I predict that the cost of reloading components will triple in the next 5 years. You will begin to see shortages in copper and brass within 3 years. Projectiles will be the last to become scarce. Primers will become the first.

If you do not have a large stock pile of primers, it is almost past time to wake up. If you are worried about 50's being outlawed and you order one, ask yourself how much good will it do you without primers or brass?

The truth is, ATK which owns both Federal and CCI is having trouble keeping up with production. Over 1.5 billion rounds of small arms ammo is made in one location at Lake City. DOD has told them to up production to 2 billion. A terror attack on Lake City, or a step up in activities based on Iran or North Korea, and there will be a component shortage the likes you have never seen. China's explosive auto industry growth and importing of metals for small arms will continue to suck copper and other key metals out of the world market, not just petroleum.

If amatuers study tactics, and professionals study logistics. The United States of America is about to glide into the center of a logistical nightmare. Be smart enough to prepare accordingly.

The Chinese have almost completed an underground facility that will sustain 200,000 people for years. They have also built 4 small arms ammunition plants that make Lake City look like my reloading room. No bull, no paranoia, just the facts.

Here is a story from a popular police rag. The shortages are coming and this situation will get a lot worse before it gets better.


"August 30 2007
Top News
War Affects LE Ammo Reserves, Weapons Training

Police agencies are decreasing firearms training because they lack quick access to new ammunition, much of which is going to the military overseas.

"Before the war, lag time from order to delivery was three to four months; now it's six months to a year," says James Gutshall, property supervisor for the Loudoun County (Md.) Sheriff's Office. "I purchased as much as I could this year because I was worried it would be a problem," he told the Washington Post.

While agencies might not be running out of ammunition, some officers worry that a shortage over a long period of time could cause officers to miss important training time on the range that's critical to survival on the job.
This concern is compounded by the fact that in recent years law enforcement agencies have increased use and training with firearms such as AR-15s also used by the military. Everyone is competing for the same rounds.

Because of ammunition scarcity and the rising price of copper and other metals, the price of ammunition has soared recently, making matters worse. Manufacturers such as Alliant Techsystems plan to expand their plants and manufacturing capabilities.

In the meantime, some agencies are switching to more expensive rounds that are more readily available than what they had been using, and they're ordering more ammunition in advance. "

Forgive my ignorance, but why is Alliant expanding a bad thing?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Man is this turning out to be true.

20k primers getting ordered today.

My fur check cleared.

Anyone tried the Wolf (PMC) primers? David Tubb says they have produced very low SD's.

I have not tried those, but will make a point to order some.

After primers, what's next on the "to-hoard" list? Powder, hicap magazines, lower receivers?

S1, how would you compare Winchester and LC brass for the .223/5.56?

Strow

I would not say there is a huge difference between the two of them. I can say, not having to swage the primer pockets on the Winchester as opposed to the LC is a good thing and saves time. I use the LC brass because it lasts longer then Federal and Remington, and is not as expensive as Lapua. I use this stuff in my AR's but I have used Winchester with good results, but they need to be resized and trimmed if you buy them new because they are pretty much off when you open up the bag and break out the micrometer. But, I always resize when I buy any brass.

One significant difference is the internal volume. The Winchester lots of brass have more internal volume than the Lake City brass. We typically start two grains lower on the powder charge with LC brass.


Brass seems to be the next hardest thing to get. I think it will depend on what you already have in inventory, vs. what you may be short on.

Here is what I think is a worthy goal. For every American/weapon combination on a Eugene Stoner system, I would have on hand at least 5,000 pieces of brass, 10,000 primers, and enough powder and projectiles to load 10,000 rounds.

For every SWS, I would have at least 3,000 pieces of brass, 6,000 primers, and enough projectiles and powder to load 6,000 rounds.

In addition, I would have 1 spare extractor, 1 spare firing pin, and a couple of spare bolt releases or bolt stops.

Don't forget cleaning solvent, patches, graphite lube, synthetic grease, and copper remover to keep things running.

Once you have secured more than enough ammo components to wear out a barrel, a spare barrel for your favorite system would not be a bad idea.



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Primers. Check.
Brass. Check.

Now if I can just settle on a bullet and powder...

For the 308 win., I like the Lapua 155 Scenar for long range work, 155 Berger VLD as second choice.

For 308 win., CQB work, the Hornady 110 Vmax is the cats meow of lead bullets.

For the .556 Nato or .223, the Hornady 52 gr. Amax is the ticket. If you feel you must go heavier, the Hornady 75 gr. BTHP Match.