Actually, I just checked and while I have been buying my powder from Hummason for years now, Higginson's prices are currently better by about $20 on 8lb 'containers'. Since I don't get have the luxury of being anywhere near either of those shops, shipping and hazmat charges come into play on both, and it seems that Higginson is definitely somewhat cheaper there as well with free shipping (but apparently not hazmat) on the quantities I purchase.
Best Online Stores for Reloading Equipment and Supplies
- Thread starter BoozeFighter
- Start date
Actually, I just checked and while I have been buying my powder from Hummason for years now, Higginson's prices are currently better by about $20 on 8lb 'containers'. Since I don't get have the luxury of being anywhere near either of those shops, shipping and hazmat charges come into play on both, and it seems that Higginson is definitely somewhat cheaper there as well with free shipping (but apparently not hazmat) on the quantities I purchase.
Like I said in the beginning, it depends on your situation. Do you need/want 24 lbs. of powder? Do you live close? Can you get it shipped for free (without committing to 24 lbs.) elsewhere? etc. There are too many factors to state that one particular retailer is the cheapest. Recently I purchased 10 single lb. containers of powder from Bass Pro. Why? Because they price match so I was able to walk away paying $25 per lb. tax included for powder that usually costs me $30-$40 per lb. plus tax.
Again, if it works for you great!
As to the OP's 'best' place to buy reloading gear, as others have said, there isn't one. You have to shop around, figure out what you need versus what you want, so that you can get what you need and then wait and watch for a sale on what you want sometime down the road. Start out with whatever you think will work. My first press was a Lee turret with Lee dies. I still have it. I still use it for all my straight wall cartridge reloading. I have replaced various parts due to wear but it still works just fine. I also had a Dillon 650 for bulk reloading of .357 and .40S&W. I don't do that style and amount of handgun shooting any more so I sold it several years back. I now have a Redding T-7 turret for all my bottleneck reloading, and a Lee single stage cast for when I need such. Constantly shop around for components and keep a decent quantity of the stuff you use all the time on hand. Stuff being brass, primers, powder and bullets. If you are developing loads then paying the big $ for local purchase of smaller quantities makes sense. No point in bulk buying 1000 bullets if you don't know that they will work in your gun. Purchase the small quantities of different types, weights, and makes of bullets, primers, and powders locally, and go to work on developing loads. When you have it figured out, THEN watch for and buy bulk amounts, on sale if possible.
READ the front part of several reloading manuals. Watch youtube videos. Reload. Go back to step one and read the manuals again. It is quite amazing how much more of it makes sense once you have actually started reloading. Have fun and be safe.
READ the front part of several reloading manuals. Watch youtube videos. Reload. Go back to step one and read the manuals again. It is quite amazing how much more of it makes sense once you have actually started reloading. Have fun and be safe.
Exactly, whatever fits your situation. Mine pretty much averages about 3/4 jug each of 4895, 4350, 4831SC and Varget per year. So over the years I usually end up getting three of them and then every second year or so all four of them. Two years ago I couldn't get 4350, so last year I had to make up for the deficit. Yes, I too buy single pounds locally, when and if sales actually materialize nearby, and I actually notice them. Most times I'd rather have it waiting for me in my powder locker.
Hours so you enjoy your redding T7?
Not exactly sure what you meant but I'll take a stab at a reply. I love my Redding T-7 although I think there is room for improvement. It could and should have a captured ball bearing for station positioning. Every time I change out a tool head the damn ball bearing buggers off somewhere. Redding sent me several after I managed to lose one permanently someplace. Another of my pet peeves is the bushing which stays in the toolhead and then falls out at the most inopportune time. It could be machined to fit properly AND have a larger top so that it can't fall through. Otherwise I like it a lot, it just works really well for my purposes, and both of these are just minor peeves of mine. I have 4 turrets, one each for .223, 6.5CM, .308, and 300WM. They each have the same die setup consisting of a Redding Instant Indicator, Forster neck bushing - shoulder bump, Redding Competition 3 die set, Lee neck collet die and 21st Century expander die for use when I am neck turning.
leveractionjunkie
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
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That sounds like you’ve got those turrets set up nicely. Sweet die choices.
