't shoot all that much but never expected this insanity so I've been caught off guard as I only started reloading about 4 years ago. You might ask why I just now need a press but it's because I've done all my reloading with Lee Loaders but alas, they don't make one for .458 wm. Just 6 or so months ago I was looking at various places for .458 practice bullets in anticipation of reloading for my win mag and becoming more proficient with it and there were plenty available at good prices. Fast forward to a month or so ago when I go to buy and I find that even .458 bullets are scarce. Why .458 bullets? The only reason I can think of is the new .458 Socom that is all the rage? Don't the various 45 caliber handguns shoot .454 and under? The 45 ACP shoots .452 right? Then I try to find magnum rifle primers and they are impossible to find at any decent retailer. GB sure but they're marked up 500%. There are something like 8 million new gun owners in the past year so that does account for SOME of the shortage. The rest is just ridiculous. I mean who buys 5k primers at $150 per 1k?

What I fear with this new shortage is people buying and hoarding in anticipation of the next perfect storm as you put it. I have a good supply of 55 gr .224 fmj that I would consider selling a portion of but who's to say that the guy I sell them to isn't going to put them on GB for two or three times the price? It's just too easy. Then I ask myself, why shouldn't I? Nobody is twisting any arms. Then my conscience gets to me and I go the other way. Then again, maybe I should sell some to make up for the outrageously priced primers. They can also be used nowadays for making trades.

Ridiculous

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I was too young for the Clinton shortage and didn't reload or shoot much during the Obama shortage. I still don't shoot all that much but never expected this insanity so I've been caught off guard as I only started reloading about 4 years ago. You might ask why I just now need a press but it's because I've done all my reloading with Lee Loaders but alas, they don't make one for .458 wm. Just 6 or so months ago I was looking at various places for .458 practice bullets in anticipation of reloading for my win mag and becoming more proficient with it and there were plenty available at good prices. Fast forward to a month or so ago when I go to buy and I find that even .458 bullets are scarce. Why .458 bullets? The only reason I can think of is the new .458 Socom that is all the rage? Don't the various 45 caliber handguns shoot .454 and under? The 45 ACP shoots .452 right? Then I try to find magnum rifle primers and they are impossible to find at any decent retailer. GB sure but they're marked up 500%. There are something like 8 million new gun owners in the past year so that does account for SOME of the shortage. The rest is just ridiculous. I mean who buys 5k primers at $150 per 1k?

What I fear with this new shortage is people buying and hoarding in anticipation of the next perfect storm as you put it. I have a good supply of 55 gr .224 fmj that I would consider selling a portion of but who's to say that the guy I sell them to isn't going to put them on GB for two or three times the price? It's just too easy. Then I ask myself, why shouldn't I? Nobody is twisting any arms. Then my conscience gets to me and I go the other way. Then again, maybe I should sell some to make up for the outrageously priced primers. They can also be used nowadays for making trades.

Ridiculous

@CJW
Just use gas check lead in your 458.
You will get the same velocities and a dam side cheaper.
Bob.

 

[Hogpatrol]

This is getting stupid. I ordered a Lee Classic Cast press from lgoutdoors on the 24th of Jan. I received an email today telling me my order was voided/cancelled but no explanation besides a statement at the bottom telling me it might be because a product is out of stock. Call them up and they tell me the standard line of "well the orders are picked in the order they're received" and when they got to yours we were out. There were supposedly four available when I ordered. Maybe they're just tired of answering phone calls but they didn't even offer an apology or solution like putting my order on backorder or putting me on a list to be notified when it's in stock or anything.

Order frustration rant aside, this panic is ridiculous. Who would have thought that even reloading presses would be as someone else put it, rare as hens teeth?

The RCBS rock chucker supreme is the same ballpark price wise and readily available. Was in two LGS today and one in each for sale.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I have about 50 pounds of powder of various types plus 4,000 LR primers, 3,000 SR primers and approx 6,000 projectiles of different cals, 3,000 22 LR, and 1,000 shotgun for trap,250 000buckshot.

any one want to swap for a house. This is ridiculous all the price gouging.
Bob

 

[JimP]

There are distributors that receive the ammo and components from the manufactures, they are the ones that are raising the prices and passing it on to the stores.

