Due to ammo shortages, do you have you have any recommendation for a standard, self-defense, SHTF load. Each would have their own requirements, but looking for load that function in most revolvers and pistols, especially in those SHTF survival situations. I know there are also powder and primer shortages and you will need a reloading press, but looking at options available, since not sure how long these conditions will last.
Also do you have recommendation for where to get bulk bullets (heads)? Would you recommend coated or FMJ? Is there a type or shape that you have found to be the best all around?
Thanks in advance.
I just had a long conversation with someone else on this subject. But conditions can be quite different over there compared to over here on the mainland. Being that I lived over there during the last shortage I can make some different recommendations for you. First, ammo shortages are mostly 9mm and 223/5.56. I would think by now this should be true over there as here. But I find that 38, 357, 44 Mag and to a lesser extent 45ACP ammo will be less sporadic as the shortages are mostly being caused by new shooters trying to stock up on ammo. So if you hit up say SEC and YG and WGS a day or two every week you will probably be able to find ammo eventually. Even during the last shortage, some of the LGS there were still getting shipments. It takes perseverance to be at the right place at the right time.
Primers are a different story. Small Pistol Primers and Small Rifle Primers are non existent. They are not being shipped and are being redirected to the ammunition manufacturers. So unless there is an LGS over there that still has some stock or you have a source for them you are shit out of luck. Large Pistol and Rifle Primers while very hard to find can be found at very high prices. And don’t forget it costs a lot more to ship primers to Hawaii. Plus not all online retailers will ship Hazmat to Hawaii. Unless you are rich and can find someone willing to ship to hawaii you can find primers and ammo on Gun Broker.
The same that goes for primers also applies to powder. Most of the popular powders are gone. The powders made here in the US are either being redirected to the ammo manufacturers or they can be found if you persevere. But again, they are a Hazmat shipment so ordering from online retailers is going to be very expensive if they will ship at all. With powder that is manufactured outside the US it is impossible as most countries such as Australia where a lot of Hodgdons powders are made is not shipping right now. However, there are a few alternatives if you do your homework. There is a fairly new brand called Shooters World that is not so popular and their powders seem to show up at LGS out here and sit on the shelves for a while. Same for some Vitavouri powders. So doing some research and a desire to use not so popular substitutes will go a long way. But that is assuming your LGS there will carry these brands.
Bullets and brass are still available and can be shipped by any retailer to you over there. However, 9mm and 223 brass are getting harder to find and prices are rising. But again it is not impossible. Once fired range brass is easily found as long as you get all the tools necessary and are willing to put in the extra time and effort to prepare the brass you should not have much of a problem at this time. Bullets are tougher to find if you are looking for JHP style bullets as everyone wants to make their own self defense ammo. But if you are willing to compromise on plated or plain lead or powder coated bullets over jacketed then you should be able to find some. Just don’t expect to get hollow points that are designed as SD (expanding) bullets.
With all that said, I recommend that you don’t try and reload during this shortage. Mostly due to the shortages, price increases and availability of primers and powder. What I recommend is that you use this shortage to accumulate what you need to reload and do it when you find sales and maybe even some used equipment off craigslist or at garage sales. Or even in the classifieds here. You can also accumulate bullets as some manufacturers are still selling their bullets at pre panic prices. Same with brass. But powder is almost impossible and primers are literally impossible to get unless you find alternate supply lines for them. So in this way, when the panic shortage is over and you have some accumulation of equipment and supplies when primers and powder become available again at reasonable prices you can then begin your reloading adventure. This will also give you the ability to accumulate the primers and powder you will need to get through the next panic shortage in 4 years. That would be my recommendation at this time.
There is a thread here in the forum of everyone’s favorite online retailers. I suggest you start with that list and do your own searching to find the supplies and equipment you need. Good luck and have fun!!!