Cost

For rifle powder, I have a fair stock of Hodgdon and IMR that should last a year or so. But I have no confidence in Hodgdon's future supply based on current trends. I like the IMR Enduron powders (4166, 4451, and 4955), which apparently are manufactured in Canada, but it is a mystery why these have been out of stock everywhere for months. IMR Enduron powders should be in stock in Canada everywhere, all the time as long as the Canadian factory is making it. Something weird is happening that does not provide me confidence in the future for IMR and Hodgdon brands.

So I bought some Vhitavuroi powder which seems to be more consistently available. I can see myself switching totally over to Vhitavuori if current trends continue.

Free enterprise and the free market works. If Hodgdon and IMR cannot manage their supply chains, and if they discriminate against Canadian markets, then I am going with Vhitavuori (Yeah Finland!).
 
I heard somewhere that IMR powder gets packaged in the states, which would probably be why our supply isn't as ideal as we might like.
It's like French's ketchup, made from southwestern Ontario tomatoes, but bottled stateside.
Pre Covid, this might have made more sense. I dunno anymore...
 
Trudeau, Biden and Covid is a terrible storm of #### that makes US citizens hoard and shoot like an apocalypse is gong to start tomorrow.

I still find deals locally and sometimes online. Buy a hornet or a 222, powder will last you a very long time. The prices right now are ridiculous. I've been reloading for 10 or more years. I was looking at my stash and found a bottle of powder I bought when I started about 10 years ago. IMR 4198 - $32.99. Same store now lists it for $62.99. I'm glad I started hoarding after the last drought a few years ago. This drought seems worse though.
 
emerson said:
Many are stuck in a preferred powder or primer. Buy what is in stock and make it work. I shoot a lot of 22 also.
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Good advice. I don't have primer preference. Hard to switch to a new powder (and projectiles) as it will require development (although it is quite fun). And once you do have a good load, that particular powder might not be available. Trying to consolidate powder and projectile types down to a handful. I have been shooting and playing with 223 loads more than even now due to cost and availability of components. Might even buy another 223 rifle !

Was looking at some of my past purchases before the crunch. Cant believe I only purchased 3#s of RL22 at $35/pound (reg was $45 and there was a 20% sale) in 2020 ! As they say, hindsight is 20/20.
 
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Andrew28 said:
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Was looking at some of my past purchases before the crunch. Cant believe I only purchased 3#s of RL22 at $35/pound (reg was $45 and there was a 20% sale) in 2020 ! As they say, hindsight is 20/20.
Click to expand...

So true - If it's not outrageously inflated, better stock up.
 
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