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Hello,

Just a quick question. I'm at the point where I need to start reloading and given the lead smelting plant in the US is shutting down this month, there's an expectation that what's already expensive ammo, will become more expensive and supply may become an issue. Given this, are people stocking up and also would an ammo shortage be justification for ramping up your ammo count on your FAC (thinking .22 here)? I'm thinking of buying 1 year's worth of raw components for my .308's and sitting on them until I start reloading, which won't be long now.

I've just noticed this article which states ammo manufacturers get their lead from secondary smelters, but even still it will surely have an effect at some point... wouldn't it?

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2013/1 ... r-closure/

I wouldn't have thought a possible shortage would cut much ice with the police. However if you shoot .22LR in club competitions etc you could argue the case for batch consistency and ask for 5000 to buy, 6000 to hold.
As for the 308, you can buy as many bullets as you want, then just reload the used brass from your rifle as you need it. Only the completed rounds count towards your hold limit.

You're probably right about the police, but I don't think they'll buy the batch consistency argument for my Spikes Tactical ST-22...

Yes buying the parts in bulk is the plan. Is there any limit to the number of primers or powder you can buy?

I wouldn't worry to much, and I dont think it would justify ramping up your ammo count.You make it sound as though there is only one smelting plant supplying ammo manufacturers worldwide!!!.

I don't know enough about it to say that isn't the case, but from what you're saying it doesn't seem like an issue then. I would add however, that ammo prices do seem to be on the rise and for that reason it still seems worth doing.

HALODIN wrote:You're probably right about the police, but I don't think they'll buy the batch consistency argument for my Spikes Tactical ST-22...

Yes buying the parts in bulk is the plan. Is there any limit to the number of primers or powder you can buy?

15kg of nitro powder and that includes the content of primers!

Tony

HALODIN wrote:You're probably right about the police, but I don't think they'll buy the batch consistency argument for my Spikes Tactical ST-22...

Yes buying the parts in bulk is the plan. Is there any limit to the number of primers or powder you can buy?

No reason why they shouldn't. If it's below the maximum weight limit then you should be able to use it in competition. Primers come in boxes of 1000 so unless you're planning to reenact the defence of Rorke's Drift on your own with live home-loaded ammo you should be ok.

mag41uk wrote:

HALODIN wrote:Yes buying the parts in bulk is the plan. Is there any limit to the number of primers or powder you can buy?

15kg of nitro powder and that includes the content of primers!

...and loaded rounds. 15Kg works out to 5,144 charges of 45 grains. Actually, I think the 15Kg limit is what you are allowed to store in a single dwelling without requiring explosives licensing etc.

..

I didn't realise the primer powder counted to wards the limit. V.useful thanks!

mag41uk wrote:15kg of nitro powder and that includes the content of primers!

Tony