Updated: considering I have several thousand rounds of my main calibers, and hundreds of the one-offs, I decided to start investing in reloading. Prior to this decision I had always convinced myself that being stationed in Korea or Hawaii (both of which I’ll be to again before I retire) made reloading impractical. Never did I consider buying and storing for when I retire.

Thanks to a forum member, I won’t name, he can post if he desires, I am well on my way. Member reached out to me and asked if I’d be interested in giving his 550B a good home. I jumped on it, he was only an hour away so I drove down and he had a whole “lot” of stuff that he parted with. Quite the haul. I left wanting to drive down some other time when the wife and kids weren’t with me and sit and chat with the gentleman. If he’s so inclined.

Broke down, cleaned, and lubed. I’ll reassemble tonight.


This is just a portion of the components I was essentially gifted. I well set up from the start and very grateful to the forum and that gentleman. I definitely owe him.


My next 10 years might take me to different areas where I can’t own ammo or components like powder and primers.

But after 10 years I’ll be retired and in a permanent place to do as I please.

So at this time do I continue to stockpile ammo or move towards building up components for reloading once I retire?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: OttoSig,

If I had family or good friends who'd store things for me while away, and I had the funds to support the purchases now, I'd probably do some serious squirrelling.

I assume you will have secure storage while stationed elsewhere.

I would stock up on both prior to the restricted duty stations. You will have plenty of readily available ammunition as well as a supply of brass to reload once the ammo is used.

Unopened containers of gunpowder will store longer than open containers but even opened containers will store a long time.

Ammo cans are great for long-term storage.

I do not think it matters. Whatever you can buy that is the best value.

quote:

Do I stock up on ammo or components to reload?

Yes.

Yes IS the answer!

Both. Store them with family

Both!
And don't forget about magazines and parts

I'd take components over ammo. Reloading gives me way more versatility to produce whatever load I might need for a specific situation, and I can stockpile more for less money. If you buy a bunch of factory ammo, you're stuck with what you've got. Aside from a few very specific carry loads for self-defense, or the occasional killer deal (sometimes you'll find some of the more "exotic" stuff on clearance, or occasionally 9mm will be cheaper to buy than to load), I don't care if I never buy factory ammo again.

I’m in the stockpile both when you can. I keep a good supply of factory plinking ammo/range ammo in calibers that I shoot frequently.

11 years is still a bit away but I can safely assume prices on components or ammo will not go down in the next 11 years. Therefore, I vote for both. I'm assuming you are not paying for climate controlled storage to keep these items in. If you are, that can get very expensive and maybe wipe out any savings that would occur.

I bought a decent bit of ammo in 2016. I ended up downsizing in caliber a couple years ago. Some ammo I sold for what I paid and other I sold for more than what I paid.

Magazines are a must. I'm in the idea of 10-15 magazines per gun.

I don't reload and never will , so my decision is easy .

Couple of ways to consider this question.
1. If you look at from a hunting or plinking point of view either ammo or components would work.

2. If you look at from needing to defend your family & castle then ammo would be the best route. You might not have time to do your reloading in the middle of a fire fight, you need ammo ready to go. If you have to bug out then you ain't gonna have time to mess around gathering up your reloading equipment & supplies. Factory ammo would be much easier to grab & go.

quote:

You might not have time to do your reloading in the middle of a fire fight, you need ammo ready to go.

Not necessarily mutually exclusive. I almost exclusively reload compared to buying commercial ammo, but I keep a good amount loaded up and ready to go, then just reload to replenish what I used. The immediate preparedness is there, but so is the flexibility.

Bugging out is a worst case scenario. If I ever had to do that, I'd definitely be leaving a lot of guns and ammo behind, nevermind components. Ammo is heavy and I just don't have the capacity to transport all of it in conjunction with other important supplies, especially on short notice. You'd have to cache that kind of stuff at your destination ahead of time for it to be a viable solution on short notice.

I think the OP is talking about preparedness against future price increases and availability concerns more than massive societal collapse, though.

Always be looking for a deal and buy when it emerges.
It is a constant effort that never ends and never satisfied.
It is the burden we must bear.

I guess I'd start out by getting a better understanding of your goals.

Hobby shooting, self-defense or the breakdown of society type situation.

What are you needs and abilities to use each going to be after those ten years from now.

What are the laws likely to be where you will live?

Living in a rural, suburban or other location?

A little more info, I have several thousand of 5.56, 9mm, and 22. Even close to that in 10mm also. Then I have several hundred of lesser used calibers, 308, 45-70, 30-06.

So with that said I was thinking rather than spending another 2k or so on a bulk order it might be more beneficial to expand my capabilities and order enough components for 5k each. Then I can slowly upgrade a reloading press and dies, etc.

I’m researching between the LNL and a Dillon.

quote:

Originally posted by selogic:
I don't reload and never will , so my decision is easy .

Neither do I but I would consider hoarding 1000 small pistol primers for the outside chance. Other reading paraphernalia would follow if I caught the bug.

Kinda having a hard time with this one. I have a Dillon 550 with all the goodies and tool heads for each caliber I reload. 9,45, 38, and 5.56 actually 2 for 5.56 one has just the sizing die the other powder drop, seating, and crimping die. Those above I reload mostly 9 and 5.56 because they are my fun guns at range and my family and I shoot them the most. If I was into long range precision shooting I wouldn't use my Dillon or a progressive press to reload for that. For hunting we have 3 270 win model 70 in the house and I use plain old vanilla factory Winchester 150 grain power points that group MOA or less at 100yds on all 3 rifles. I bought 3 cases (600rds) of them once I found how well they grouped. They kill deer with authority I will add. I will never have to buy 270 ammo again.

I'm telling you this cause other than just having it and storing 5k each of components or live rounds for 45-70, 30/06, and 308 doesn't make a lot of sense to me with out knowing the application for it. As far as the 9, 10, and 5.56 I would say go for it if those are your primary range toys.

Lastly 10 years is a good bit out and you have stated it "might" take you to areas you can't have ammo or components. Either way someone has to store all this for you If that is the case. That being said and you want to up your capabilities with reloading with a Dillon or LNL and have $2K to spend pick one and get 9mm, 5.56/223 dies, SP primers, SR /5.56 primers, some capably powder for each won't be the same, and get to it. Add 10mm and others as you go. If not buy the bulk ammo. Hray

There are no deals coming, in fact it's about to get worse.