Powder Prices?

Grump

Grump

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 23, 2008
1,217
11
So. Utah
#1
Here's what local to me right now. Tell us what you think and how much better or worse it is where you are.

All 1-lb local store prices, since the best deals for 8-lb jugs are on-line and I've only bought off the shelf once (my kid, actually...before he was 18???).

Longshot $21.49

Varget same (wish I could get decent groups AND velocity spreads with my rifle...)

TAC $22.50

most things IMR $24.99

RE-15 $27.49!!!!

There's supply and demand, but this stuff is available ALL OVER THE PLACE here. What makes Alliant so $pecial?
 
#2
Re: Powder Prices?

I've been trying to get some RL-15 for months now but really wouldn't want to pay that much. Even Midway has it for $125-5 pounder. Couldn't tell you how much here as we really don't have any gun shops in town that sell powder. I have to get all my stuff on line.
 
#4
Re: Powder Prices?

i paid 29.96 for one pound of h-4350 a few weeks back at the only shop that had any. i had a match in 2 days and it was cheaper than doing load development for a new powder. went home and ordered 24 pounds that night. after hazmat and shipping it came out to 20 buck a pound
 
#6
Re: Powder Prices?

I live in New York about 60 miles north of the big city. Everything runs about $30 to $35 per pound. Mail order id far worse, after shipping of cource.....
wink.gif
 
#7
Re: Powder Prices?

One place has an 8-lb jug of 4064 for $179.95.

I think I can get 4 or more single pounds of it in via mail order for about the same price per pound (stinking HazMat...)

So, is the components shortage basically over? I'm seeing only the usual past onesy-twosey sold-out items, with the exception of .380 and .32 ACP ammo, still very rare.
 
#8
Re: Powder Prices?

Let me cheer you lads up a little

£1 @ $1.40 right now..... so you do the math

IMR most powders £35.85 Trail Boss £20.30
Hodgdons Varget + most others £35.85 BLC2 £33.35
Accurate most powders £32
l payed roughly £75/kilo for Vihtt N140 for my last batch, and there ain't a lot left on my shelf

Nevermind accuracy, the bloody cost alone nearly makes us gauge out the bullets and use them a second time
 
#9
Re: Powder Prices?

I have been buying my powder in 5# and 8# containers for several years now. And I now have bullet molds for every rifle that I own. And have been casting my own for a long time. I probably cast 95% of the bullets I shoot(not counting rimfire, but I am stocked on rimfire). I have seen this coming for a long time. And it is only going to get worse. I need to pick up a few more cases of primers, and I will be set for the rest of my life. Time to stock up boys, it ain't getting any better for a while. Cal me a hoarder-I do not care. I tend to cal myself prepared. I am jut a little bit upset at myself for not setting back enough primers when I had the chance, and at a great price. If you can find it at a decent price, then you better buy it. trying to save a buck or two will end up costing you a bunch more in a couple of more years. The antis are coming for your components. As the boy scouts taught me-"be prepared"(I could use another case of black powder-maybe in a couple of weeks).

For the last few years whenever I bought a rifle I bought all the components for the expected lifetime of that firearm. It has been costly. But it has worked out. Thank goodness I live in WV. They may come and get everything, but at least we will be at the bottom of the list. And I am pretty sure my "holler" wil be one of the last ones they drive up. "A country boy can survive".

You think prices are bad now. Just wait until the freaks from KommieFornia get their lead laws passed across this great land. Tom.
 
#11
Re: Powder Prices?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: trigger happy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">RL-15 and Varget here locally for $25/lb out the door </div></div>

Where?
 
#12
Re: Powder Prices?

Grump,

That's a little high from what I see locally for 1 lb. I usually only buy 1 lb when testing a new powder. The 8 lb kegs are insanely priced locally around 179-180 something when they're around. I stick with online purchases in larger quantities for the most part.

With the current economic situation I'm guessing the prices will nudge up a little bit more before settling in again.
 
#13
Re: Powder Prices?

I am probably wrong but I believe prices will eventually fall with a Thud. So many people have gathered a hoard of reloading material that they will not need to buy again in 5 lifetimes. Once the manufacturers get caught up they won't be able to give powder and primers away.

