Handloading Stocks

[COSteve]

I do a reloading 'binge' after the 1st of the year when the weather is ruff outside to build up my stocks for the spring and summer and so far I've found 7 calibers and a total of 2,450 rds I need to replenish. How do I know I need these?

I have my stock of both loaded rounds by caliber, bullet type and weight and handloading components on a spreadsheet so I can keep track of what I have as well as anything I might need as a result of my stock is getting low.

In addition to the stock on hand, I also keep track of my cost of the components and loaded ammo I have vs their current replacement prices. That way, I can keep an eye out for deals I could be interested in to replenish my stock of components.

Once set up, it's easy to keep current. In fact, I just updated the current costs yesterday and found that some ammo and components have dropped slightly in price recently.

I go on sites like AmmoGrab and AmmoSeek and wherever else I need to find the cheapest prices for both the ammo and components I have on hand and plug that per item cost info into the ammo and components I have and then let the spreadsheet compare that to the actual cost I paid for them.

For the last few years the difference between the cost of my components and ammo made from them, all purchased before COVID, and the current value of both my loaded ammo and components is staggering with the their current total value holding at over 438% of my cost.

[Grizz]

Respect Steve

You have serious management skills, it's a lesson book. Kudos.

grizz

[Walt]

I don't care about percentages and statistics because I'm going to buy whatever I need when it's available. I believe the components I have on hand will last the remainder of at least my shooting life.

[LeverGunner]

I'm in awe of your documentation skills. I am doing good to have a list of all of the moulds I have on hand.

[Bronco]

Everybody does their own thing to enjoy reloading! Even keeping track of things. Your very organized there Steve, WAY more than myself.

[COSteve]

Thanks guys. The truth is I had to learn to be super organized for my work as I'd have maybe 6 huge contracts (100s of Millions of dollars each) going at once, hundreds of documents on each contract due on specific dates, reports, submittals, etc., etc.

I had to learn to use a spreadsheet to keep track of everything and I relied on them at work for over 41 years so using an excel spreadsheet became second nature to me since they were first available.

Since I retired, I've also had the time to organize everything so I can keep tract of finances and everything else important. Besides, when I have tangible evidence that I've got everything accounted for I can relax and enjoy myself without wondering if I'm forgetting anything.

Handloading is one of my most favorite indoor hobbies as the zen like nature of the repetitive nature of it helps me relax and not wondering if I need anything or whatever helps with the hobby.

[horsesoldier03]

Impressive tracking. I just let the wife keep track, she is pretty quick to let me know when I have spent enough!

[JimT]

I'm happy if I remember to put on underwear in the morning.

[Ysabel Kid]

Good to see someone else here with a tinge of OCD!

I've see some of your reload area pictures; we are kindred spirits. I do the same, plus actually list goals for loaded rounds for each caliber I need to feed. These vary on the gun, action type, and intended use. For example, my goal for my 7.7 Jap is 20 rounds. I've never fired the gun; I inherited it from my father. The gun was a late war production model with the bolt looking like it was put together with Elmer's glue. I think shooting it would make it go boom - back in my face! (it does have the chrysanthemum intact though!)

But for Modern Sporting Rifles intended for self-defense? 1,000 round minimum per gun.

[Ysabel Kid]

I'm happy if I remember to put on underwear in the morning.

[Steve in MO]

I'm happy if I remember to put on underwear in the morning.

Underwear is overrated, anyway....

[rossim92]

I'm happy if I remember to put on underwear in the morning.

lol

[Griff]

I'm happy if I remember to put on underwear in the morning.

TMI!

[Rimfire McNutjob]

I have my stock of both loaded rounds by caliber, bullet type and weight and handloading components on a spreadsheet so I can keep track of what I have as well as anything I might need as a result of my stock is getting low.

Same here ... in Excel. Shell plates, shell holders, trimmer pilots, dies, brass, bullets, factory ammo, handloads, powder, primers, guns, and sheets for loads by cartridge. The only thing I keep the price I paid for is bullets though. That used to be the costliest item so I considered the powder and primers incidental. But now you can pay more for the primer than the bullet in a load. A miss on my part.

It's handy. For example, I know I have 158.9 lbs of powder on hand in 87 varieties ... broken into type class as 33 ball, 12 flake, and 42 extruded. 40.8% by weight is Alliant ... which I am WAY too dependent upon.

[Sarge]

I'm happy if I remember to put on underwear in the morning.

If I wake up, stand up and walk out of my tracks? The day is mine!

And I thank God for it.

[COSteve]

Same here ... in Excel. Shell plates, shell holders, trimmer pilots, dies, brass, bullets, factory ammo, handloads, powder, primers, guns, and sheets for loads by cartridge. The only thing I keep the price I paid for is bullets though. That used to be the costliest item so I considered the powder and primers incidental. But now you can pay more for the primer than the bullet in a load. A miss on my part.

It's handy. For example, I know I have 158.9 lbs of powder on hand in 87 varieties ... broken into type class as 33 ball, 12 flake, and 42 extruded. 40.8% by weight is Alliant ... which I am WAY too dependent upon.

Wow! I think you've taken your powder data to a whole new level! But then again, you may need that info for usage. I just have a small table with preferred powder and secondary powder by firearm.

[marlinman93]

I'm just not that organized when it comes to reloading supply inventory, or loaded ammo inventory. I have a couple metal cabinets I keep all my reloading supplies or ammo in, and if I'm headed to the range I grab ammo. If it looks like I'm low I just plan to reload for that cartridge the next time I reload.
With primers, powder, and bullets, I'm so far ahead on all except bullets that I'll die before I use up all the primers and powder I own. Maybe 50,000-60,000 primers in my stock, and about 100 lbs. of powders of various types. I cast all my bullets, and have close to a ton of lead and tin, so if I get low I have a casting session to replenish whatever bullets I'm low on.