Delaware Concealed Carry Forum

General Gun Discussion => Ammunition and Re-Loading => Topic started by: 8thFA on December 28, 2015, 11:20:27 AM

Title: cheap ammo source
Post by: 8thFA on December 28, 2015, 11:20:27 AM
Hi All!

I bought a hand gun a few months ago and have been shooting it quite a bit.  As you all know, ammo isn't exactly cheap, but I'm thankful I went with a 9mm over a .40 which was my first choice.

Where do you guys go for cheap ammo?  Anyone go the online route?

I've found that wally world seems to be the cheapest but I'd still like to go cheaper.  Appreciate any comments you guys have.

BTW, was on my way to the range saturday morning and had run out of ammo so I stopped at Cabelas.  200 rounds of ammo cost twenty bucks more that wally world. 

Thanks
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: Lumspond on December 28, 2015, 02:55:59 PM
Welcome to the group!
I do order online, but you are paying a lot for shipping.
Here are a few sites to check out. With some of them, you can set a price and receive an alert.

http://www.luckygunner.com/bulk-ammo
http://ammoseek.com
http://www.gunbot.net/ammo/223-556/
http://www.ammospy.net/ammo/handgun
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: RetCapt1994 on December 28, 2015, 02:56:25 PM
I have been using these sites for years and have had no problems with any of them.  www.ammoman.com -  www.sgammo.com -  www.ammunitionstore.com - www.wideners.com - www.ammunitiondepot.com, this is a good site for carry/defense ammo. They also have some good sales on bulk. Again I have never had a problem with any of these dealers. You just have to be a smart shopper. Good luck to you and stay safe.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: 8thFA on December 28, 2015, 06:33:53 PM
Cool, I'll check out these links, thanks!
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: robberbaron on December 28, 2015, 08:57:25 PM
The high cost is what got me to start re-loading about 2 years ago. Just a Lee Classic turret press (less than $200.00) and a tumbler ($35.00) and range brass (free). I buy the bullets from X-Treme and they have free shipping from time to time. I can re-load 9mm for about $5.00/box, .40 S&W for about $6.00/box and .45 ACP for about $7.50/box. It takes some time to get the hang of it, but that is about all I shoot now.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: Adrenolin on December 30, 2015, 09:52:00 AM
Order a 1000 rounds or more when possible. My preferred range/bulk ammo is S&B 115gr but it's been hard to find lately in bulk. Expect to spend $209-240 per 1000 rounds in bulk online.

Also look for larger boxes of defensive rounds. I only use Speer Gold-Dot 9mm HP rounds in my 9mm handguns because it feeds 100% in them all. The boxes of 20 sell for $20-25 bucks however I order the LE 50 round boxes online for $31ish which is a huge savings.

Agree on the reloading option mentioned above. Save all your range brass and just dump it into a ziplock when shooting. The lee classic is cheap and reliable and 9mm is easy to reload. I bought a tumbler but hated it. Bought a double drum roller from Harbor Freight with SS pins off amazon and it's much better imo.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: seniorgeek on December 30, 2015, 12:03:34 PM
 "I bought a tumbler but hated it. Bought a double drum roller from Harbor Freight with SS pins off amazon and it's much better imo."

Adrenolin is correct. I also have the double tumbler from Harbor Freight and it works well.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: Radnor on December 30, 2015, 04:31:23 PM
Since reloading came up, will post a link to this thread.
See replies 2 & 10. (really read the whole thing)
http://deccw.com/index.php?topic=2026.0 (http://deccw.com/index.php?topic=2026.0)

As far as tumbler, I have a LARGE one from Lee (I think).
Crushed corn cob.  As far as polish, NuFinish car wax liquid.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: Cbmarine on December 30, 2015, 08:44:27 PM
A few notes on the advantages of reloading:
- having supplies costs less to stockpile than finished ammo
- within limits, you can reallocate supplies, (consult your reloading manual) e.g.,
-- small pistol primers are good for 9mm, .40, and some .45
-- powders such as Power Pistol, HS-6, Accurate #7 are good for 9mm and .40
- you can tune your loads to your application
- you can buy in bulk: powder in 1, 4, and 8 pounds typically, bullets in 1000s and 6000s. Primers in 1K lots
- you can mimic your EDC loads within reason

Caution: handle primers carefully especially when decapping a fired case.  Somewhere in the DSPC newsletter archives is a case where a Reloader developed high blood lead levels (BLL), probably from the corn cobs in the tumbler. I put range brass in a plastic baggie, decap before sonic cleaning, and put spent primer in a baggie.  