Just like the half a beef that you purchase. The rancher gets screwed and the middle man makes all the money before that steer even goes to the slaughter house.

 

[CJW]

@CJW
Just use gas check lead in your 458.
You will get the same velocities and a dam side cheaper.
Bob.

I've been checking out some lead bullet suppliers. Most are not taking orders or are one to two months out but thinking about putting in an order for some. Should I look for gas checked bullets exclusively? I have zero experience with lead bullets.

Thanks

 

[CoElkHunter]

I was too young for the Clinton shortage and didn't reload or shoot much during the Obama shortage. I still don't shoot all that much but never expected this insanity so I've been caught off guard as I only started reloading about 4 years ago. You might ask why I just now need a press but it's because I've done all my reloading with Lee Loaders but alas, they don't make one for .458 wm. Just 6 or so months ago I was looking at various places for .458 practice bullets in anticipation of reloading for my win mag and becoming more proficient with it and there were plenty available at good prices. Fast forward to a month or so ago when I go to buy and I find that even .458 bullets are scarce. Why .458 bullets? The only reason I can think of is the new .458 Socom that is all the rage? Don't the various 45 caliber handguns shoot .454 and under? The 45 ACP shoots .452 right? Then I try to find magnum rifle primers and they are impossible to find at any decent retailer. GB sure but they're marked up 500%. There are something like 8 million new gun owners in the past year so that does account for SOME of the shortage. The rest is just ridiculous. I mean who buys 5k primers at $150 per 1k?

What I fear with this new shortage is people buying and hoarding in anticipation of the next perfect storm as you put it. I have a good supply of 55 gr .224 fmj that I would consider selling a portion of but who's to say that the guy I sell them to isn't going to put them on GB for two or three times the price? It's just too easy. Then I ask myself, why shouldn't I? Nobody is twisting any arms. Then my conscience gets to me and I go the other way. Then again, maybe I should sell some to make up for the outrageously priced primers. They can also be used nowadays for making trades.

Ridiculous

A large part of the shortages in ALL cartridges and reloading components is due to the ammunition manufacturers focusing on the production of high volume and higher profit cartridges for 5.56, .308, 9mm, etc. There's only so much copper, lead, brass and primers to go around? I called the Sierra bullet company when Obama was elected and asked about the shortage of their bullets as I was reloading those at the time. The production manager told me they were operating 24/7 with three full shifts and couldn't keep up with supply orders. Same thing happening now. If it were me, I would sell some excess stuff to get the components or equipment I needed to reload. Maybe trade for it? I wouldn't panic and go crazy though. Other than that, I would keep my eye on GB and even now, stuff pops up occasionally for reasonable prices. Many members here on AH have reasonably priced ammo and components here for sale also. I'm waiting for the gun shows to start up again here. Although there will be a bunch of "scalpers" selling, they have to compete with the other sellers there, and either sell for reasonable prices, or pack up and take their overpriced stuff home with them? Just don't panic and keep looking.

 

[CoElkHunter]

There are distributors that receive the ammo and components from the manufactures, they are the ones that are raising the prices and passing it on to the stores.

Just like the half a beef that you purchase. The rancher gets screwed and the middle man makes all the money before that steer even goes to the slaughter house.

Very true!

 

[CoElkHunter]

I have about 50 pounds of powder of various types plus 4,000 LR primers, 3,000 SR primers and approx 6,000 projectiles of different cals, 3,000 22 LR, and 1,000 shotgun for trap,250 000buckshot.

any one want to swap for a house. This is ridiculous all the price gouging.
Bob

No, but I'd swap a .243 for a bucketful of the above? Ha! Ha! Ha!

 

[CJW]

The RCBS rock chucker supreme is the same ballpark price wise and readily available. Was in two LGS today and one in each for sale.

First problem is finding one and while I've heard good things about RCBS I like supporting Lee because they make their stuff here for the same price or less than the foreign stuff.

As it is, I just ordered the only reloading press that Midway has available. A Lee Classic Turret. Even saved a few bucks over the one that got cancelled.

