re: Ammo Shortage - Really getting fed-up. Reloading an Option?

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For those who do hand load (which I do but just for large caliber rifle and shotguns) how hard are the components to come by right now?

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Components availabiiity is HORRIBLE right now. In some ways, avaiability problems are even worse for handloaders than those buying loaded ammo. As far as priorities go, components for handloaders is at the bottom. The handloader has to have brass (not to bad here as long as one has a lot of brass already available), bullets, powder and primers available. I ordered 1K bullets recently and had to wait 2 months for them. Fortunately, I didn't need them at the time, but was just building up a stock. One of the bullets I ordered was not available; they said those bullets would be out of stock for 3-4 more months!

The biggest problem for the handloader is primers. There are only 4 companies in the US that make primers. I've never used any foreign primers so I can't vouch for their availability or quality. I bought 4K primers right after Sandy Hook and already wish I had more. If you do find primers, be prepared to REALLY pay for them. I understand there's a store in Bossier that has primers, but is charging 1 1/2-2X the usual price. If one resorts to mail order/internet buying, one then has to pay shipping PLUS the $20 hazardous shipping fee, adding to the expense considerably...... It's a sad time right now for anything shooting related......unless you're in sales!