Components shortage?

[Jake McCracken]

I'm going to need small pistol primers soon. So I was looking around online (since the local store I usually go to is closed) and it seems everyone is out of stock?

Anyone else seeing a shortage of components? Or is this just a temporary factory shipping thing due to the pandemic?

I haven't heard there's been a run on reloading components, just guns and loaded ammo. When the shop i go to was still open they had a shortage on loaded ammo and handguns, but the reloading section was mostly untouched.

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[djryan13]

Best bet is to get some back orders setup through somewhere like Graf’s.

Last weekend, I setup a backorder at Graf’s for M41 primers. They were the only ones I was slightly short on but didn’t really need them anytime soon. Figured I would do that just in case.

Well, I got a call on Wednesday saying they were ready.

I think folks already bought up the stuff in the stores. There is still supply in the pipe. For how long, no idea. The factories may close. The supply chains could slow down. But there is still stuff likely to come in the short term.

[Thumbcocker]

Just checked in my storage area. Plenty of primers. No shortage at all.[emoji16]

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[rancher1913]

like thumbcocker, opened the supply cabinet and I'm good for a few years.

[Dapaki]

With so much time on my hands, I have used up half of my stash, lots of loaded ammo now but supplies are getting short. Lots of magnum large pistol primers though, looks like I need to do some research?

[Huskerguy]

We have learned a great deal through these ups and downs in supply and demand for ammo and reloading supplies. I realize finances are an issue and buying as you need them is all many of us could and can do at some points in our lives.

I have adopted my own plan. I try to set the price I will pay for anything, powder, primers, etc. I try to avoid overpaying which is difficult when you are in need of something. Instead I try to save my money for when prices come down and the panic buying over. You will know when that is. Items will start to show up in larger numbers with still high prices. It won't be long before prices start coming down. By then I will have saved some cash and made a list of what and how much I will need.

You won't always get it right but that's life. Not having a plan and giving into the gougers is not good. Like 22 ammo, it will return. Just be prepared for when it does and start the cycle.

[David2011]

During the last big shortage I overpaid for large pistol primers. The only package I had seen in a long time was some Federal Match so I bought them at $45 for 1K. I was shooting a lot at the time and concerned about running out. The shortage eased up before I used them and they still sit on the shelf as a reminder. Now that I have plenty of standard LPPs I’m reluctant to use match primers for steel plate matches or practice.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I bet the gunshow vendors have component stock...but the virus has shut down the gunshows.
If you are aware of any local gunshow vendors, give them a call.

[Shawlerbrook]

This will continue and get worse throughout the election. In these perilous times, everyone should strive for a stash of a lifetime supply.

[M-Tecs]

Anyone else seeing a shortage of components? Or is this just a temporary factory shipping thing due to the pandemic?
k

The panic buying is everywhere and it has nothing to do with temporary shipping issues. Lots of the online places are not tacking back orders. With the leftist gun control push it will continue and it will worse till the election. If President Trump doesn't get re-elected it will get far worse. If the GOP doesn't hold the Senate it will be worse than anything we have ever seen.

[dverna]

I have the same situation as Thumbcocker.

We will know how things go in a few weeks when Trump decides when and how to open us up again. I fear M-Tecs is right and things will get worse. $50/1000 for primers might be a bargain not too far into the future.

[dh2]

here Dicks sporting goods is having a clearance sale on reloading stuff , plenty in stock my friend said , He got three lbs of CFE223 for $20 each I am like many other here and Anti Dicks

[richhodg66]

I'm not gonna stress over it this time. Even last time, it didn't really impact my shooting as much as having time to shoot did. I'm set better now than I was then and shooting a lot more, I think I'm good for a while. Kind of weaned myself off rimfire shooting last time, that's the only thing that concerns me much, and not this time.

If it ever gets that bad, I'll start shooting less and find other things to do, maybe get back into archery or something.

[Mytmousemalibu]

Options are thin here, most of what is available is the stuff that most reloaders don't buy much of. The popular components are few & far.

