What’s happening with the firearms components industry over in the US?

I’ve been trying to find Remington Large Rifle (LR) and Small Rifle (SR) primers, all to no avail. I’ve developed all my loads using these primers, so I’m loathe to change to a different brand so I don’t have to go through the entire process again.

I’ve spoken with the Australian importer (NIOA) and they tell me they are having all sorts of problems procuring them saying none seem to be available. The other thing they are saying is, apparently although they are being manufactured, they are snapped up by quickly by shooters/re-loaders…in much the same way it was with rimfire ammo a couple of years ago.

I sent a communication to Remington asking what the problem is and when we can expect the shortage to resolve, but I am of two minds as to whether I will get a reply.

The new Remington is only making shotshell primers, no rifle or handgun primers.

FOR ALMOST SEVEN YEARS I've been waiting for Remington Kleanbore 209 Muzzleloader primers to come back in stock. They are fantastic Smokepole primers. They disappeared nearly 7 years ago and I kindof assumed with the Remington bankruptcy, they might be gone forever.

But...

A month ago I checked Cabelas for them and they had them in stock. I couldn't order 10 packs fast enough. I've been trying use as few as possible to make the few I had last me... but no more! I have 1000 more now to go with the 150'ish I previously had.

Of course a few hours later they were sold out and I've not seen them in stock since. Hopefully, Remington see's the demand is still there and produces them more consistently.

-DallanC

I am waiting for Federal small pistol primers to be at reasonable price again.
Right now they are $300 a thousand - 30c a pop (a bang actually but hey)
My revolver main spring has been tuned to this primer for the light weight double action, using different primer means I have to make the spring harder and thus heavier trigger \

RePete wrote:

The new Remington is only making shotshell primers, no rifle or handgun primers.

When I checked the Remington website I saw they only showed shotshell primers and no rifle primers. But, as there were no explanations, I assumed it was just a matter of advertising only what they had in stock.

I wonder if this means Remington will no longer produce Rifle Primers, or if it’s simply a temporary situation? Only time will tell.

gelandangan wrote:

I am waiting for Federal small pistol primers to be at reasonable price again. Right now they are $300 a thousand - 30c a pop (a bang actually but hey) My revolver main spring has been tuned to this primer for the light weight double action, using different primer means I have to make the spring harder and thus heavier trigger \

I had a look at my “go to” gun shop (Cleavers) website and he is showing only Large Pistol Primers at $138.55 per thousand, but no Small Pistol. And to think I gave away 3000 SP Primers only a couple of years ago.

In 2022 alone the US gained 4.2 million gun owners. That's a lot of new folks buying ammo. People also hoarded ammo and components. The ammo industry hasn't quite caught up yet. Primers in particular seem to be a problem.

Maybe it's time to have a look at airrifles? My friend bought a .50 PCP. She can only shoot about 3 times before refilling, but it's big enough to shoot a wild boar.

On the other hand: these airpellets are costing about 1 euro/pce, BUT: they are lead and the investment is not that big to be able to mould your own pellets.

and I see you wondering...
- so no, airrifles are not allowed to shoot wild boars here
- and yes, she also has a .50 BMG single shot, but that's rather heavy to take out hunting

Aloysius wrote:

Maybe it's time to have a look at airrifles? My friend bought a .50 PCP. She can only shoot about 3 times before refilling, but it's big enough to shoot a wild boar. On the other hand: these airpellets are costing about 1 euro/pce, BUT: they are lead and the investment is not that big to be able to mould your own pellets. and I see you wondering... - so no, airrifles are not allowed to shoot wild boars here - and yes, she also has a .50 BMG single shot, but that's rather heavy to take out hunting

I’ve already got a .22 cal air rifle mate…nothing real flash, just a break action, but it’s accurate and hits fairly hard. I know next time I go hunting it will be coming with me, if for no other reason than plinking, but I will be looking for a rabbit or two. Not sure what range I should be targeting rabbits though…the distance from a hide to a rabbit warren is about 80-100 metres, so I’m of two minds about whether or not the air rifle would have enough power at that range.

Vince, it's not the power that matters, it's where you hit them...
I shot my record of 34 rabbits in 1 evening with a 4,5 mm (.177) at 12 fpe (about 17 Joules). You have to hit them between the eye and the ear. I'm afraid that will be hard to do with your break down. I'm feeling quite comfortable with my PCP in .22 upto about 50 m. I will try my shot at 80 m, but it often without succes. At 100 m I'm afraid you'll need a .30 PCP.
And another problem: for long distance you need a round headed pellet (look at the czech JSB-pellets) but for transferring the energy to your game you need a flat nose. But you can only trust that flat nose to hit where you want it till about 25 m...
I think the best advice is to use a .22 Hornet or a good .22 LR (and when you don't do head shots, best flatten the nose of the LR bullet - and subsonics work best IMHO)

It depends. Primers do show up from time to time at some of the online sites. The vary widely in price and what is available. Then one usually has to pay hazmat charges, shipping charges and sales tax. The local box stores and gun shops do get some primers in and they tend to be expensive and buyers are limited in some cases. My experience has been to get an email notification and when I go online they are already out of stock. Take care. All the best...
Gil

Aloysius wrote:

Vince, it's not the power that matters, it's where you hit them... I think the best advice is to use a .22 Hornet or a good .22 LR (and when you don't do head shots, best flatten the nose of the LR bullet - and subsonics work best IMHO)

Thanks Aloys…I have a nice accurate .22 Krico that is zeroed for Winchester Power Points, and I have a Single Shot Bayard .22 that thrives on a diet of Remington SubSonics. Both are capable of rabbit headshot at 75m…when I do my part well.


Thanks Gil. The hazmat and mail charges from the US, especially the East Coast, are extremely high and are cost prohibitive…they would easily triple the price of a 1000 pack of primers. As an example…I looked on eBay for the value/cost of a SnapOn Diorama yesterday. The price of the Diorama was AUD$42 and the postage was about AUD$170.

Krico and Bayard are good, but when you could get a FN Auto-22, don't hesitate.

Aloysius wrote:

Krico and Bayard are good, but when you could get a FN Auto-22, don't hesitate.

Unfortunately we are not allowed semi autos here in Australia…otherwise I would have one mate.

PRIMERS
I misplaced the keys to my primer cabinet (safe) a couple of months ago, and no amount of searching would find them. I was getting frustrated because I knew they were in my bedroom somewhere. Turns out they had slipped off the top of my chest of drawers (it’s tall) and gone down the back of the unit. They ended up partially under the drawer unit, so I would not have found them where they were.
Long story short…I did a bit of a rearrangement of things yesterday, and lo and behold, there they were. My primer problem is now solved for the immediate future. I now have (well always had, just couldn’t get to them) about 1200 Large Rifle primers and about 1700 Small Rifle primers. That should carry me through until they are available again. Oh, and I have about 600 shotgun primers, again enough for now. I’m a happy man.

it doesn't take much to make old men happy...

Aloysius wrote:

it doesn't take much to make old men happy...

That is so true mate…but then again, what more out of life can a firearms owner ask for than more recoil therapy?