When did powder double in price

wantmoresmiths · Mar 17, 2024

I stopped at a local shop today, that is somewhat out of the way so I don't stop very often. I'm fairly well stocked on my usual powders but I decided to see if they had any Unique in stock. I had been reading about the number of shooters who really liked the old Skeeter Skelton 41 magnum load of 7.5 grains of Unique and thought about giving it a try. To my surprise I did find Unique in stock, but even more to my surprise I found that a pound of Unique now costs $67 and change. I was shocked at the current price. I knew that primers had become very expensive, but I was unaware that powder had also increased dramatically. Back in the mid seventies I cut my teeth on reloads using Unique powder. In the interim I got into USPSA and IDPA, and fortunately found Steel Challenge as well. So the new prices got me to thinking about how anyone can afford USPSA and IDPA with all the ammo they require. At least with Steel Challenge I can opt for the rimfire calibers.

luvsmiths · Mar 17, 2024

The mid 70s was 50 years ago.......

bluetopper · Mar 17, 2024

Powder has seen a steady increase in its prices since Covid.

STCM(SW) · Mar 17, 2024

bluetopper said:
Powder has seen a steady increase in its prices since Covid.

Dam shame.........

Alk8944 · Mar 17, 2024

DOUBLED????? I still have powder cans I bought in the 1960s when I first started re-loading that have price stickers on them of as little as $1.95! $67.00 is 35 times as much.

Before anyone asks those cans are empty and have been for years. Sometimes we just keep some pretty odd items for some reason.

robertrwalsh · Mar 17, 2024

I still get powder for less than $40 a pound at a LGS. Not MUCH less, but less. Now if only primers were to be $40 a brick I would be a happy camper.

stansdds · Mar 17, 2024

Everything related to firearms greatly increased in price during the panicdemic. Prices have come down from their peak, but inflation will prevent them from going back to 2019 prices.

Pisgah · Mar 17, 2024

Happened several years back, while you were in a coma, evidently...;-)

dogdoc · Mar 17, 2024

I purchased some unique for 40 something a couple months ago so you can find it a lot cheaper than 67 bucks. 40 plus a pound is still high in my book

Boogsawaste · Mar 17, 2024

Seems Alliant powders are the worst around here.

Dvus · Mar 17, 2024

The rule of thumb here is "buy when you find a good price, not when you need it." I have been doing that with components for several years now, and have enough to last me the rest of my life (assuming I make it to 80.)

venomballistics · Mar 17, 2024

Boogsawaste said:
Seems Alliant powders are the worst around here.

yep .... a Vista Outdoors company.

CH4 · Mar 17, 2024

Dvus said:
The rule of thumb here is "buy when you find a good price, not when you need it." I have been doing that with components for several years now, and have enough to last me the rest of my life (assuming I make it to 80.)

Yep!

I also have enough components to last me the rest of my life, and then some. I was in the Phoenix Bass Pro the other day and picked up some 44 spl and 45 Colt brass along with 44 cal Hornady bullets. Just because they were reasonably priced and I don’t often see that brass. Threw it on the pile.

Powder prices increased dramatically during and after Covid. Even during Covid I was buying powder at $20 to $30 a pound, primers too.

ken158 · Mar 17, 2024

You really need to get out more… P & P and brass have not missed any opportunity to go up in price. You know the saying - never let an opportunity to pass you by.

22hipower · Mar 17, 2024

The LGSs I visit have most powders available in the $50 a pound range. Sometimes Cabelas, Scheels, etc. get it down to $40 or so range. With Cabela's frequent 10% off Tuesdays (for members) plus military discount the mid $30s is still possible occasionally. Primers though seem stuck in the $69 to $89 range when they're available at all. Saw some at the gun show yesterday though for a mere $128.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Hairtrigger · Mar 17, 2024

Wait until you go to a grocery store or gas station!!!

CheyenneBodie · Mar 17, 2024

Anticipating Higher Gunpowder Prices in 2024: Examining Factors and Implications - Midsouth Shot Report

glenwolde · Mar 17, 2024

It's available online for $47.99 lb. Of course there's shipping, tax, and hazmat. You can order online but you have to buy a lot to save any money.

diyj98 · Mar 17, 2024

I sat up at a local gunshow a few weeks ago with a friend. He's at the point in his life where he wants to sell off most of his reloading supplies. He had sealed cans of various Vihtavuori power for $45 a pound. He never sold a can other than to me. I know that's cheaper than any of our local shops have it, but it seems everyone was out of touch with current pricing. He did get a couple of "Would ya take 'fity' for two, buddy?" or similar comments.

dave1918a2 · Mar 17, 2024

The last gun show up here I bought Unique for $37.50. Two tables down They were asking $85.00. Still rip-offs out there. LGS gets Unique, sells at $42.99.

When did powder double in price

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