[FLINTNFIRE]

I have been adding to the stash as funds and availability allowed , had to switch powder on a couple as prices were higher or supply was out , but I am still finding what I need at sale prices , but I also see the out of stock and limits again , no back orders and delays on shipping , and it will get worse towards election . Good luck stock up when you can

[dtknowles]

This will continue and get worse throughout the election. In these perilous times, everyone should strive for a stash of a lifetime supply.

This is the kind of talk that leads to shortages. I the last .22 LR shortage, I bought more than I should have. It is still sitting on the shelf, that would be fine if I did over pay for what turned out to be crap ammo. Quality was not good during the crisis.

Tim

[M-Tecs]

This is the kind of talk that leads to shortages. I the last .22 LR shortage, I bought more than I should have. It is still sitting on the shelf, that would be fine if I did over pay for what turned out to be crap ammo. Quality was not good during the crisis.

Tim

Shawlerbrook is just stating political reality. He is also correct about striving for a lifetime supply stash. Most people build up their stash when supply is high and prices are low with free shipping and or free hazmat. Building stashes prevents shortages. All the people that built their stash's are not the ones out panic buying now.

[dtknowles]

Shawlerbrook is just stating political reality. He is also correct about striving for a lifetime supply stash. Most people build up their stash when supply is high and prices are low with free shipping and or free hazmat. Building stashes prevents shortages. All the people that built their stash's are not the ones out panic buying now.

Maybe now is not the right time for that message. Anyway, the idea of a lifetime stash is kind of silly. How do you know what you will be shooting 40 years from now and while 40 year old primers and powder might be fine, they might not be. I have ammo I loaded 20 years ago that it seems I might not shoot. I just sold my SKS and before I did I burned thru my 7.62 x 39 reloads in some mostly pointless shooting. I still have a fair bit of 7.62 x 39 factory ammo but no gun in that chambering. At least I can sell the factory loads.

Yes, it is wise to stock up when prices are low. It does not seem that is the case right now.

Tim

[M-Tecs]

the idea of a lifetime stash is kind of silly. How do you know what you will be shooting 40 years from now and while 40 year old primers and powder might be fine, they might not be. I have ammo I loaded 20 years ago that it seems I might not shoot.

If you weren't going to shoot it why did you load it? Primers keep basically forever. Same for most powders. Jacketed and cast bullets without lube keep forever.

I agree loading something in larger quantities than you will need or you not have a use for is not the best option. I normally shoot between 12K & 15K a year. I know in the future I will be shooting 9mm, 38/357, 44 and 45 Cal pistol. For rifle 22 Cal., 6mm, 6.5, 270, 7mm, 30 Cal, .338, 348, 35 Cal, 375 Cal and 45 cal. How do I know this? I've been shooting them for 40 years and I based on past experience I can fairly accurately predict future needs. I have very little loaded ammo for most of these. I do have a large quantity of fully prepped brass, primers and bullets. The exception is prairie dog loads. I normally fire 5K or 6k a year. I start loading those when I am down to about 5K. The loads I stockpile have proven to shoot accurately in multiple rifles.

[David2011]

During the last big shortage I overpaid for large pistol primers. The only package I had seen in a long time was some Federal Match so I bought them at $45 for 1K. I was shooting a lot at the time and concerned about running out. The shortage eased up before I used them and they still sit on the shelf as a reminder. Now that I have plenty of standard LPPs I’m reluctant to use match primers for steel plate matches or practice.

[Idaho45guy]

I added a new caliber to my stable a couple of weeks ago; .308. Horrible time to add a new caliber to load for. I had an AR-10 lower that I've been sitting on for a couple of years and never really had much use for an AR-10, but wanted one just the same. Saw the panic start and decided if I wanted to complete the rifle within the next year or so, I better get to it. So I ordered the upper.

Then I decided to start stocking up on ammo for it. Uh oh. Discovered that there was a run on components. I already had over a couple thousand primers since I already reloaded for .45-70, but I had no bullets or powder. Did some research and Varget was a powder that came highly recommended for the .308. Decided to go to the only LGS for 50 miles and get some.

