Found this notice over on the Castboolits Forum. So for you members that are looking for Clays powder, and are thinking of holding off buying because of the price...

Hint AS30 is Clays and AS50 is International Clays and AP70N is Universal Clays.

Nothing ever stays the same. Do you know if this company makes any other powders besides the Hodgdon clays series?

If I understand it correctly, ADI makes a lot of powder that Hodgdon distributes in the US of A. Here is a link to ADI's website

Here is a link to the Powder Equivalents chart. Re-reading the article, I am wondering if HP-38 or W231 will also be affected--since the article references "APS45 that will replace both AS50N and AP50N," and the chart indicates HP-38 as an equivalent to AP50N. I'll see if I can dig up any more on the interweb about Hodgdon's relation to ADI. (Pretty critical since Hodgdon owns both IMR and Winchester Powders.)

Looks like one of the FAQ on ADI's website. However, their answer dances around the question.

Thanks for the info.

Well internet search leads me to believe that HP-38 and Winchester 231 (packaged & distributed by Hodgdon Powder) is produced by General Dynamics out of their St. Mark's Powder facility in Florida.

Don't see anything on General Dynamics listing SMP-231 which I've read is W-231 and HP-38. Although I thought this picture was interesting, as it shows Winchester, Hodgdon (Titewad & Lil- Gun), and Ramshot (Competition) powders.

I did not have much luck with the "Clays" line of powders in my 12 Ga. or revolvers/pistols.

Universal is almost like Unique but burned very dirty in the 12 Ga...........
It did ok in the 357 magnum for factory dup loads.........
and light target loads in the 38 snub nose with lead bullets.

I will pass......... and let others have at it.

That stinks as I really like Clays for 12 gauge target loads and more recently for 38 Special and 45 ACP.

This notice really bugs me. Universal Clays, or Universal as it has been re-branded, is perfect for 20 and 28 ga shotgun target loads. It burns like lighter fluid, absolutely no reside after hundreds of rounds. It will really spoil you. It's no surprise that folks find it wanting in 12 ga. or pistol as it's not on its optimum pressure/burning curve. If the Aussies mess this stuff up I will be disappointed. The old Universal formulation is just now starting to show up on shelves after a two year hiatus caused by a fire in their dryer, or so the rumor goes.

You can look at the ADI website for powder "equivalents" It does not mean they are the same with exception of the powders made for Hodgdon. ADI does not make powders for other US companies like Alliant. Many of Hodgdons powders are also from St Marks in Florida.

Some time ago I e mailed them and these and only these are the powders they make for Hodgdon/IMR

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Still Running Against the Wind

Glad I have 20lbs of Clays and 11lbs of Universal.

While I think as a company ADI is disfunctionable, the whole of our smokeless powder supply hangs by a thread that is being pulled in several directions all at the same time.

The wise among us will take action now, to have supplies in the future.

On edit: I currently have 4 (14 oz) bottles of Clays. I bought them simply because I could.

I'm not going to buy any more until the time I can get it in 8 pound kegs. Then I will get as much as I can stand from an emotional point of view. I can live without Clays but if the opportunity to get some presents itself I will get some more.

I fail to see any need for panic here. If Hodgdon has been making a profit by importing and relabeling ADI powders, I see no reason for that to cease. AS50N is "International Clays". Now being replaced by APS -45 which is good for more pistol/shotgun options for Hodgdon to sell. I think current demand will dictate a continued importation of ADI powders.

While I wonder what part of the process in the manufacture of the old powders is so difficult to do now(maybe the creation and disposal of toxic chemicals?), I also cannot see them removing those powders without a quality substitute. Odds are the new propellants will be more consistent and just as effective as their old counterparts. As for availability, all popular powders have been difficult at best to obtain over the last few years. Most of us have had to find a suitable replacement for many of our favorites. Some of us have been pleasantly surprised to find that in some cases, the new replacement performs better than our old favorite.

Even though we all have our favorite powders, thankfully there are so many to choose from that if some go the way of the Dinosaurs, there are still plenty out there to fill in the extinct ones.

There seems to be a pressumption the powder will get worse. How do you know it won't function the same if not better? The Australian firm making these powders are pretty good at what they do. For now, I trust them. Yes I know their plant burned, accidents happen. I still trust them. I'd bet rebuilding the production facilities for this product line is the reason for the update in manufacturing.

There is no assumption by me at least that the reformulation powders will be worse. My assumption is that shooters that have developed loads with them are going to have to start over.

I like Universal in .45 hardball. Decently accurate and by far the cleanest load I have made. Hope the replacement is as good.

One nice thing about Alliant is the powder is made here, and their powders have been very consistent throughout the years.

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Common sense isn't so common.

Went to a large gun show this weekend and there was not an ounce of Clays in sight.
Stopped at a LGS today on my way to the lake and he had 4 14 ounce containers and I bought them all. They were not cheap but I have used Clays for over 20 years and I don't want to change at this time.

Bought three 14 oz bottles of Clays today at $20.49 each. If I see more at this price, I'll grab some.