So I just started loading pistol again and can't find anyone selling large and small pistol primers. I know what the issue is. I managed to buy some Win 231 at Cambodian Tire. I know there are shortages due to import laws etc...........but surely someone can recommend a few online stores that I can still buy powder and primers!?
Best Powder and Primer on line
- Thread starter Alfonso
- Start date
.30/06 FTW
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Thunder Bay, Ontario
I don't think you know what the issue is lol
The issue of powder and primer shortages is primarily a function of the supply chain--not really import laws, although it seems that the problem is a little more acute here in Canada than in the US. They are having many of the same supply problems in the US, but the thinking is that US suppliers are exporting less than usual to Canada--keeping more than usual in the US because of the market size.
The supply problem has many causes. Supply of the raw materials is way down. Manufacturing is way down, with many manufacturers having laid off workers because of Covid and their own supply problems. And then the shippers are hamstrung too with labor shortages owing to Covid and less product to ship. The consensus seems to be that more product is being diverted to fill military contracts than usual, leaving less for the civilian market, and a lot of the components which are not going to the military market, are being scooped up by the ammunition makers rather than being made available to reloaders. This is all happening in the US, and then to top it off, we in Canada are at the end of the supply chain, with the a larger proportion of product than usual staying in the US.
Another factor is greatly increased demand by shooters in the US. Evidently, the number of new shooters and reloaders has skyrocketed with the change of government in the US--from a conservative to a liberal White House and senate. So supply is down and demand is way up. A perfect storm!
About the best advice I can give is to be relentless in your searches. Check all the online sources regularly, and, if they are out of stock (as almost all of them are right now), leave your email to be notified when they get the product in that you need. Most online sellers provide this option. I've done this with many online sources, and out of the blue a few weeks ago, I got a call from an online store telling me that the powder that I had asked for notification about had come in, and they could supply it to me. To be honest I was shocked (and happy!), so it pays to stay in touch with suppliers. Check the EE here on CGN regularly, and check ####### and Townpost.
Best of luck in your searches.
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I friend of mine received a call from Lawry's in Caledonia that they just got Federal SPP in stock. $104/1000 taxes in. Brutal, yes, but if you have a light action PPC gun and those are the only primers that will work reliably in it you pay the price and be thankful you can at least shoot the gun. Stuff is showing up but it is sporadic and be prepared to pay top dollar. Just a fact of life these days.
There are still quite a few stores with shotgun/pistol powders around, depends what you need or are can use in what you have I suppose. Primers are hit and miss, little batches showing up here and there, same with rifle powders. Looks like the dist's didn't put in all that much for orders last year, we're paying the price for it now. Supply chain issue is what it is, chemicals, metals are all spotty deliveries. THen you add all the people who are new gun owners and starting reloading over the last couple of yrs, the system got overloaded with orders. For example, if your stores didn't book orders for this year on primers, last year, they ain't gettin any, and they are not accepting orders on them til 2023. And you can imagine what will happen then, all over again.
BattleRife
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- of No Fixed Address
The issues are demand, demand, and demand.
With urban riots, COVID, a democrat president promising gun control, and a general sense that the world is going to hell, people are buying guns like crazy. People buying guns like crazy means people buying ammo like crazy. And getting into reloading like crazy. For 2 years, demand has been off the charts, and the shelves are bare.
It's my understanding that supply side is normal, in fact primer and ammunition producers are making and shipping record volumes of product. But it isn't enough. Shortages were very acute in the USA a year ago, but have been getting better for several months now. Canada's market was a little delayed feeling the pinch, so we are at the bottom now, but my impression is things are on the cusp of getting better.
You are correct. With inflation drying up bank accounts the availability is coming back in the states. Hopefully Canada will get back to somewhat normal this year.
Thanks, well I know a bit about supply and demand as I have a degree in Economics and I was sure it was for all these reasons. I have an idiot lawyer friend who brought up new laws in Canada related to ammunition et al import laws. It was just a shock because after 10 years I started relaoding again and when I went to every gun store I was greeted with "good luck pal" sarcasm. My bad. Well it does sound like it eventually will be resolved (a year or less) as Economic cycles and supply and demand regúlate themselves in an efficient market ........hopefully.
and it’s pretty depressing. I’ll shoot less till the craziness is over
Hodgdon put out a memo in 2019 stating that they are struggling to keep pace with demand for powder. Then add 3 years on, a pandemic, riots, wars, elections, etc and its probably worse than has ever been. Same goes for ammo and primer manufacturers.
I doubt we will ever see lower prices, just a fact of life like $0.99 gas. Even the supply might be tight for another 3-5 years...
I doubt we will ever see lower prices, just a fact of life like $0.99 gas. Even the supply might be tight for another 3-5 years...
what pistol powders are you looking for?
and as others have stated Budget shooter supply had large pistol primers last I checked. He has some powder, bullets and brass too.
I'm a few hours north of the okanagan but my local LGS has some pistol powders in stock depending what you need.
Oh, where are you? I'm in Vernon but work is SA. I typically use Win 231 for .45 ACP, 9mm and .380, .38-357. I prefer Unique but can't find it anywhere. I have 100 small pistol primers left but I believe I may have many more in my storage locker.
sharp shooter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Essex county (Ontario)
Just got back from the cottage in the states. I didn’t see any powder at the local Cabelas, likely behind the counter now but I didn’t ask. The reloading section is about half the size it was two years ago when I went last. The ammunition section was about 1/3 the size it used to be.
I went to another store, varget was 52.99 per pound, limit of 1. Two years ago it was $29.99 per pound at that store. That store also used to have just about every powder available in all sizes. Had about 5 different powders and only a few pounds of each. No lead shot, no bullets, no primers.
Walmart was limiting 3 boxes of ammo per person.
Everybody there was blaming this all on Biden.
I think everybody hoarding and some 7 million new US gun owners have made a shortage.
I went to another store, varget was 52.99 per pound, limit of 1. Two years ago it was $29.99 per pound at that store. That store also used to have just about every powder available in all sizes. Had about 5 different powders and only a few pounds of each. No lead shot, no bullets, no primers.
Walmart was limiting 3 boxes of ammo per person.
Everybody there was blaming this all on Biden.
I think everybody hoarding and some 7 million new US gun owners have made a shortage.
Cabelas online currently has fed small pistol primers. They are really expensive but they are there…
Just sent you a PM.
Bought large magnum pistol primers last week. He still shows lots of stock.
I guess your PM box is full so can't send you one.
Send me a PM for retailer of CCI 350 stock.
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What do they have in stock in pistol powders? I'm looking for a few options for 44 mag.
