Powder Drying Up Again?

[bigbossman]

I still see the powder I always have seen at the local retailers, but prices jumped $20/lb about 2 or 3 weeks ago, overnight.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

I haven't been seeing what used to be 'the usual suspects' in terms of powder. Either they are unavailable (which seems to be true in some cases) or they are quickly being bought up when they do hit the market (which is a 'sad' statement in relation to what people will pay). The shops in town have all but given up on trying to get any in as they are too often left with what many consider to be 'oddball' powders or prices so inflated that only a very few can actually afford them.

In some cases, I've used it as an 'opportunity' to experiment with powders I wouldn't normally have tried. In other cases, I simply refuse to pay the prices now being placed on some of my favorites. Unfortunately, the one set of cases hasn't fully compensated for the other set.

We go through this with every shortage; be it ammo, components, or both. Accusations are thrown out in various forms, but little by way of actual 'proof' is found. All most of us know is that, if we can get it, we're paying substantially more.

The frustrating part is if 'you' won't pay that much, somebody else will and both 'sides' will point to the other and laugh regarding the other's 'foolishness.'

[bigbossman]

In some cases, I've used it as an 'opportunity' to experiment with powders I wouldn't normally have tried.

I started doing this early on. Most reloaders seem to be creatures of habit, and stick with the powders they know and have been using.

Even at the height of the shortage, I was picking up powders at gun shows that other folks didn't know what to do with. For example, 3 cans of W540 for $15. Turns out it is fantastic for 38spl, and the same as the current HS-6 from Hodgdon.

[cz74]

Anyone know why Hodgdon Superformance is cheaper than other rifle powders? Saw at Bass Pro Shops in San Jose, they had 1 lb of Varget at $64.99 but Superformance was $46.99/lb.

[sargenv]

Anyone know why Hodgdon Superformance is cheaper than other rifle powders? Saw at Bass Pro Shops in San Jose, they had 1 lb of Varget at $64.99 but Superformance was $46.99/lb.

Superformance has limited calibers where it is useful and is not as versatile. If your rifle load drops into the calibers with data you are good, otherwise varget is very useful and has boatloads of data for it. I've never felt a need for it, but it's very popular.