Right now you still have people buying large quantitys of reloading components because they never want to be caught short again. I am also one of them and as soon as I can I plan on buying about 15 years worth of shooting supplies.

The one area that I believe won't be hurt much is the Spray and Pray crowd that panicked when the Dems took over and bought all of those AR's. They need to feed them so Ammo for them will not drop to the bottom.

Speaking of AR's everytime I go into one of the Big Sporting good stores here I always check the prices on the AR's just to see whats happening and since the first of the year some of the AR's have dropped in price by $300
 
#14
Re: Powder Prices?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Trapshooter12</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am probably wrong but I believe prices will eventually fall with a Thud. So many people have gathered a hoard of reloading material that they will not need to buy again in 5 lifetimes. Once the manufacturers get caught up they won't be able to give powder and primers away.

</div></div>

I thought the same thing. And you may be right. However when the bullet prices went up the mfrs. blamed the metals market. But then metals went down-so you would have expected the prices to go down?? But instead they went up again. I still think you might be right, but you know how tough it is for a mfr. to lower a price, after they have raised it?? However dealer mark up may come down?? But I still think Uncle Obama is going to get involved. And when he does?? Well...........look out. Tom.
 
#16
Re: Powder Prices?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Trapshooter12</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am probably wrong but I believe prices will eventually fall with a Thud. </div></div>

I think so too. I know several people who have 20-30k primers + 40 or so lbs of powder in their garages, yet only shoot once every couple months at the most.
 
#17
Re: Powder Prices?

Prices are going to come down and even now, I think they are. Picked up four 8 pound jugs of Varget locally for $140/keg (was marked higher but store had no problems dropping it) and same for ten 2 pound jugs of N540. I bought what I could as its all the same lot per powder and I shoot a LOT of each of it....especially the Varget as thats my main powder in my Palma gun. Lets just say 20-30k primers dont last that long in my garage!

We are going to see some cheap components here soon, so I am actually holding off buying for a while till the bottom falls out, but if I see several jugs, same lot, or good prices, I will buy up what I can. Now, if I only shot a couple thousand rounds a year, I wouldnt bother...but a normal month can be several thousand rounds, easy....just depends on how many matches are on teh schedule and how many days I go out back and practice.
John
 
#18
Re: Powder Prices?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mavrick10_2000</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Grump,

That's a little high from what I see locally for 1 lb. I usually only buy 1 lb when testing a new powder. The 8 lb kegs are insanely priced locally around 179-180 something when they're around. I stick with online purchases in larger quantities for the most part.

With the current economic situation I'm guessing the prices will nudge up a little bit more before settling in again. </div></div>
I just bought Varget at $149 for 8lb jugs locally at Bruno's today. I guess you might find it cheaper elsewhere, but that's the first time I've seen it in a long time. I bought two jugs.
 
#23
Re: Powder Prices?

Warehouse store here in town added a sporting goods section and is well stocked in reloading supplies tapping into the niche market here. Prices are $22.00 for 1 lb'rs. SMK 168 $29.00-It's so nice to walk in and buy what you need after several years of starving here in AK-Mailorder for powder is not an easy option due to ground freight and Hazmat-I was so thrilled after spending $250.00 I thanked the store manager in person!
 
#24
Re: Powder Prices?

It all seams to be averaging around $30.00 a pound here in Maine. I,ve seen some cheaper but it seams to be less popular types that have the lower prices of course.
 
#30
Re: Powder Prices?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: idpasteve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">154.00 out the door (INCLUDING 8.75 % TAX)
for 8 lbs of varget

the range (sac valley) left a message they just
got it in also, haven't priced there...

Steve </div></div>

Where are you finding varget in the Sacramento area? Only place I found 8lb jugs of anything was Sportsmans off 65 and they want a fortune for them...
 
#31
Re: Powder Prices?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mark Walker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Last weekend I saw 1 lb jugs in Bass Pro here in Houston for $28 - crazy... </div></div>

I just paid $29 x 2 for Varget at Bass Pro here in Miami, but my local gun shop doesn't have it, even though he's at $22 for all the powders he carries.

Bass Pro did have it and RL-17, along with RL-22, RL-19 and RL-15, which was nice to see. In a pinch, it still works out to be cheaper getting a few pounds there with tax, than ordering online.

