Haz Mat Shipping Question

[Steve in Vermont]

I have been pricing some powder and primers and found both Cabelas and Natchez charge $ 20.00 and $ 25.00 respectively for Haz Mat shipping. You can order several pounds of powder and primers in the same order, same fee. Midway, however, charges $ 25.00 for the powder and, if you add primers, another $ 25.00 plus a $ 9.00 drop fee and the regular shipping fee. The difference between an order from Midway and Natchez can be over $ 60.00. I'm wondering why the difference. I could call the company but I don't need to hear about company policy, etc. Any thoughts about this and is Natchez a good company to deal with?

 

[505Gibbs]

I've never had an issue with Natchez over atleast 10 years!
Some places double charge and some don't - makes a body wonder sometimes.
Check out MidSouth and their fees or Graf and Sons as other coices.

 

[rck281]

I have purchased a lot of equipment and supplies from Natchez and MidSouth. I've been very satisified with both.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Widener's is another source. They are really reasonable too. As for the price difference, some may have internal restrictions on how they ship. One will not send primers and powder as that could be a nice light show should things go wrong. Liability being what it is today, they are just protecting themselves.

Maybe?

 

[Rule3]

Midway drop ships from two different locations. Primers from one, powder another. Why I have no idea other than Mr P must think it's a great idea

Their prices are usually nuts compared to other places for ammo and powder.

 

[Beemer-mark]

I used to buy a lot from Midway but recently their shipping costs have skyrocketed. items I normally order (not hazmat) went from $15 to $25.

Cabelas isn't the cheapest but they are competitive on primers and powders. $15 Hazmat and you can mix powder and primers.

 

[625user]

The truth is that Midway due to zoning restrictions can only stock primers. Powder is drop shipped from other vendors to include PVI, Grafs, and Western Powder. So, unlike most other vendors that ship Powder and Primers together with one Haz Mat Charge Midway does not.

Depending on the Haz Mat Contract a vendor has it may spell out that only powder can be shipped in a container or vice versa with primers but not both. Most can and so ship both to a total of 50#.

 

[RenoH414]

Try powdervalley.com as their prices are usually the best I can find. They charge $25 hazmat for up to 45lbs of primers and powder.

 

[fredj338]

Midway has always been a ripoff when it comes to shipping. They could use flat rate mailers & don;t, they could drop small parts in a padded envelope & don't. Cabeal's has NEVER been the best price for components. You need to look to Graf's or PowderValley & order bulk, go in w/ a couple of other guys if need be. That splits up the HM & shipping nicely & their prices are tough to beat.

 

[Dale53]

I have bought from Powder Valley with complete satisfaction with several major transactions. They charge ONE hazmat fee.

I just get a couple of buddies together and we share the hazmat and postage based on a percentage of what each of us orders. That way we ALL benefit and NO one take a beating.

Dale53

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The above post explaining why Midway charges 2 Hazmat fees is correct. They don't ship both powder and primers from the same location so they have to charge you twice. I would NEVER buy powder or primers from Midway. Powder Valley is probably the best online place to buy both. I once hot a BIG box of powder and primers from them, only 1 Hazmat fee and reasonable shipping charges too. (buy with a few friends)

 

[Steve in Vermont]

Thanks to everyone for the good information and advice. I'm going to give Powder Valley a try.

 

[fredj338]

Thanks to everyone for the good information and advice. I'm going to give Powder Valley a try.

Note, when comparing prices @ Graf's, they do NOT charge shipping, only HM & $5 handling. Always figure in the total cost w/ all shipping. It can really add up fast. I usually order rom PV but sometimes Graf's can beat it by a bit once you add in shipping.

 

[Beerjman]

I have purchased a lot of equipment and supplies from Natchez and MidSouth. I've been very satisified with both.

My first choice to go to !
I only go to the other company's when the item is not available from Midsouth or Natchez .
Been with them for several decades and NEVER had a problem.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

It looks like we are all in agreement, Natchez, Graf's, Powder Valley and MidSouth are tops in their field. Widener's is also very good on select items like bulk bullets.

 

[Rule3]

I have purchased a lot of "hard: items from Natchez, they beat Midways sale prices on most items. They do however sneak in a $3 or $4 handling charge on top of regular shipping and need to remember to remove the "free" catalog every order as it ups the shipping rate.

Their web site is horrible.

I have been very impressed with Wideners for powder and primers.

 

[SW CQB 45]

NO MIDWAY FOR ME.....WAY OVER PRICED.

I LIKE POWDER VALLEY.