How much should I pay?

[butchlambert]

Probably a hard one to answer. A member of our gunclub knew that I was looking for Varget or H4895 for my Grand Daughter's service rifle. He said he had 2 sealed 8# containers that he bought 20yrs ago or so. He asked me to set a price and I told him that it was his powder and he should set his price. I've been fortunate not to have to buy any for years.
What would be fair to both of us?
Thanks

 

[Texas10]

Will you be able to give it the sniff test before buying? I'd be concerned about degradation.

I paid $225 for 8lbs of freshly made Varget a few months back in a FTF transaction, if that helps.

 

[Jager]

I'd inquire about how/where the containers had been stored all those years. A hot garage or a damp basement wouldn't be good. But assuming they were kept in more or less normal living conditions, I'd suggest that whatever 8lb kegs of those powders are fetching today is a fair price.

 

[LHSmith]

$30/ lb. seems fair.

 

[butchlambert]

I believe he said they were in a climate controlled environment. I have some Hodgdon military surplus H4895 that shoots great. It is very old. Roy says the seal's have not been broken.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

$150 a jug sounds fair for 20 year old powder, even with this shortage.

 

[Shooter13]

I sold H4350 8lb for $250 and H4831SC for $265 and I purchased LT32 for $300 per 8lb so kind of varies.

 

[butchlambert]

Thanks Guys! I will report back after lunch.

 

[flintcreek6412]

If I really needed the powder and couldn't wait until supply loosened up I'd offer $250-275 each contingent upon sampling enough to load 5 rounds and make sure the performance is there after 20 years.

8# varget is $246 from powder valley and they are about the only place not gouging on prices. You would then spend another $30 plus in hazmat and shipping to get it.

What powder, primers and bullets used to cost in normal times is irrelevant. Those that are hung up on old vs new prices I ask if they would sell me their gold at $1000/oz or Amazon stock at $150 a share. I'm guessing not.

The age of the powder would be my only concern, not the price.

 

[butchlambert]

If I really needed the powder and couldn't wait until supply loosened up I'd offer $250-275 each contingent upon sampling enough to load 5 rounds and make sure the performance is there after 20 years.

8# varget is $246 from powder valley and they are about the only place not gouging on prices. You would then spend another $30 plus in hazmat and shipping to get it.

What powder, primers and bullets used to cost in normal times is irrelevant. Those that are hung up on old vs new prices I ask if they would sell me their gold at $1000/oz or Amazon stock at $150 a share. I'm guessing not.

The age of the powder would be my only concern, not the price.

It isn't urgent. I have 3# of H4895, 3# of IMR 4895, and what seems to be a very fast lot of Military IMR 4895 that came in a 5# container.
Age of the powder is somewhat of a concern.

 

[Ccrider]

Age is not an issue if the powder was stored properly. I purchased 10+ pounds of 2003 N133. Shoots as good as the newly purchased N133. Still, I would expect some discount due to the age of the powder, but not very much.
Add tax, shipping and hazmat to any prices you see for otherwise unavailable powder. You end up at 35 to 40 a pound.

 

[DGP4]

For $200 a jug I would probably go for it in the current environment. Above that, I would wait as you have plenty of powder for the immediate time.

 

[LHSmith]

Most of my powders were bought early O'sama/bin biden years. I have no reservations buying/ using powder that has been properly stored. I have not seen a change in consistency with-in lots. How did "T" powder become the most sought after propellant after the long storage and handling and packaging processes it went through over decades?

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Local sporting goods store had 8# of mag pro for 195.99. Single pounders were low to mid thirties. More expensive to order online.

 

[butchlambert]

Just got back from the range. Roy only brought 1 jug. It is a 2007 lot and still sealed. He keeps his powder in his house. He had it marked Camp Perry 2007. He said he would take the marked price on it-$110. I gave him $130. He also gave my Grand Daughter 100 rounds of green tip for practicing her standing shooting and quite a bit of LC brass. Yes, He knew what the powder was worth, but wanted to help my Grand Daughter. One of the members of the TSRA team is working with her today. We really have some great folks at our gun club.

 

[204 AR]

It sounds like Roy is a great guy. Kudos to both of you.

 

[DGP4]

Congratulations! You have a true friend there

 

[Ccrider]

My hat is off to Roy.

 

[butchlambert]

Roy is a retired US Army guy and also a retired structural Engineer. Roy is 84yrs old, shot with the Army team many years ago. We will be shooting a RF match tomorrow. I just can't believe that he shot the ten ring out yesterday with irons at 50yds. Glad I'm not shooting in his class.

 

[Greg Y]

That's awesome Butch. I just talked to my buddy last night who wants to buy a built 6GT but can't find varget. He said the local gun shows sold out at $150 PER POUND. I hope the madness ends soon.

Congratulations.