Where's all the Pistol Powder?

Siggy Stardust

Siggy Stardust

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I know this topic may have been beaten to death already, but it seemed to me today in my search for powder for my pistols that things have become especially dire.

It used to be that one couldn't find their "go to" powder for their 9mm, .45, .357, etc. THEN it turned into an issue of entire brand names going missing. It's been years since I've seen anything made by Alliant on a shelf in this country.

In going to 4 LGS today and searching frantically online, it's become apparent to me that there is next to nothing for pistol powder left around. It seems the best anyone can hope for now is to put in a request for their powder of choice on "backorder" along with everything else that's been on the same order that's been on the books for over 2 years.

Just a question to put it out there... What is everyone doing in the face of the shortage? I'm thinking especially in terms of those folks who shoot IPSC and in other competitive leagues.

I mean, I knew it was bad, but until today I had no idea how bad it was.

Or am I just missing something here and there is a golden website with endless kegs of every powder in stock?
 
Alliant isn't taking orders from it's Canadian customers, no word on when they will start again.

Hodgdon, Winchester and IMR powders are trickling into the country (pun intended), you just have to be willing to order a pound here or there, from all over the country.

Prophet River seems to have a reasonably steady supply of VV powders available as well.
 
TACTICAL111 said:
Stocking up when you had a chance last year. Myself and friends each bought over 40lbs at the time. Sure glad we did now.
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^^ THIS ^^ ....... I have over 20lbs of Varget stashed and just sold 5 lbs same to friends. 8lbs ea IMR 4350, H4831, R15 with a good supply of 3031 and BL-C2 and a few other odds & ends.

Sure would like to find some Unique for the 45Colt.
 
I'm getting to the point where i'd spend a little premium on Titegroup. My "supply" is down to the last pound.. and local stores are out of any factory 124gr stuff that I like. No powder to be found around here.
 
Buy it cheap and stack it deep.
Last year when powder was in short supply south of the border I was buying what was available.
Now I can afford to wait for prices to go back to normal.
 
There is powder to be found just got to search for it
I found several different powders I needed just took some calling and searching and paying what stores are asking

If won't come knocking on your door
 
I still have over 4 lbs of Trailboss left, which is all that I use for handguns. I actually have an unopened can of 231 on hand, and I no longer own a gun that I would use it in.
 
Siggy Stardust said:
Just a question to put it out there... What is everyone doing in the face of the shortage? I'm thinking especially in terms of those folks who shoot IPSC and in other competitive leagues.

I mean, I knew it was bad, but until today I had no idea how bad it was.

Or am I just missing something here and there is a golden website with endless kegs of every powder in stock?
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You're not missing anything, the situation is bad. Really bad. But not as bad as it was, powder is turning up again, but they are clearly servicing the rifle market first. Pistol is a distant second. Be glad you're not into shotgun, those people aren't getting any hint of supply and their recipes allow no room for experimentation or substitution.

As for me, I bought an 8 pounder of W231 the week after Sandy Hook, and I'm pretty glad I did. You can use 231 for almost everything.
 
I was talking to a commercial reloader recently. He said that he is having problems sourcing pistol powders as TWO Canadian distributors in the West have closed shop. He didn't see any relief for at least the next year.

Auggie D.
 
They pop up on occasion...in some places, you just need to be persistent. It helps if you have an array of different powders you can use, otherwise good luck, you'll need it.
 
I had a feeling months ago that this was going to happen. Same thing happened with 22 ammo just over a year ago and then this summer a bunch showed up and now it's dry again. Fortunately I picked up enough powder for what I load to do me until the end of next summer which hopefully by then more powder has come back in. I'm just about ready to start a run of about 8000 rounds of 9mm to get me through a winter of IPSC practice. Did a bunch of 270 today as well to replenish what I have shot through over the last year.

Good luck in your search, there is stuff out there. I was at a store tonight that had about a dozen different types of powder in stock but nothing I am in need of.
 
stubblejumper said:
...I actually have an unopened can of 231 on hand, and I no longer own a gun that I would use it in.
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If you lived down here I'd drive over and take it off your hands. I've been waiting for a year and a half for 231!

And overall it's not much better in the US. A while ago I went on Midway USA's site to see what their situation was. Something like 150 powders listed, but in stock- 16! :(
 
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