Powder Shortage

MacD · Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 9:24 pm Post subject: Powder Shortage

I have been searching for powders to start loading the Swede but all my usual souces were out of the types I wanted. I finally found some and ordered a total of 8 pounds of three types. The largest powder retailer/wholesaler in Canada told me he has only 10% of his normal stock on hand and then only the less popular powders. How are others finding it in your neck of the woods?

Vince · Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 9:38 pm Post subject: Re: Powder Shortage

Only shortage I have seen out here is due to a fire at the ADI plant, and that only affected a couple of pistol powders.

Having said that, only powders I use are ADI powders and Alliant PROMO.

Elvis · Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 9:41 pm Post subject: Re: Powder Shortage

I still have enough to last me a year or three (dont tell SWMBO) if Im only firing 3-10 shots per outing it sure lasts a long time.
ADI is usually not hard to get and its advertised here on trademe all the time,looked last night and most of everything is there. trail boss is here too but to get a wee amount is hard for guys up north, down here gunworks sell wee 30 gram sample pottles so its great for trying something out, or in the case of TB buying enough for 80 loads !!!!

slimjim · Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 10:19 pm Post subject: Re: Powder Shortage

Stopped in Cabela's last week and they only had 3 bottles on the shelf of two types. Definitely not plentiful.

PaulS · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2015 12:56 am Post subject: Re: Powder Shortage

Powder is making a come-back here is SE Washington. The shelves are filling up but the double based (ball) powders are still lagging behind. I am hoping that it gets back to normal because in a short time I will be ordering a restock of all 6 of the powders I use in 8 pound kegs.

Gil Martin · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2015 4:02 am Post subject: Re: Powder Shortage

It depends. The gun shops that I visit are slowly getting more powders in stock. Not as good as the old days, but certainly better than the recent past. Rifle powders are the most common on the shelves with a few shotgun powders. Pistol powders are in the shortest supply. Fortunately, I saw this coming and am well stocked on powders. All the best...
Gil

slimjim · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2015 6:28 am Post subject: Re: Powder Shortage

Gil Martin wrote:

Fortunately, I saw this coming and am well stocked on powders.

I did the same but I've been wanting to try out different powders and the new extreme powders. I've got too many powders but want more!

Azar · Member Joined: Jan 04, 2010 Posts: 275 Location: Utah

I haven't checked powder supplies in a month or so, because I eventually scored 4 1-lb cannisters over the internet of the powder I use the most (HazMat fees + shipping costs = OUCH). But I hadn't seen it on the shelves here in about 18-24 months. 2 weeks later they had 3-4 1lb cannisters on the shelf here... Rolling Eyes

But other than that temporary replenishing, powder is still scarce around here. Primers have more or less come back into stock, thankfully.

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

Azar, Cal-Ranch in American Fork lately has had the best selection of powders. Also give Gunnies a call. The only Powder I cant seem to locate is Varget... I have a can and a half so I'm good for quite a while (only using varget in 223 and 22-250 atm).

-DallanC

gelandangan · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2015 2:37 pm Post subject: Re: Powder Shortage

well, 2206H, 2208 and AP-70 are pretty rare in Sydney right now.
I guess some shortage in USA made Thales export more rather than keeping em here.

Azar · Member Joined: Jan 04, 2010 Posts: 275 Location: Utah

Thanks Dallan.

I don't get down that way much but there is a Cal Ranch (or two) within reasonable driving distance. I'll have to check out their current stock.

I use Reloder 22 more than anything else and after scoring 4lbs of it I should be good for a couple of years.

IMR 7828 SSC is another I use a bit but it is one powder that seems to come back into stock more than others around here. It's been the easiest to find and I current don't need any.

Ramshot Hunter & Magnum are others I use but those I haven't seen for a while.

Pistol powders seem have been the most scarce or perhaps most sought after and quickest to leave the shelves. I haven't seen Winchester 231 / Hodgdon HP-38, Hodgdon Universal, etc for quite some time.

Thankfully at 4.0 to 4.4g a shot and not shooting pistols often one pound lasts me quite a while.

chambered221 · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2015 6:57 pm Post subject: Re: Powder Shortage

Just before Christmas I was in a store that had an abundance of powders available. Some of the more popular were sold out but was told they've been getting them on a regular basis.

chambered221 · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2015 6:59 pm Post subject: Re: Powder Shortage

DallanC wrote:

The only Powder I cant seem to locate is Varget...

Dallan, If ya pay for a trip to Utah I'll bring ya some !!! Laughing