Given the lack of variety in ammo availability right now, I'm thinking about getting into reloading.
While I realize there will be the upfront cost, I'm wondering what the financial benefits are of reloading. And, in the current climate, is reloading even feasible?
My current understanding is that a cartridge requires: a bullet, a primer, powder, and a casing (as well as the tools/process to put it all together).
I've found a source for some bullets I'd like to use for deer hunting, and am considering buying the bullets and loading them into my once-fired brass.
Will I see a cost savings per round if I reload? And even if not, are the components reasonably available right now?
This subject has been discussed A LOT recently.
Reloading has a TON of benefits. It can, in the long term, save you money but it depends on what you shoot and how much you shoot. What tends to happen 99% of the time is people are able to shoot more for the same amount of money so they don't actually save money. But if you keep the round count over time you will recoup your investment.
For example if you found 223 match ammo in normal times they were going for $1.50 ish per round (at least several years ago). I was able to recreate and tune a load for my rifle for maybe .30 cents or under. Just to keep it round numbers say I was saving $1 per round of that kind of ammo.
In that scenario it would take an average person not very long to 'get back their money'. With other ammo it works too but maybe not as stark of a contrast.
However to your last question about components availability... the answer is hell no. They are not available hardly at all, especially primers. Getting in now thinking you will be flush with ammo is not going to happen.
For me I have rode out several shortages because when times were flush and you could buy primers and get a $200 cash back from the blowout sale I bought a bunch, or relatively a bunch. I highly recommend that anyone that plans on shooting a lot to learn to reload and stock up on components relative to how much you actually shoot.
Generally speaking I haven't bought store bought ammo in I don't know how long. I remember back when Obama got elected I had enough stuff to where I filled up the largest Igloo cooler flush to the brim with loose 9mm rounds. I had enough to fill it up again after that ran out. Since I don't shoot a ton (relative to others) it took me several years to go through all that. I also paced myself too. While everyone else was waiting in lines outside of the sporting goods store waiting for it to open so they could buy a box of 9mm I would go out with a small bucket and scoop some up and head out to the back yard to go shoot.
I also advise new reloaders that reloading is a hobby unto itself. If you are not patient and not technically inclined or a number of other traits reloading might not be for you. When people get sloppy is when accidents happen. A lot of people 'try' reloading but then find it kind of boring for their tastes because a lot of it is repetitive. But if you like reading, have a little bit of curiosity, have some patience and think it could be a thing (more than just "I got ammo now!") then by all means give it a go.
Components are in short supply now for sure. Equipment is as well. That means your press, dies etc are almost all on backorder too.
All that said over a 10 year time frame (or longer than that) I have had ammo when there was none to be found and I have overall saved a ton of money. Think about the costs of things over a long term time frame and don't buy all lower end stuff (just my opinion). If that's what you can afford then by all means go for it and it will work out. But if you buy 'better' stuff the first time it will avoid what happens to most people---buying 2 or 3 things when they could have just bought a good one from the start. It will be more $$$ out of pocket but long term...