 

[CoElkHunter]

First problem is finding one and while I've heard good things about RCBS I like supporting Lee because they make their stuff here for the same price or less than the foreign stuff.

As it is, I just ordered the only reloading press that Midway has available. A Lee Classic Turret. Even saved a few bucks over the one that got cancelled.

There you go! Persistence paid off. I think that will have to be the norm for awhile until supply VERY slowly attempts to catch up with demand. May take several YEARS? But it WILL slowly get better as the current crises recede.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I've been checking out some lead bullet suppliers. Most are not taking orders or are one to two months out but thinking about putting in an order for some. Should I look for gas checked bullets exclusively? I have zero experience with lead bullets.

Thanks

@CJW
Don't need them if you only want crocodiles run around 1700 fps.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

No, but I'd swap a .243 for a bucketful of the above? Ha! Ha! Ha!

@CoElkHunter
Your turning into a real comedian
Bob.

 

[TNDave]

@CJW where are you located. I’ve got a bunch of 458 bullets that I bought for practice with my Lott, probably 3 lifetimes worth. I could probably spare some if interested and won’t gouge you either. If your close to E TN could probably spare some primers as well.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

@CJW where are you located. I’ve got a bunch of 458 bullets that I bought for practice with my Lott, probably 3 lifetimes worth. I could probably spare some if interested and won’t gouge you either. If your close to E TN could probably spare some primers as well.

@TNDave
You are a true gentleman Dave that's what this site is about.
Bob

 

[WAB]

@TNDave
You are a true gentleman Dave that's what this site is about.
Bob

+1

 

[Areaonereal]

I would think that Graf’s, Midway, Midsouth and the like are purchasing in such quantities that they are dealing directly with the manufacturer. The local shop must go thru a distributor due to volume. The local shop goes to Graf’s for most of their supplies....but like everything else items are scarce and what they do receive is priced as usual without gouging. A true Father/daughter small shop trying to make it in this environment....difficult as it is. They sell tons of pistols in the last 6 months when they can get them and out the door in short order. Just remember who was gouging in this environment and treat them like the plague when times improve, and frequent those small operations trying to make it.

 

[fourfive8]

First problem is finding one and while I've heard good things about RCBS I like supporting Lee because they make their stuff here for the same price or less than the foreign stuff.

As it is, I just ordered the only reloading press that Midway has available. A Lee Classic Turret. Even saved a few bucks over the one that got cancelled.

I wouldn't get too hung up over Lee vs RCBS because of the internet common misinformation buzz such as "Lee made in USA vs RCBS made in China". RCBS is still an American company and likely most of the current manufacture of their presses is here. I have nothing against Lee products for the most part but some of their stuff is just as weak and junky as can be. And after using or studying the design of some of it, I just have to scratch my head and ask, "who in the world runs their R&D department and designed some of this crp?". Conversely, some of their stuff is of excellent quality and designed with great ingenuity. I have a few Lee items that simply are the best for their purpose. However, their presses are not in that category.

Any compound leverage press can self destruct because of the internal forces they generate. Even some of the other high-end, well known brands, like Redding, can break during normal use. A friend purchased an expensive, top of the line Redding Boss compound press a few years ago. One of the main link pins sheared for no reason other than they were grossly under engineered from the beginning (obviously too small for normal operating loads).

Over the years I've had 3 different RCBS presses along with various old, heavy, cast "C" presses like CH and Lyman, even a heavy duty Corbin co-ax for bullet swaging. None wore out or failed. There have been numerous reports of Lee presses failing- recently one of their heavy turret models. The only press I currently use is an older basic RCBS Rock Chucker. Becasue of the massive iron "O" casting and oversized link pins, there is no way for this press to fail even under the most extreme pressure applied through the hand operating lever.

I think currently the best deals for the current RCBS Supreme is through Fleabay, about $250-275 with Free Shipping and Buy Now. One auction with one bid and short time remaining is sitting at $225. Just have to avoid sellers with few feedbacks and anything less than a 100 % rating.

No matter. Hope your Lee works out well. In the future, if you do stumble upon a used RCBS RC or Supreme for low $, it'd be worth a second look.