How does one go about buying powder during shortage?

[Bulseyetom]

OK, things on the reloading shelf are starting to approach drought conditions with no end in sight. I have tons of powders for some rifles but my favorites are starting to run low. No dealers are close by so I have been buying whenever I get to one of the bigger dealers on trips or on-line for years. Now that I approach crunch time, how does one go about getting 4895, Re 22, Re 25, H4350 or any of the other popular powders? If I order from somebody like Powder Valley or Midway that says backorder ok what is the current lag time? Last November I was in a store in Wyoming that had more powder than I had seen here in Ca for 2 years but still none that I needed. That gave me a ray of hope that powder was soon to hit the small dealer's shelves soon but so far not the case locally. Thanks for any help. Tom :'(

 

[bow shot]

I had to work up new loads based on powder availability. Thank God, I've been able to get good results.

Good luck, my friend

 

[Terry]

I have a dozen places I check weekly or daily and I watch posting on this site.
If I see a post on something I need I buy it now. 1/2 hour later it's gone.
Most of the sites I check advertise here.




Some sites act like they have powder, will take your money and email you later it is on backorder.
They make my blacklist fast.

 

[Immike]

Last year I called people I knew were hoarding and did some trading. Of course you will need something they want. Our first few matches were like swap meets.

 

[Lapua40X]

As I discover that I'm running short I set up a routine to visit every local shop once each week and check internet dealers daily. According to all the manufacturer's comments I've read the shortages are simply the result of panic purchasing by those who are convinced that the government is about to place more restrictions on private purchases.
Case in point:
http://hodgdon.com/PDF/Web%20Page%20Buying%20Surge.pdf
If I buy on-line I order a minimum of five pounds of powder, but only because the hazmat fees make purchasing less than five pounds far too expensive.
I've come to the conclusion that until the current administration(s) and their shared philosophies (both state and federal - depending on where you live) are replaced that the panic will continue so remain alert but, please, don't hoard.

 

[stool]

go to a gun show and pay for it......not cheap but last couple of shows have had powder

 

[wbrenner]

Eau Claire Scheels has about 15# of IMR 4350 on the shelf as of last night.

 

[Shynloco]

Eau Claire Scheels has about 15# of 4350 on the shelf as of last night.

H or IMR?

 

[TheOtherZilla]

During non-shortage times I stocked up on 8lb jugs of the high use powders.. Every time I go to the big city [Salt Lake or Denver] I go shopping for components and powder. Never buy much but if I come across reasonably priced stuff I buy a jug, box etc..

Same if go out of town to other places..

 

[amlevin]

go to a gun show and pay for it......not cheap but last couple of shows have had powder

None of the Gun Shows around me have powder or primers for sale. Loaded ammo yes, powder/primers, no. Something to do with a prohibition at the venues they use is what I've been told.


I just do a nice systematic search of the Online sources. I have nice accurate load recipes for not just ONE powder, but several different powders. That way I'm not hamstrung by my "favorite" not being available.

Funny thing, I found that there are actually powders besides VARGET that work great in a .308. I've always been a "buy at least a years supply" kind of buyer so the hazmat fee is a non-issue. That way I've never been in a real "crunch" yet also can't be accused of hoarding. When it comes time for my annual buy I shop. Can usually fill up my shelves although it may be a different supplier now than last year.

Sure would be nice to see this latest epidemic of "Cranial Rectal Inversion" run it's course. I can certainly understand the component manufacturer's reluctance to tool up and double or triple their production capacity. That would leave them with a whole lot of unused capacity when the "panic" ends.

 

[M14AMU]

The best way to fight the 'shortage'.....is to STAY STOCKED prior to the shortage!! Some call it 'hoarding'! I call it 'using your frickin head for something other than a hat rack'!!

 

[Dans40X]

The above statement mimic here-

+ 100 million!