Price Gouging

[bob_dobalina]

It's not really my style to rant but I'm feeling a little frustrated -A few years back when component prices went through the roof the excuse was fear of the new administration taking away our gun rights is causing everyone to buy in bulk and prices shot up to slow things down - supply and demand. the other day i was told prices remain high now because china is buying up all the precious metals, which seems plausible. I just went to the local sportings good store to pick up a few odds and ends and looked at my receipt afterwards -

RCBS Powder Baffle (1) - $7.99
RCBS Pilot for case trimmer (1) - $5.19
RCBS 30 Cal Shell holder (1) - $6.99
RCBS Decapping pnis (4) $3.99

Grand total $24.16! I could make the powder baffle out of tin foil. $1 apiece for decapping pins?! Is china buying up all the shell holders too? starting to doubt this theory

 

[FOTIS]

Between the war(s) and China buying everything this is true.

Look at Brass prices and or bullet prices. And they will never go down either! :evil:

 

[Guy Miner]

On the other hand, at least locally, I see AR-15 prices have come down considerably from a year or two ago.

But you're right - reloading isn't the bargain basement hobby of years ago.

 

[FOTIS]

I do it mostly for the accuracy now. It still saves you some over the factory but the savings are not that prevalent..

 

[SJB358]

Savings!, yeah, that went out the door once I found you all and SPS! Now, I just shoot cause I like it. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

I make a point of warning those taking hand loading classes from me that they will not save any money. However, they will shoot more. Ergo, they will enjoy their rifles/handguns more and become more proficient with their firearms.

 

[Desert Fox]

I look at it this way, If I need it, it cost nothing. With that said, this is an expensive hobby. I still think the price of the reloading tools are reasonable, considering that they're guaranteed lifetime by the manufacturers. They have to make money somewhere. :|

 

[Greg Nolan]

Re-loading can save money if you shoot an expensive calibre. 458 Lott, most RUMs and exotic calibres but the draw for me is that I was able to load, perfect and kill 2 elk with the 375 RUM with 260 gr. A/Bs at 3080 fps. years before any commercial loads like that were availible. The 458 Lott that JDMAG has likes 350 gr. TSXs at 2730 fps. Try and buy a box of those commercially loaded. I equate it to fly tying by a fly fisherman. The variations are endless, creative and artistic. And it keeps me off the streets :roll:

 

[DrMike]

There is the intangible value of taking game with bullets you have made yourself. It is impossible to put a price on that sense of accomplishment.

 

[JD338]

I have been reloading for 36 years. Back when I started, there was a big cost savings but that has eroded over time. Its still a fun hobby and I custom tailor my loads to my needs.

The best way to save is to buy seconds and bulk. Going in with 2-3 friends may be another way to save some money too.

JD338

 

[OldMan]

If you want to justify reloading, just go buy a box of 338-378 Wby factory shells! Even the 300 Wby cartridges will be eye poppers. Reload these a few times and you can afford to use them! A buddy brought over his Mark V with a box of factory 338-378's to chrongraph 2 years ago and the price on the box was $99.95 for 20! Want to shoot a few squirrels anyone?

 

[SJB358]

Yeah, there is no way I could shoot the rifles I own and keep a few bucks around. Weirdo's like the 358 Win, 35 Whelen, 45-70 are all getting near 40 a box. Not to mention, loaded with Premium PT's or Accubonds or BT as loaded by Federal or any other maker for my 300WM, 338WM, 270WSM are all in the 50+ dollar a box range. No thanks, I will keep the Forster working. It is earning its keep! Scotty