Powder shortages

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Freyr_255 said:
For bulk powder I've always used Higginsons powder. If they're out already you can expect to only find the odd pound here and there in the supply chain locally.

On that note, expect a 2-3 year recovery. The US went nuts buying up everything and they're now a few years back ordered. We come after that for resupply.
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Yeah me too. I called them a few weeks back - they will be getting an order mid month but wouldn't guess what would be on it.
 
6MT said:
So it looks like we will go a complete summer season without most popular powders being available. Does anyone have any idea when some of the following might be available ...? Or is it just wishful thinking and we're never going to see any of it again.

Varget
Retumbo
IMR4064
IMR4350
H4198
H1000
....??

And 8 pounders are unobtainium too.
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And I need four from that list. Not out just wanting to bolster the supplies
 
Freyr_255 said:
Higginsons is the largest supplier in Canada outside of some wholesalers. If they are out, that means everyone else can't get it imported either so you're now relying on local supply chains who haven't yet sold out.
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Again, not true.
 
North of 7 said:
They have been out of varget and H4350 for weeks/months....

North
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They are out because they do not order it. Other dealers get supply of Varget and H4350 regularly and have some in stock. Just purchased H4350 this week from a local dealer and they had inventory in stock.

Higginson was at a time a big supplier of bulk powder, but never for canister powder. They are not a major player in reloading, and they have not been since the father passed away some 15-20 years ago.
Today, their bulk powder offering is a shadow of what was offered in the past.

Not everybody want bulk powder - you have to work up you load for each lot - and that vary a lot. You have to start from scratch your load development with each lot.

Canister powder offer stability and consistency of the product. I left bulk powder behind years ago and do not regret it at all.
 
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6MT said:
At $70 per pound plus shipping....no thank you!!
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Check your figure before making such statement.
Londero powder are between $40 and $51.
Western Metal : most are in the $45-$50 range.

With our dollar..you will not see powder at $30 anymore.
 
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Grey_Wolf said:
And I need four from that list. Not out just wanting to bolster the supplies
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I found them all online. Check Londero Sport. None are at $70 a pound...
8 pounds keg are scarcer because they sell less than the one pound can.
They usually order less of those I was told since they sit longer.
 
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6MT said:
Thanks all. But I'm looking at only the 8 pounders (the singles are too expensive). The last time I bought (a year and a half ago) I got 80 pounds of Varget and 40 pounds of Retumbo. I just opened my last 8 pounders of each. Getting worried...
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Ask a quote to X Reload.
At the quantity you are buying, I am sure they could make you a good price and add your order to theirs.
They order often - reloading is their only business.

I had great luck in buying a full carton of 1 pounder when 8 pounds are not avail, for a better price than a few. You are sure they are from the same lot then, as is a 8 pounds keg.

Hopefully you will find what you need at a price you are confortable with.
 
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Janeau said:
Check your figure before making such statement.
Londero powder are between $40 and $51.
Western Metal : most are in the $45-$50 range.

With our dollar..you will not see powder at $30 anymore.
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The desirable rifle powders at western metal are between 55-70$ per pound. You check your own figures!
 
Janeau said:
Ask a quote to X Reload.
At the quantity you are buying, I am sure they could make you a good price and add your order to theirs.
They order often - reloading is their only business.

I had great luck in buying a full carton of 1 pounder when 8 pounds are not avail, for a better price than a few. You are sure they are from the same lot then, as is a 8 pounds keg.

Hopefully you will find what you need at a price you are confortable with.
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Thanks for the reply. I would order from xReload, but their prices are too high. If I have to wait, it's going to be from Higginsons or Hummansons.

Also, I just don't know how Western Metals sell much powder at the prices they are asking. $69 for a pound of Varget, plus taxes and shipping. Wuff! To ship to Edmonton, that would put a pound of Varget at over $80 delivered. More for people outside Alberta. Absolutely ridiculous.
 
Do yourself a favour..check at Londero Sport.. they have all you need..maybe not in 8 pounds kegs, but they have the one you listed. For how long after this post ? Lol , I do not know !!

For those of you looking for Varget..8 pounds kegs and 1 pounder are in stock as of this morning.

I am surprised that Alberta dealers ask more $$ for powder than in the East... maybe just supply and demand as stated above.

Some dealer like Bullseye North offer price match..and they did honour this on a purchase of A5744 a couple months back...shop..shop.
 
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Janeau said:
Do yourself a favour..check at Londero Sport.. they have all you need..maybe not in 8 pounds kegs, but they have the one you listed. For how long after this post ? Lol , I do not know !!

For those of you looking for Varget..8 pounds kegs and 1 pounder are in stock as of this morning.

I am surprised that Alberta dealers ask more $$ for powder than in the East... maybe just supply and demand as stated above.

Some dealer like Bullseye North offer price match..and they did honour this on a purchase of A5744 a couple months back...shop..shop.
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Western Metal has used Covid as an excuse to enhance their profit margins, IMHO. I bought a pound of sport pistol in January at $35, same lot in February was 47. I see it is down to 43 now but this is not a business model I really want to support.
 
Henry Nierychlo said:
I have IMR4064, IMR4350, H4198 & H1000 in stock, unfortunately I am closed for the summer till Sept 8th. On Sept 8th the Shopping Cart on my website will be turned back on & they will be available to buy.

Regards, Henry
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Is a retailer limited to how much powder they can order?

Seems like some of the short supply is from retailers them selfs?
 
I am having no problem finding a good variety of powders.
I also don't mind paying what the current market pricing dictates, if that's what I need to do to keep stock on hand...
 
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