What to do next...

[Thunderchief]

Ok, I haven't really ever heard this question asked and given a good answer as to why. If this doesn't make sense to you please bear with me.

1) You buy your first rifle, military style, bolt action or semi-auto, it doesn't really matter.

2) You buy a handgun, military or civillian style, semi-auto or revolver. Again, it coesn't really matter.

3) Now what to do with ammuntion for both.

Do you go out and start stocking up on surplus ammunition of any kind until you have a few thousand rounds for each or do you you buy a few hundred rounds or so first then invest in a reloader?

Please explain your answers as to why you would do it your way and consider that we may be on borrowed time here as far as the 2nd Amendment goes.

[Ryder]

Your going to have to do both but buy surplus NOW! The .308(7.62) surplus is drying up rapidly and what is left out there is only getting higher in price.

The .223(5.56) still is pretty available, just pricey.

Get as much surplus as you can afford now. Use some to make sure it functions well in your firearms then hoard the rest. The suplus is exellent SHTF ammo as it is mil-spec in regards to crimped primers and sealed primers/bullet necks.

Next is to invest in a good progessive reloader like the Dillon 550b or 650. Get a nice stickpile of primers, bullets, powder and some once fired brass. Military and civilian once fired brass is still available for a decent price.

Load your once fired brass and use this for "plinking" and practice. This will keep your costs down and save your surplus for serious work.

They days of cheap blasting surplus ammo is gone. I remember a 1000rd case of Portugese 7.62 for $147. Its only going to get worse. Maybe the anti-gunners have figured they could control the firearms now by controlling the ammo. :(

[jerrymrc]

Ok, I haven't really ever heard this question asked and given a good answer as to why. If this doesn't make sense to you please bear with me.

1) You buy your first rifle, military style, bolt action or semi-auto, it doesn't really matter.

2) You buy a handgun, military or civillian style, semi-auto or revolver. Again, it coesn't really matter.

3) Now what to do with ammuntion for both.

Do you go out and start stocking up on surplus ammunition of any kind until you have a few thousand rounds for each or do you you buy a few hundred rounds or so first then invest in a reloader?

Please explain your answers as to why you would do it your way and consider that we may be on borrowed time here as far as the 2nd Amendment goes.


What Ryder has said is spot on. Myself I just use a single stage and load in batches. Many here have ah... more than one caliber of weapon.

If I am reading your post correctly you have not purchased said weapons yet? If not then with the current price of .308 surplus I would lean to a .223 or 7.62X39. Pistols are a non-factor for ammo as 9mm and 45acp are very abundant.

Right now 2100 rds of .223 surplus can be had for $450 2000 rds of good .308 is going to run $6-800 A cheap way to go would be 7.62X54r. 2400 rds of silver tip is $240

I buy some reloading supplies every paycheck. I work up rounds and record the results for everything I have on hand. If the SHTF there will be no time to "work up a load" Once I do find a combo that the gun likes then I load/seal and store it. I know what the surplus I have on hand shoots like.

Just some thoughts.

[Thunderchief]

Well let's just say I am a little behind. I have an average of 500 rounds for each weapon. I guess this is a good start?

[k7kit]

Well let's just say I am a little behind. I have an average of 500 rounds for each weapon. I guess this is a good start?


Well, yes, that is an excellent start, and if the brass you currently have is boxer primed, the rounds you already have would be reloadable.

I have used a single stage press for - golly - close to 40 years. I mostly reload for the mouse gun, FAL, a couple of bolt rifles, and .357. I do not load .45acp yet. I have a very good supply of ammo, wich supplies an almost unlimited amount of civillian brass as well. I used to load for .40S&W but I no longer have anything that shoots it.

I have never thus far felt the need to go to a progressive press. I too usually load in batches.

But, heed everyone's advice, the cost of surplus 7.62x51 is going up rapidly, followed by 5.56. Who nows what will happen down the road with the ammunition supplies.