Best shipping methods for lead, powder, primers?

[rustythread]

I'm getting ancient and not shooting much. Sorting through the closet, I find that I will probably not outlive my stock of reloading supplies.
If I decide to start selling off components, what are the best methods for shipping: 1. powder in 8-lb containers, 2. primers in 5000 cases, and 3. Lead projectiles in 500-round boxes?
I no longer drive, so getting into town to the USPS is a PITA.

 

[505Gibbs]

Legally, a private person i.e. you, cannot ship primers or powder by any means. You need a contract with UPS to do it otherwise you can't use the hazmat label. Bullets can go by UPS or the post office.

 

[luvsmiths]

I'm getting ancient and not shooting much. Sorting through the closet, I find that I will probably not outlive my stock of reloading supplies.
If I decide to start selling off components, what are the best methods for shipping: 1. powder in 8-lb containers, 2. primers in 5000 cases, and 3. Lead projectiles in 500-round boxes?
I no longer drive, so getting into town to the USPS is a PITA.

You can try on here for locals only and see if you can dump most that way! Maybe contacts through gun store or club local also.

 

[ajgunner]

Hands down the best way to ship lead is via USPS flat rate boxes. A medium will take 4 boxes of 500 bullets (handgun from 380 to 44mag). Even 2000 pieces of 44mag at 240gr each will still be under the weight limit. Just don't forget to use LOTS OF TAPE. I also put labels with address on each box inside the flat rate box. I have had the outside box show up in pretty bad shape, but inside boxes were still in tact.
Primers and powder are best sold local and in todays market, you should have no problem moving them if priced right.

 

[H Richard]

Be sure to check on the current going prices of these before selling any. Double your original cost would most likely still be a bargain for the buyers. You might look into a local auctioneer that has Estate Gun sales.

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

If you know any members of a local gun range, you might see if they would post an add for you on their bulletin board.

 

[Beemer-mark]

Primers & Powder have to be shipped with the appropriate government dictated labels via FedEx or UPS (not USPS). Depending on your local shipping hub they may help you print the required labels. Not really difficult to do your self but it is government dictated overly complicated. And yes a non-business individual can do it. However due to the high demand you may get many willing buyers local.

 

[BC38]

Hands down the best way to ship lead is via USPS flat rate boxes. A medium will take 4 boxes of 500 bullets (handgun from 380 to 44mag). Even 2000 pieces of 44mag at 240gr each will still be under the weight limit. Just don't forget to use LOTS OF TAPE. I also put labels with address on each box inside the flat rate box. I have had the outside box show up in pretty bad shape, but inside boxes were still in tact.
Primers and powder are best sold local and in todays market, you should have no problem moving them if priced right.

And don't JUST use packing tape either. If you want the heavy package of bullets to get there without being busted open, use about 3-4 wraps of fiberglass reinforced tape all the way around the box in all 3 directions (L & W & H).

 

[BC38]

Primers & Powder have to be shipped with the appropriate government dictated labels via FedEx or UPS (not USPS). Depending on your local shipping hub they may help you print the required labels. Not really difficult to do your self but it is government dictated overly complicated. And yes a non-business individual can do it. However due to the high demand you may get many willing buyers local.

This is partially correct. Yes, you have to use the appropriate DOT required labels.

However, the catch is you have to be certified by the carrier (UPS or FedEx) as a haz-mat shipper, and getting certified is pretty involved. You have to set up a commercial account and go through their approved haz-mat shipping training. You used to be able to ship haz-mat packages on a regular personal account, but not any more. This requirement has been in place for over 10 years now.

It is true that their shipping hubs can help you print the correct DOT haz-mat labels, BUT they won't do that UNLESS you are a certified haz-mat shipper.

And just for reference I retired from UPS after 26 years as an employee - 6 of those years I was the hazardous waste, environmental, and spill coordinator for 3 states. So I'm not just guessing or making any of this up. That is how it works - and for FedEx too. Feel free to look it up on their websites.

Oh, and BTW, the UPS Store and Kinko's FedEx outlets won't even accept haz-mat packages. UPS and FedEx won't let the franchise operators accept them because of the potential liability if they make a mistake in the packaging, labeling, or what materials they accept. Once the package is in UPS/FedEx possession, then THEY are fully liable and responsible and they can't control the franchisees to make sure they are following all the rules.

 

[rustythread]

Thanks for suggestions, everybody. I'll post in the "accessories for sale" subforum when I get all the details figured out. FTF for powder and primers at my location, USPS available for lead only.

 

[505Gibbs]

Thanks for suggestions, everybody. I'll post in the "accessories for sale" subforum when I get all the details figured out. FTF for powder and primers at my location, USPS available for lead only.

You can ship bullets without ANY issues thru UPS - they are NOT considered as hazardous material.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Face to face for powders and primers is you best option. Putting up a flier at local shooting ranges and shooting clubs will get young items sole very quickly, in sure. Probably the bullets too. (especially if they know you as a local shooter/reloader)

Good luck on the sale. I'm sure you will make a lot of reloaders very happy since components are still difficult to find and expensive.

 

[IAM Rand]

Pull the trigger, they will get all 3 at the same time.

 

[rustythread]

Local firearms trainer who reloads for his range and competes in "Wild Bunch" shoots happily gobbled up all the large pistol and large rifle primers and a bunch of small pistol primers.
If I have much left when the weather turns good, I may set up a table with powder, primers, bullets and leather at one of the shoots.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Local firearms trainer who reloads for his range and competes in "Wild Bunch" shoots happily gobbled up all the large pistol and large rifle primers and a bunch of small pistol primers.
If I have much left when the weather turns good, I may set up a table with powder, primers, bullets and leather at one of the shoots.

Outstanding, just be sure you don't leave yourself short on components lol.

 

[rustythread]

All the powder and primers I want to sell will probably be gone shortly;
one of my old shooting buddies is going in with his 2 brothers and will get back to me in a couple days. All 3 have been shooting since the age of 6 or so, and reloading since teenagers. I couldn't find a better bunch of guys to provide with components.

Now I need to figure out fair prices for about 12,000 swaged and cast lead projectiles in 9mm, .38, and .45. These are in boxes of 500 each.

***Any suggestions for prices? Would 11 cents each for 9mm and .38, and 14 cents for .45 be too high? too low?***

UPDATE: This deal fell through, so I'll be listing all in the Accessories for sale" sub forum; FTF for powder & primers, of course.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Missouri Bullets sells 158gr .358" cast bullet for between 8¢ and 9¢ each.
Their 124gr .356" 9mm cast bullet are between 7¢ and 8¢ each.
Their 200gr .452" bullet run just under 10¢ each and the 230gr bullets are listed @ ~ 11¢ each.

Since they are very good friends I would charge them 6¢ each for the 38/9mm bullets and 8¢ to 9¢ for the 45's depending on the bullet weight.

$30/box of 500 for the 38/9mm
$40 to $45 for a box/500 45 bullets.

For non-friends I would charge what Missouri Bullets charges.

Of course, this is just my opinion, good luck...

 

[rustythread]

Archangel:
Many thanks for the suggestion and source. Missouri Bullet's prices sure look a lot more reasonable than the other sources I had priced.