Did powder just dry up again?
- Thread starter SLT223
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Fishslayer
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
A lot (most?) of our powder comes from offshore. Lots of manufacturing and transport has been affected.
Willyboy
Member
Powder
I stopped in my local Cabela's a couple of eeeks ago and they had no
smokeless powder on the shelf. A couple of months ago they at least had a few pounds. Willyboy
I stopped in my local Cabela's a couple of eeeks ago and they had no
smokeless powder on the shelf. A couple of months ago they at least had a few pounds. Willyboy
Ivan the Butcher
Member
The 2 pistol powders I use most are WW231/HP38 and Unique I buy them in 8 pound containers. Loading Pistol, rifle, and 28 gauge for skeet still take years to go through 8 pounds of Unique! So I only keep one spare! I currently have 29 pounds of WW231.
Prior Planning Prevents P Poor Performance!
Since the early 90's, we have seen shortages! People have the right to not learn from them, I have the right to not pity them.
Ivan
Prior Planning Prevents P Poor Performance!
Since the early 90's, we have seen shortages! People have the right to not learn from them, I have the right to not pity them.
Ivan
mmb617
Member
Powder is the only component I haven't had any trouble finding at reasonable prices. Last week I bought some H335 at my LGS and his powder shelves were as full as ever with close to pre-panic pricing.
Green Frog
Member
Several months ago I bought three sleeves of SPPs that I really didn't need but an acquaintance offered cheap. Last week a friend of mine swapped me a pound each of Red Dot and Accurate #7 for one of them, so I'm in pretty good shape now, except I'd perhaps still still like to boost my supply of 231. My point is, don't get in a hurry, try to stay ahead of your needs and be ready to buy or trade when you have the opportunity.
Froggie
Froggie
NJM15
Member
Lucky i got....
About a year ago I loaded up with powder at a gun show in PA have plenty now for my rifles and handguns have 8lbs of power pistol my favorite , only problem now is my shortage of Sm pistol primers, anyone want to trade
About a year ago I loaded up with powder at a gun show in PA have plenty now for my rifles and handguns have 8lbs of power pistol my favorite , only problem now is my shortage of Sm pistol primers, anyone want to trade
rman
Member
Two weeks ago I ordered Winchester Auto Comp directly from Hodgdon's web site. It took me about a week to get it. I was just out looking at the site and noticed they had order buttons next to their powders.
OP
SLT223
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Could have sworn powder valley had good stock a month ago...must have lost track of time. Guess I wasn't watching as closely as I thought. Probably a function of my triple life time supply. Hope the grand kids like reloading some day 
typetwelve
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Kind of depends on what you're looking for. I've seen plenty of Hodgdon and/or IMR powders on the shelves, but mostly rifle and some H110. Alliant offerings like Unique, 2400, Sport Pistol, etc? Zero. Ramshot offerings? Zero. VV offerings? None.
I'm so glad.....
Powder isn't my concern at all as I stock up on the last shortage to last a looooong time.
I stocked up pretty good on primers, too for pistol and large rifle which is what I needed.
However, now I need small rifle primers so I'm in the boat with everybody else.
Powder isn't my concern at all as I stock up on the last shortage to last a looooong time.
I stocked up pretty good on primers, too for pistol and large rifle which is what I needed.
However, now I need small rifle primers so I'm in the boat with everybody else.
29 pounds of W231? How many primers do you need to set that off? Wait, I don't want to know.
Ivan the Butcher
Member
I'm down to 45K, I hope that's enough!
Ivan
I have an 18 pound cardboard keg I bought years ago, and forgot about when I bought several 4 pounders. When I sold the farm, I rediscovered that powder magazine in the barn.
max503
Member
A nephew called me today looking for something to use in a muzzleloader.
I could use some IMR 4227.
I could use some IMR 4227.
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Willyboy
Member
Powder
At mid-range loads of 38/357/45, 19# of W231 would yield at least
30,000 rounds. That should last a while. Willyboy
At mid-range loads of 38/357/45, 19# of W231 would yield at least
30,000 rounds. That should last a while. Willyboy
cgt4570
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Ready availability of a broad selection of powder is dwindling and has been for a few months. Some that was easily findable early this month is now scarce.
My suggestion to the reloaders out there is to check your stock of primers and bullets, then be sure you have sufficient powder in hand to fill cases for them. You may have to choose a powder other than your favorite(s) but at least you will be shooting in the interim.
My suggestion to the reloaders out there is to check your stock of primers and bullets, then be sure you have sufficient powder in hand to fill cases for them. You may have to choose a powder other than your favorite(s) but at least you will be shooting in the interim.
DeplorabusUnum
Member
Yep, I just bought 16 pounds on the powder valley website. I'm almost out of Bullseye, low on Unique and no one has either, so I bought 8# of Titegroup while I can still get something for 9mm and 38. Also down to my last 2# of A2400, but they have IMR 4227, so I got 8# of that. As mentioned above, Alliant powder us unobtanium right now.
The easiest way to maintain a "reloading inventory" is to buy what is available, not the perfect favorite powder you have used for the last 20 years that isn't on anybody's shelf in a 400 mile radius.
Personally, I would not cross the street for a free 1# bottle of Bullseye powder, but do have Titegroup and Accurate Arms #2 for my target loads.
Personally, I would not cross the street for a free 1# bottle of Bullseye powder, but do have Titegroup and Accurate Arms #2 for my target loads.
DeplorabusUnum
Member
I'm actually looking forward to testing out Titegroup. Maybe I'll end up liking it better. Some might think it heresy to oust one of the holy trinity of Bullseye, Unique, and 2400. You are right though. Get what you can, when you can, especially in times like these. I'm sure looking forward to normal again. Hope we get there soon.
cowboy4evr
Member
Today checked Powder Valley . What a surprise to see they are almost completely out of any / all powder . It' hasn't gotten the worst yet I feel . Regards Paul
Plenty of powder where I am in LGS. Primers are another story.
I stopped by my go-to reloading shop yesterday looking for some AA5, AA7, W231, Power pistol and 2400. He had everything except 2400, though he was limiting me to a lb. of each per trip.
bluetopper
Member
I get my powders at a local mom and pop hardware store and a pawn/gun shop. They both always seem to be well stocked.
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mmb617
Member
I just did pretty much that. Since primers are the limiting factor right now I wanted to make sure I had enough bullets and powder on hand to go with the primers I already have. Turns out all I was short on was powder for my rifle so last week I bought some more H335 at my LGS, who at that time at least still had a good inventory of powders.