Nope. Shut down due to the virus. No problem, there is a Sportsman's Warehouse 50 miles away. I'll just go online and reserve a couple of cans of it and pick them up on my next day off. Nope. None in stock.

I ended up paying $86 online to have some shipped to me. That was two week ago and I still don't have it.

But, I was able to find bullets for it online at my dad's buddy's website. I also found a bunch of brass for it as well. His company deals mostly in cast boolits and components for the old buffalo rifles, but he also has brass and bullets for traditional rifles. Plus, it's located about 70 miles North of me in Idaho. Found plenty of quality brass and fancy Hornady bullets at reasonable prices and no shipping delays. I also had a year's supply of lead sent to me as well...

https://www.buffaloarms.com/

So, I now have all the bullets I need, as well as brass and primers. Now, I just need the powder and some decent weather to see if I can get sub-moa groups out of my new rifle.

I was also able to buy a few boxes of factory loaded ammo in various flavors. My local Walmart got rid of all "assault rifle" and pistol ammo and components, yet still had .308 ammo and components. Morons. Picked up another few hundred primers from them and a couple of boxes of .308 last time I was there.

[FLINTNFIRE]

Yes there is a shortage , Yes there will be another shortage down the road , this repeats itself and those who do not stock up or have a good supply on hand will then start buying as will those who due to whatever current event or legislation started buying .

Probably Trumps fault , he seems to be the one to blame for everything , might even be the expected money that started the panic , free money I can stock up on powder and primers and bullets , or maybe its the fear that this is the expected zombie apocalypse , fear of rioting from the shortage of rear end paper , looting and bands of city people and spreading out into the wilds of america where they will be met by self sufficient backwoodsmen , who will then need to reload to repel the invasion , to keep the non mask wearers at bay from spreading the plague . Thus preserving their hoard of toilet paper , and keeping the american way safe for all of us who did not understand it was for the children .

Sorry I could not resist a little humor , but I have said it months ago that then was the time to add to your powder and primers as prices were good rebates were available and an election was coming .

[Dapaki]

......... I have said it months ago that then was the time to add to your powder and primers as prices were good rebates were available and an election was coming .

I got in on the tail of that warning, thanks for the trumpet call!

[Randy Bohannon]

Right now the ammo manufactures are full capacity and keeping the primers for themselves until they are caught up with ammo demands . Many retailers are saying with all the new shooters buying guns for their first time ammo is screaming off the shelves, more $ in ammo .

[tomme boy]

Local commercial reloader I just talked to got a 1.5 million round 556 order. Same for 9mm

[lightman]

Yes, unfortunately there is another shortage going on.

I got caught in one of the shortages years ago and learned to stay stocked up. I went from trying to keep a years worth of stock to keeping 2 election cycles worth. I was young then and couldn't afford to buy that many components at once. I just made it a point to add to my stash on a regular basis.

I have no desire to have a lifetime supply of powder and primers. 8 years worth is enough! Primers and powder have a very long shelf life if stored properly but powder will go bad. But I do have a lifetime supply of lead and probably brass.

[Mal Paso]

This is OLD news. Powder Valley sent out an email over a month ago saying orders were up "10 fold" and there would be delays.

I started reloading during a shortage and got skooled. I don't stock as many components as I used to but if I keep shooting as much as I did last month, what I got will last forever. LOL

[blackthorn]

Can someone define "lifetime"?? 30 seconds or _____ years? Since I cast, I am good for my "lifetime" (and likely my kids as well).

[M-Tecs]

Can someone define "lifetime"?? 30 seconds or _____ years? Since I cast, I am good for my "lifetime" (and likely my kids as well).

It's no different than your retirement funds. A lifetime supply the amount required for your anticipated need.

[Thumbcocker]

A lifetime supply of lead for a .32 shooter probably isn't the same as for a .45-70 shooter.

