The Great Powder Shortage of 2020 is upon us

[Hohn]

Of course it was too good to be true. Alas, other than a handful of powders in particular, 2019 had good availability.

But as of today? Try to find some AR Comp. Or RL15. Or Varget. Or 8208, H4895, etc etc etc.

As it happens, I'm low on .223 powder and the only thing I'm well stocked on is RL16 for my 6.5. Live and learn.

Note to self-- never let on hand inventory drop below 2-3 pounds.

 

[BronzeArcher]

Before COVID-19, I was figuring it would be summer before election worries caused supplies to dry up.

When soccer moms panic, they buy extra TP. When firearms enthusiasts panic, what do they buy?

 

[dogdude]

Powder, Primers Brass.

 

[bpd459]

Greetings,
Never drop below 2-3, 8# jugs of each one you use!
John

 

[rsmithsr50]

lol
learn to be a BOY SCOUT
BE PREPARED

next up is a reamer and a bbl

 

[Hohn]

Well, last time a panic hit I had no .22LR and no reloading equipment, and I wasn't as involved in firearms as I am now. So having *some* powder and bullets and brass and such on hand is big improvement for me. I'm good on primers and brass and bullets. It's just powder I'm a little low on because I had been trying different powders and didn't find any that I wanted to keg out on.

 

[Dub]

I always try to stay ahead on supplies since the last shortage. I have about 60000 rounds of 22lr and 2 8lb containers at least of the powders that I use often. Varget, H4198, IMR 4895, Clays. So for now I am good. Depends how long this shortage lasts though

 

[Dub]

Also have around 60k primers

 

[billlarson]

Where are you at...I ve got alot of 223 powder....
Bill

 

[JSH]

And post like this won’t help.

 

[SPQR70AD]

Also have around 60k primers

if each shooter did that there would a shortage for years. it is like the people I see with 2 carts filled 3 ft above the frame with toilet paper

 

[Dub]

Maybe, maybe not. I buy them when they are available. Got caught with none a few years ago. Won’t happen again.

 

[Dgd6mm]

Buying primers at 1000 at a time is a waste, especially if you shoot 2000, 3000 or more rounds that you load a year. If I want to buy 30,000 for my own use, that's my business.... A 10 year supply to me is smart and economical, they do not get any cheaper. I buy my powder all at once to take a new barrel from new to the grave. Of course after I choose which powder I need. More people will probably be shooting Shooters World powders before others are back in stock.

 

[DHuffman]

And post like this won’t help.

Exactly!!! Go ahead and whip EVERYONE into a frenzy and let the gougers know there's an opportunity to be taken advantage of here!

 

[K22]

Hell, most of us are probably going to die of the virus if our wives don't kills us first after we go to a national lock down.

Would like to get one more ground hog season in before I pass but I'm having my doubts - lock down seem imminent here in eastern PA. So much for the "golden years" in retirement.

The Governor is closing all non-essential business here so you couldn't buy gun supplies at your local gun shop even if they had supplies. Got to get to the liquor store before 9:00 PM tomorrow, the time the shut down begins and stock up on Maker's Mark.

 

[chop house]

Got to get to the liquor store before 9:00 PM tomorrow, the time the shut down begins and stock up on Maker's Mark.

you haven't heard?? someone posted it kills the virus, so there has been a huge run on it, and your local store is out.

 

[Dave Way]

Powder, Primers Brass.

50 some pounds of H4895. 15,000 or so primers and 1,300 new Lapua BR cases along 200 6BR Improved cases that don’t show any signs of wearing out. Good for five years or so running two rifles, probably much longer. Be prepared.

Dave.

 

[Mike7.62]

Of course it was too good to be true. Alas, other than a handful of powders in particular, 2019 had good availability.

But as of today? Try to find some AR Comp. Or RL15. Or Varget. Or 8208, H4895, etc etc etc.

As it happens, I'm low on .223 powder and the only thing I'm well stocked on is RL16 for my 6.5. Live and learn.

Note to self-- never let on hand inventory drop below 2-3 pounds.

That's what happens when you send your manufacturing overseas. Lots of these powders are made in Australia, Belgium, etc. Disruption of global supply chains are a major downside to the supposed benefits of "free trade". Just wait until you need antibiotics or other generics, 90% of which are made in China and India-which gets most of its precursors from China. China has already threatened the US with not supplying needed pharmaceuticals, as well as nationalizing a 3M plant that makes all types of personal protective equipment and keeping its product for internal use. Ain't globalism great?

 

[mike a]

I just bought a FX120 and an Omega trickler. Forgot to buy powder. OH S--T!!!

 

[D-4297]

I'll just say that I'm comfortable with what I have on hand , and leave it at that .