Looking to start reloading

[Qel Hoth 33]

Now that I've started shooting again I'm considering getting into reloading to keep costs down. I would start with pistol, 9mm at first and expanding to other calibers as I acquire them. I may like to load rifle cartridges eventually, but not at the start. 

 

My concern right now is that pistol powder seems to be made of unobtanium. Is now a good time to start or should I wait until powder is more available? 

[kirk2022 43]

Just keep your eyes open. Ive found no need to buy powder on line and pay hazmat + shipping. 

My LGS has had A good flow of powder,   

Buy it when you see it and you will be fine

[Old School 611]

Load, Load now, Load often

[10X 3,296]

I wouldn't wait.   You can find pistol powder with a little searching, and in small pistol calibers, a pound will last a LONG time.     Depending on the load and the powder, you'll get 25 to 30 boxes of 9 mm loaded from one pound of powder.

 

Pour over the loading data in your book and online, pick a couple of favorite powders, pick a couple of alternatives that would also work for the loads you want to make, and when you start shopping for powder go with that list of half a dozen powders that could work for you.  

[sof 0]

I believe there are about 7000 grains in a pound of powder so you can figure about how many rounds you'll get out of a pound. As 10X says have your list with you and pick up a pound when you encounter one you think you'd like to use.

Even here in NJ they are showing up more and more even the vaunted Winchester 231.

[carl_g 568]

Yeah with Win 231 or HP-38 reloading 124gr 9mm, I can get like 1550 rounds out of a pound.

7000 grains/4.5 grains =  1555.55.

[graphic914 0]

Reloading is great, read all you can about each caliper, have fun

[Bt Doctur 188]

A number of stores are now stocking powder ,so start buying

[ted527 21]

When i decided to get into reloading a year ago i searched around and built up a powder supply before I spent the money on equipment.

[The brew guy 22]

I've only started reloading since New Years and have had no problem getting powder. In fact, just the opposite. As suggested above, I made a list of a half dozen powders that would work for me and when I got to GSA, they had all of them. I made the mistake of not listing preferences and had to remember what would be the top of the list.

[MK25 V 3]

GSA and Easton Heritage always has powder when I go which might be bad for me cause I always seem to come home with a 1lb of powder every time I visit. They have stuff coming in all the time.

[sof 0]

Easton Heritage? Pistol powder?

[NJSigfan 218]

Easton Heritage? Pistol powder?

 

All I've ever seen there is rifle...when are you going that you find pistol?

[magnawing 5]

Sarco...down the street from HG in Easton...cheaper and a wider selection.

 

 

This signature is AWESOME!!!

[msokad 3]

Also, don't hesitate to ask the forum members questions. I've been reloading on and off for 20 years and wish I had the forums as a resource.

 

Good luck and welcome to the reloading community.

[MK25 V 3]

All I've ever seen there is rifle...when are you going that you find pistol?

Sorry don't remember when I got it there last. I've been on a rifle powder kick lately. I usually pick up pistol powder from Garden State Armory.

[magnawing 5]

I just stopped in at Sarco this morning and picked up an 8lb keg of 700X for $158. The only reason I bought that much is because the cheapest I've found it in the Houston area is $37/lb. I figure loading 9mm & .45 ACP, 8 lbs should last me about a year.

 

For bullets, there are gun shows almost every weekend where I can get any caliber, weight and finish I want for decent prices. I'm thinking about trying some polymer coated ones.

 

 

This signature is AWESOME!!!

[MK25 V 3]

I just stopped in at Sarco this morning and picked up an 8lb keg of 700X for $158. The only reason I bought that much is because the cheapest I've found it in the Houston area is $37/lb. I figure loading 9mm & .45 ACP, 8 lbs should last me about a year. For bullets, there are gun shows almost every weekend where I can get any caliber, weight and finish I want for decent prices. I'm thinking about trying some polymer coated ones. This signature is AWESOME!!!

 

Great now I have to go to Scarco and spend more money on more powder.

[302w 83]

How good is the stock at Sarco? I know their ammo is limited and pricey. $150 a keg seems good.

[magnawing 5]

They have a lot of different powders but I didn't see a whole lot of any one item. I know they had at least 2 kegs of 700X because I almost bought both...but a divorce would be so much more expensive.

 

 

This signature is AWESOME!!!