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[lightman]

Can someone define "lifetime"?? 30 seconds or _____ years? Since I cast, I am good for my "lifetime" (and likely my kids as well).

No, its just a figure of speech.

[Shawlerbrook]

Big difference between hoarding and being prepared. At 63 years old, a lifetime supply is not a problem. Maybe living here in Cuomo’s NYS makes one a little more interested in having the things I need to make my guns go bang. As far as talk causing shortages goes, I doubt anyone on Castboolits needs me to tell them the situation.

[dragon813gt]

All the people that built their stash's are not the ones out panic buying now.
Ain’t that the truth. I don’t know when the last time I bought components was. I am ride this wave out. Same thing for a 22lr shortage. I’m no longer shooting a brick or two a week so what I have will last me quite a while.

I can apply the same buying strategies to food. I don’t need to go the grocery store for anything besides items that don’t last long. Like fresh vegetables and OJ. There’s a lot of panic buying going on here and it’s hard to buy anything I truly want. Couldn’t buy tortillas today. Apparently everyone wanted Taco Tuesday as much as I did [emoji23]. Sadly I’ve been trying to buy them for around 9 days and there’s never any on the shelf.

[Teddy (punchie)]

I have a buddy that placed an order for small rifle primers. 3 weeks ago. After checking on the order we took a road trip and got some just in case. After explained to us that he paid $42 per 1000, he was out and needed them for loading orders and supplier was out. Over 3 dollars a 1000 they weren't going to wait, so took a drive. Now have enough to do some shooting and work on loads. Only thing I paid too much for last shortage was 22's they just came down to that 20 ish mark and now heading right back up. I like have enough ammo to practice and go hunting.

Some of the true hoarders, the ones that by a pallet full to resale are going to make it hard to place an order. Glad most stop that with buying limits. Ammo just like TP.

[Chuck Perry]

I'm still finding a fair amount of powder and primers locally. Hopefully this is short lived and not a repeat of the 2012 ammo/component drought.

[rbuck351]

I haven't even looked for components in the last year or so. I quit buying because I believe I have for me a lifetime supply of lead, bullets, powder, primers, cases and 22lr ammo. I don't buy during the shortage times. If I can't find a component for a particular round, I just shoot something else. During 22lr shortages I shot a lot of 22H, 22KH, 223 and 25/20 with cast boolits although a could have shot as much 22lr as I wanted because of buying in times of plenty. I started reloading about 55years ago and was caught a bit short on primers early in my loading hobby. It hasn't happened since and I don't believe it will happen to me again. There will be shortages again, get prepared when things return to normal.

[maxreloader]

I bet the gunshow vendors have component stock...but the virus has shut down the gunshows.
If you are aware of any local gunshow vendors, give them a call.

^^^^^^^^^THIS^^^^^^^^^ But only call the vendors that dont look at you like you're the last chick out of the bar and in the parking lot at 2:01am... :shock:

[Iowa Fox]

I haven't even looked for components in the last year or so. I quit buying because I believe I have for me a lifetime supply of lead, bullets, powder, primers, cases and 22lr ammo. I don't buy during the shortage times. If I can't find a component for a particular round, I just shoot something else. During 22lr shortages I shot a lot of 22H, 22KH, 223 and 25/20 with cast boolits although a could have shot as much 22lr as I wanted because of buying in times of plenty. I started reloading about 55years ago and was caught a bit short on primers early in my loading hobby. It hasn't happened since and I don't believe it will happen to me again. There will be shortages again, get prepared when things return to normal.

This could have been written by me word for word. I started almost 60 years ago now with an old uncle as my mentor. His first teaching to me were stay stocked up on components. He described to me what things were like in WW11, Korea, and I was gone in the 60s to fulfill my obligation with Uncle Sam so I don't know what things were like back home. I never forgot his words of wisdom.

[sonoransixgun]

Stopped at one shop. They were out of most powders. All I could get was a lb. of 2400 and some small pistol primers. That was a couple weeks ago....Stopped at another shop a week ago and they let me get two 50 rd. boxes of 9mm, that was all...Stopped today at another shop. Got two boxes of 100 count small pistol magnum primers, which was all they had. Got a lb. of Unique, which made me happy, and they had no 9mm ammo.

