Now that I've started shooting again I'm considering getting into reloading to keep costs down. I would start with pistol, 9mm at first and expanding to other calibers as I acquire them. I may like to load rifle cartridges eventually, but not at the start. 

 

My concern right now is that pistol powder seems to be made of unobtanium. Is now a good time to start or should I wait until powder is more available? 

Just keep your eyes open. Ive found no need to buy powder on line and pay hazmat + shipping. 

My LGS has had A good flow of powder,   

Buy it when you see it and you will be fine

Load, Load now, Load often

I wouldn't wait.   You can find pistol powder with a little searching, and in small pistol calibers, a pound will last a LONG time.     Depending on the load and the powder, you'll get 25 to 30 boxes of 9 mm loaded from one pound of powder.

 

Pour over the loading data in your book and online, pick a couple of favorite powders, pick a couple of alternatives that would also work for the loads you want to make, and when you start shopping for powder go with that list of half a dozen powders that could work for you.  

I believe there are about 7000 grains in a pound of powder so you can figure about how many rounds you'll get out of a pound. As 10X says have your list with you and pick up a pound when you encounter one you think you'd like to use.

Even here in NJ they are showing up more and more even the vaunted Winchester 231.

Yeah with Win 231 or HP-38 reloading 124gr 9mm, I can get like 1550 rounds out of a pound.

7000 grains/4.5 grains =  1555.55.

Reloading is great, read all you can about each caliper, have fun

A number of stores are now stocking powder ,so start buying

When i decided to get into reloading a year ago i searched around and built up a powder supply before I spent the money on equipment.

I've only started reloading since New Years and have had no problem getting powder. In fact, just the opposite. As suggested above, I made a list of a half dozen powders that would work for me and when I got to GSA, they had all of them. I made the mistake of not listing preferences and had to remember what would be the top of the list.

GSA and Easton Heritage always has powder when I go which might be bad for me cause I always seem to come home with a 1lb of powder every time I visit. They have stuff coming in all the time.

Easton Heritage? Pistol powder?

Easton Heritage? Pistol powder?

 

All I've ever seen there is rifle...when are you going that you find pistol?

Sarco...down the street from HG in Easton...cheaper and a wider selection.

 

 

This signature is AWESOME!!!

Also, don't hesitate to ask the forum members questions. I've been reloading on and off for 20 years and wish I had the forums as a resource.

 

Good luck and welcome to the reloading community.

All I've ever seen there is rifle...when are you going that you find pistol?

Sorry don't remember when I got it there last. I've been on a rifle powder kick lately. I usually pick up pistol powder from Garden State Armory.

I just stopped in at Sarco this morning and picked up an 8lb keg of 700X for $158. The only reason I bought that much is because the cheapest I've found it in the Houston area is $37/lb. I figure loading 9mm & .45 ACP, 8 lbs should last me about a year.

 

For bullets, there are gun shows almost every weekend where I can get any caliber, weight and finish I want for decent prices. I'm thinking about trying some polymer coated ones.

 

 

This signature is AWESOME!!!

I just stopped in at Sarco this morning and picked up an 8lb keg of 700X for $158. The only reason I bought that much is because the cheapest I've found it in the Houston area is $37/lb. I figure loading 9mm & .45 ACP, 8 lbs should last me about a year. For bullets, there are gun shows almost every weekend where I can get any caliber, weight and finish I want for decent prices. I'm thinking about trying some polymer coated ones. This signature is AWESOME!!!

 

Great now I have to go to Scarco and spend more money on more powder.

How good is the stock at Sarco? I know their ammo is limited and pricey. $150 a keg seems good.

They have a lot of different powders but I didn't see a whole lot of any one item. I know they had at least 2 kegs of 700X because I almost bought both...but a divorce would be so much more expensive.

 

 

This signature is AWESOME!!!