Chris
 
#32
Re: Powder Prices?

BCP -

Discount Shooter's Supply in Roseville-

1050 Melody Lane suite 140 Roseville, Ca 95678 Near Riverside and Cirby Ph# 916-899-5265

you should call first- Don't know if he still
has some- but he had a pallet-

Steve
 
#35
Re: Powder Prices?

If you have a C&R license Black Hills Shooters Supply will sell you at dealers cost. Prices below are delivered.
8 lbs 748 $128.75
8 lbs 4895 $131.85
8 lbs Varget $132.95
 
#37
Re: Powder Prices?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChrisGarrett</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mark Walker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Last weekend I saw 1 lb jugs in Bass Pro here in Houston for $28 - crazy... </div></div>

I just paid $29 x 2 for Varget at Bass Pro here in Miami, but my local gun shop doesn't have it, even though he's at $22 for all the powders he carries.

Bass Pro did have it and RL-17, along with RL-22, RL-19 and RL-15, which was nice to see. In a pinch, it still works out to be cheaper getting a few pounds there with tax, than ordering online.

Chris </div></div>
IME, Bass Pro is NOT our friend, price-wise. Outlet of LAST resort for me.

So, yeah, if I am doing load development with SMKs in the .30 calibers, powder, bullet and primer ALONE can add up to almost $.54 a round.
 
#39
Re: Powder Prices?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Santo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you have a C&R license Black Hills Shooters Supply will sell you at dealers cost. Prices below are delivered.
8 lbs 748 $128.75
8 lbs 4895 $131.85
8 lbs Varget $132.95 </div></div>

Good luck finding it in stock there?
 
#41
Re: Powder Prices?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Grump</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChrisGarrett</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mark Walker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Last weekend I saw 1 lb jugs in Bass Pro here in Houston for $28 - crazy... </div></div>

I just paid $29 x 2 for Varget at Bass Pro here in Miami, but my local gun shop doesn't have it, even though he's at $22 for all the powders he carries.

Bass Pro did have it and RL-17, along with RL-22, RL-19 and RL-15, which was nice to see. In a pinch, it still works out to be cheaper getting a few pounds there with tax, than ordering online.

Chris </div></div>
IME, Bass Pro is NOT our friend, price-wise. Outlet of LAST resort for me.

So, yeah, if I am doing load development with SMKs in the .30 calibers, powder, bullet and primer ALONE can add up to almost $.54 a round. </div></div>

Well, for bullets, they're not too bad. I picked up a Hornady 50gr VMax 250ct box and a 55gr VMax 250ct box for $39.99 each. That's ~$1.50 more than Powder Valley, Grafs and Midway, generally. I had 'points' on my Bass card that knocked ~$11.00 off that total, so it was a good deal at ~$74 out the door.

Brass, both Win and Rem 223 are ~$24ish, so not too bad. They even have Nosler and Hornady brass, although not a lot. Dies, presses, accessories, they're OK for price and they had all the Hornady/Stoney Point OAL, Comparator and Headspace gages, etc.

Regarding powder, they went up last Christmas and stayed there. Three years back, their primers were $50-$60 per carton, so really high and this was well before any Obama shortage--almost like they didn't want to sell them, they were priced so high.

I don't buy powder in bulk and I'm pretty good on a wide range of flavors, so onesies and twosies is how I generally do it.

As I said, my other guy is $22 for all brands that he carries (Win, VV, Reloder, IMR and Hodgdon) so I generally go there, but his bullet prices ($170/500ct 168 SMKs) are really high, but primers for 210Ms are $43 out the door, so I'm kind of fucked for 'one stop shopping'. I have use both places.

I used to buy a lot from Bass in the early 00s and then they got rid of all but the primers and powder, so I'm happy that they have a good selection of brass, bullets (Nosler, Barnes, SMKs, Hornady, Remingtons, etc.) and equipment.

Nowadays, beggars can't be choosers. For a couple of bucks, sometimes I want to 'cash and carry', instead of waiting a week or two. Plus, the IslaMorada fish restaurant is there and it's pretty good.

Chris
 
#42
Re: Powder Prices?

And as I was prowling through my powder storage the other day, I came across a cardboard can of H4198 with a tag from Osco Drug that said $1.39.... Ah, the old days!
 
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