You can criticize people who are concerned about the direction things are going and are trying to stockpile, but to me the concern is valid. We all know the other political party is going to shut down as much shooting related business as possible. They're not bashful about saying so. And I never dreamed I wouldn't be able to buy flour and toilet paper at the local grocery store or walmart, but that's the current situation. I'm concerned, and I'm buying up what I can...

[FLINTNFIRE]

Most places around here sell little to no reloading stuff powder well sportsmans has a list you could look at or did I was not interested in looking , I agree the concern is valid as there will be a shortage unlike any we have ever seen if the demorats get more seats or bidet gets in office , stock up if you can , practice your shooting and good luck

[Four-Sixty]

Reading this makes it sound like owning commercial ammo would be a good hedge against inflation.

[Rodbuster55]

I stopped at my lgs today. They had a decent selection of powder. They had a good supply of primers. Not much CCI, but they had winchester and federal. I picked up an 8lb jug of H110.

[smkummer]

Local Cabelas in Louisville has empty shelves. Local trap shooting range has been out of small pistol primers for awhile and some powder. Just secured from a private seller 8 lbs. of H4895 for my CMP M1 Garand matches at $160 and no tax or shipping.

Go to Mid South and see ammo, bullets and other components are out of stock. We may be in for another ride for a bit.

[Pigboat]

There seems to be plenty of powder available. Local shops still have a small selection but Grafs and Powder Valley have plenty.

[brewer12345]

There seems to be plenty of powder available. Local shops still have a small selection but Grafs and Powder Valley have plenty.

Sure, just try to find primers.

I am testing out a percussion cap making kit. Will try the test batch of 9 caps Saturday. Not a panacea, but any port in a storm.

[shooterg]

Went to an actual Gun Show today in Roanoke, VA . Masks required/etc. No reloading guys there, was some scattered small amounts of bullets and powders but not the go to stuff. Cheapest 9mm was $29/50 ! Took an M1 carbine(Inland) for sale or trade, no deals made. Tried to swap a dealer mine and boot for an IBM 'cause I don't have an IBM, but he wanted more boot than I would go . So it came home and goes back with it's twins in the safe. Did find some AR components I needed for "inventory" . Shoulda just saved the 11 bucks and ate a good breakfast !

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I met another castboolits member at a gunshow today.
I found some Federal large Pistol Primers, paid $25 for all he had (1100).
He had 7 or 8 (1000 count bricks) of Fed sm Rifle primers, I didn't need any so I didn't buy any, those were $25 each.

[bakerjw]

I need to dig through my inventory to see what I've got left. I've got a couple thousand once fired 5.56 brass sitting idle that needs to be put together.

[trebor44]

Despite all the 'hard to find' laments, the ammo and components that I have offered for sale at pre-pandemic prices is still setting in my residence. Yeah, there are the lowball offers but those are and will be politely ignored. So if you find something at a decent price get it and use it.

[toallmy]

While cruising the internet yesterday I noticed the Lee loadmaster's are all sold out as well as primers except for some 209s at 4 different companies I ordered from , so I expect there are going to be some frustrated first time reloaders out there in the near future .
I'm not knocking the loadmaster I have one and use it often , I wonder if the other progressive loaders are available .

[bakerjw]

I checked online for primers today. I still have plenty of small pistol and rifle, but they are hard to find.
Things are certainly messed up for now.

[jimlj]

I was in Sportsman's Warehouse (Provo Utah) on Monday. The ONLY primers in the store were a few boxes of 209 shotgun primers, and a few boxes Federal Match LPP. No small pistol or small rifle of any brand. A week earlier I bought the last 1K of small pistol magnum (Winchester) of any small pistol primers in the store.

[Watchman 426]

I'm new to reloading and right now, I can't find small pistol primers anywhere. I have some 9mm brass, powder and boolits... All dressed up with no place to go... Stan

[BigAlofPa.]