Make a list of your supply needs and options. Pick up supplies when your inventory is low or supplies are limited. Better to have less than optimal supplies than none at all.  I have not seen Power Pistol or Alliant 2400 on the shelf in years.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: Adrenolin on December 31, 2015, 02:08:43 PM
Reloading sounds like a lot of work and steps, and it is to be honest, however once you get things worked out it becomes much easier. I found used casing prep the thing that held me back mostly so I'd de-prime and clean my casings in batches ensuring that I always had prepped casings. At that point the reloading process is quiet simple.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: PPScarry on February 14, 2016, 07:49:46 PM
You guys need to teach a class at Del Tech or something. Got one customer here. I think I need adult supervision for a few thousand rounds! I'd be willing to buy the necessary items and tools. Someday that may be all there is as far as prepping goes. Plus I like to shoot and would probably shoot more if I could bring down the cost. 22l isn't as fun, honestly.

Lead poisoning? Phfflt! How long does that take, I'm over half dead already. (just kidding I know it's serious)
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: robberbaron on February 14, 2016, 10:26:54 PM
I know it has become a cliche, but I have found YouTube to be an excellent source for info. I am a visual learner and have been able to find so many videos that are detail oriented for the particular press being used. I still have the Lee turret press, but recently upgraded to a Hornady Lock N' Load AP press. 1 round is made with each pull of the handle vs. 4 pulls with the Lee. I am still working on the fine tuning, but it is a huge upgrade in speed. Hornady has an entire series of videos available, as well as the after market posters. So far, only .45 ACP, but I will slowly move everything over. I will keep the turret press, as it is bullet proof and will be a great backup, in case something breaks on the Hornady.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: Tonym on February 14, 2016, 10:56:12 PM
I learned everything i know about reloading on youtube and internet forums. It takes a lot of money up front but pretty much everything i load i can shoot for at most, half what it cost to buy new ammo at walmart. If youre a hands on type of person who can easily accomplish projects around the house or under the hood, reloading is easy. Its wayyyy easier if youre only doing straight wall pistol cases over bottle neck rifle rounds
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: PPScarry on February 14, 2016, 11:51:01 PM
Do you need a room to do it in. Wonder if the lead is a concern. I'm going to watch some youtube for sure. Cheaper 380, 9 & especially 45 would be great and worth the time to me.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: Cbmarine on February 15, 2016, 12:05:35 AM
Do you need a room to do it in.
A 4' workbench with shelves above is adequate.

Wonder if the lead is a concern...
if you are casting your own bullets, yes.  Otherwise, no.

Along with youtube, the Hornady Reloading Manual has a wealth of info on reloading how-to and both internal and external ballistics, including the importance of case length and cartridge overall length (COL).
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: PPScarry on February 15, 2016, 11:01:54 AM
Appreciate the information.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: Adrenolin on February 16, 2016, 04:06:13 AM
Heck, you can reload while sitting in a lazy-boy, one round at a time with a Lee Loader (http://leeprecision.com/reloading-kits/lee-loader-pistol/) for $40 bucks plus bullets, primers and powder.  ;D This can also be used at the range to test loads on the spot.

It's as cheap or as expensive as you'd like. I started with a $40 Lee Loader 9mm, a small bottle of powder, a pack of 100 primers and some 9mm bullets for a couple more bucks. This was followed by a Lee Classic Turret kit (cast iron version, not the aluminum one) later with additional die sets, etc which is when your costs start adding up.

None of it really saves you money unless you buy supplies in bulk and reload a lot. It does however allow you to shoot more and more often.

If you want to actually give it a try pickup a Lee Loader online and some powder, primers and bullets locally. Total costs under $100 bucks and gives you an idea of what's involved. Better to learn then jumping on a progressive press and not understanding what's going on fully. Not sure what Chris carries but X-Ring can likely set you up with everything you need to start with quickly.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: Tonym on February 16, 2016, 05:43:44 AM
Amazon got me going with most of the supplies i needed for really good prices. They dont sell any actual components like primers or projectiles, but they have all the tools, dies and presses youll need.

I dont reload 9mm yet just because its still pretty cheap to buy but i save a ton of money reloading 45acp, 45.70, 500sw, 50AE, 308, 7.62x54r and 5.56. Now i can afford to shoot a lot of expensive guns for well under half what the cheapest store bought ammo cost per round.