I stopped at my LGS today. And grabbed an 8 lbs jug of titegroup. I called 1st. I started using copper plated bullets. And want to save on using what i like for cast.

[Bookworm]

I stopped at my LGS today. And grabbed an 8 lbs jug of titegroup..

8 pounds of Titegroup is gonna last a looong time.....

[kerplode]

Everything is in super short supply. The combination of a pandemic, social unrest, and the near certainty of election of the most anti-gun ticket in history are driving demand like no time I can remember. Worse than the primer scare of the 90's...Worse than 2008...Worse than post Sandy Hook. Shops around here have been picked clean. My last order from Bayou took 6 weeks to be filled. I get in-stock notifications from Midway and SG, and they're sold out by the time I can get logged in and navigate to their pages. It's insane.

It's not going to get better any time soon. If you need stuff, check your LGS regularly, set stock notifications online, and be quick with your mouse...Get what you can and plan on sweeping, draconian, gun control legislation in 2021.

[Thumbcocker]

A bit late to be stocking up.

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[fcvan]

During the last 'shortage' I hadn't been reloading for quite some time. My brother and I had amassed several thousand cases of 40 S&W just from shooting quarterly to maintain our off-duty weapons. Time came to reload and it was early 2009 and so that was NOT the time to stock up. My brother's son-in-law saw primers, at 50 bucks a thousand. Ouch, but he bought them. Powder we had, Dad gave us 10 or 12 lbs of Unique, and a cousin gave us 8 lbs of Red Dot.

As components became more available, we started building up inventory. I don't want to say how many rounds got loaded but the axis of the earth's rotation shifted slightly due to ammo being stored. Although I cast a lot of rounds to load all the empties I don't know how many hundreds of pounds of lead purchased. Today, everything has been loaded except about 3 coffee cans of empties fired in the last few years. This is a mix of 9mm, 40 S&W, 38 SP, .223, and 45 ACP. No rush, I have plenty.

Also, I stocked up on powder and primers some time ago knowing that an election season would be upon us. Now is not the time to try and start stocking up. I use the same basic powders which are Unique, Bullseye, 4227, all bought in 8 lb jugs. When trying a new powder or loading limited run, I buy 1 lb jugs. Limited means hunting rounds with lead free ammo. I haven't hunted in years but wanted to have loads ready in case I wanted to hunt with a buddy in Northern CA, but (for now) don't need lead free in Colorado. I'd rather hunt with my cast boolits and those are fed with 4227 for .223, 300 BO, .308, and 30-06.

I guess I'm saying I have plenty to hold me until the madness subsides. Then I will go back to buying 8 lb jugs, and primers 5K at a time. For those just starting, or running low, I can spare some for my local friends. The only thing I neglected was components for shotgun which for me is a pretty low priority, but still on my list.

[Idaho45guy]

Stopped at the only LGS in the area for 50 miles to check on inventory. Plenty of rifles and pistols in any flavor you want (except for the .22 mag revolver I was interested in). No one at the gun counter buying a firearm, which is a first for the past 3-4 months.

Still no 9mm, .40 S&W, or 5.56 ammo.

Still no primers other than large rifle.

Still no bullets in .355 or .401 of any type.

Powder was available with a couple of pistol flavors back in stock. I picked up a can of 4895 for my .308 to try out.

[brewer12345]

Things are so tight that I have an FFL offering to trade me a pistol for 9MM ammo, 556 ammo, or some primers. I am tempted to go through my stash and see what I don't shoot or need and list it locally on armslist simply to thin out stuff that doesn't work for me and get some folding money. I imagine the case of green tip 5.56 I will probably never shoot would bring a chunk of change.

[Shawlerbrook]

Gunbroker has ridiculous prices on primers up to $175/1000 .

[Bookworm]

Yep, seems the going price for Small Pistol Primers is $175/1000.

At least, that's the price at which they are selling on GunBroker.

At that price, I would be willing to sell some of mine....