Tonight for example i watched a few episodes of law and order and cranked out about 400 45s on a lee classic turret.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: PPScarry on February 16, 2016, 10:52:22 AM
Totally understand and it could put a 45 in my hands. I'm pretty good in my lazy boy, grip taped my pistols from there and they are beautiful. Been shooting 9mm and reloading will make it a little cheaper however I really want a 1911. I don't want it just to look at it either. 45 are not that expensive but enough so that reloading can make a difference. I like the idea of the Lee loader. I talked to a guy who said a group of like minded guys buy in bulk for each other because of hazmat charges and bulk is cheaper in the long haul. I have been trolling Amazon for the right loader. I also want to learn to reload rifle ammo.

Guess I will become a brass lady of the night.

I will not be casting my own bullets so that makes me feel better about the operation. A wealth of knowledge is what this website is and it is appreciated.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: Radnor on February 16, 2016, 11:58:53 AM
Dont know what the others offer, but Dillon has a 100% NO B.S. warranty!

Several years ago wife bought me a set of dies from a local store.
One was missing from the set.  Dillon replaced it.

Once I bent a pin.  Called them and explained MY error.  Wanted to buy
the replacement part.  They said it's in the mail - would not take my $$$.

On a scale of 1 to 10, there are not enough numbers to express my satisfaction
with them.

I'm sure others here may have different brands and are equally satisfied.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: PPScarry on February 16, 2016, 12:11:30 PM
 Checked out the XL650 enough times it's now a pop up on certain websites! Youtube videos are making me feel a little more comfortable and have noticed a few guys making mistakes on their own machines!
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: PPScarry on February 16, 2016, 12:23:29 PM
Don't worry, I will start with a single stage press before I start fooling with dies and the more expensive machines.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: Radnor on February 16, 2016, 02:19:42 PM
Don't worry, I will start with a single stage press before I start fooling with dies and the more expensive machines.

Why?

I started out with the best machine I could afford at the time, it is a 550B.  I figured if I took the money I was
willing to invest in a less expensive machine then I'd have to save to get back to where I was at the time of
purchasing the 550B.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: Cbmarine on February 16, 2016, 05:41:37 PM
...
I will not be casting my own bullets so that makes me feel better about the operation. A wealth of knowledge is what this website is and it is appreciated.
I forgot to mention that there is some exposure to lead, i.e., lead styphnate, from primers, both when firing and handling/cleaning.  A quick web search pulled up the thread http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-138308.html
Read AZ Jeff's second comment which is twelfth in the thread.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: PPScarry on February 16, 2016, 06:47:34 PM
Thanks CB, Maybe I will jump in with the XL. My wife said the same thing as you Radnor. All the youtube videos say to start with a single press but then again if you're not paying attention and double the powder by accident........automatic dispensing can be safer. Just a thought.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: Radnor on February 16, 2016, 10:37:01 PM
NO DISTRACTIONS while loading.

If a distraction STOP, deal with it then, CHECK EVERYTHING when you start back up.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: robberbaron on February 16, 2016, 11:17:12 PM
I agree. I have a dedicated loading bench in my basement and no one is allowed to talk to me while loading. I learned the hard way- several squibs and even an overcharge in the early days. Not any more. I don't see any logic in buying a single stage press, even as a first press. The turret press is only a little more money and can be used a single stage, if you want to start slow. You can also load one round at a time in the progressive press. That is how I started when I upgraded. Easy to inspect each operation, especially the powder charge. Now I am up and running in full progressive and for the most part, things are good for the .45 ACP. I picked up dies and a shell plate from Cabella's over the weekend and will dive into 9mm soon.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: PPScarry on February 17, 2016, 01:44:37 AM
I don't want to learn the hard way :o, and I hide from my wife all the time - no distractions. ;D

Looks like a little over a thousand dollar investment (I like the progressive auto indexing five station with the 223 conversion) and pays for itself pretty fast. I can see the advantage after initial investment. Looks like fun trying to set up.

Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: Cbmarine on February 17, 2016, 01:49:49 AM
Thanks CB, Maybe I will jump in with the XL. My wife said the same thing as you Radnor. All the youtube videos say to start with a single press but then again if you're not paying attention and double the powder by accident........automatic dispensing can be safer. Just a thought.
I've always selected the slower powders where a double charge would overflow.
Title: Re: cheap ammo source
Post by: PPScarry on February 17, 2016, 01:58:48 AM
Reading my mind as far as double charge. Scary term "catastrophic failure of handgun". Causes shrinkage too.