Potential Reloader Finding Powder

[bullitt3123]

New reloader here, and gunbot is where I bought 16# of powder. Like stated before you have to be ready to buy the instant it shows up in stock

[popeye4]

So can I take it this is a common theme these days? Being that I'm a complete newbie if that is the case I wouldn't know that. Do you have any helpful suggestions to share?

Yeah, it's been really dry, first with Big O's election in 2008, then Sandy Hook. Lots of panic buying/hoarding/flipping (plus all the new shooters want to shoot their new guns!). Until recently, pistol powder as been unobtainium, but it is starting to show up occasionally. This is a frustrating time to be starting the hobby, but you should be able to find something that will work if you look long enough (especially in Sac it's big enough to have several likely places). I'm guessing you won't be able to be too choosy, though....

[Mike402]

I started in this hobby last year & was all excited...until I found out pretty quick that I couldn't find powder anywhere. That started a year long balls out buy every ounce of powder I could find frenzy. Now I'm good & don't even think about it anymore.

[BigBronco]

Powder seems to be no longer a get a pound and head to the LGS when you run out. Loaders that have lived this life once they head to the LGS and there is no powder. Now buy 3-10 times the powder they need when they do find it. This leads to more powder on garage shelf's than where it is needed. I for one don't blame anyone for having more than they need on hand.

[Lucky Scott]

You will find powder, just a little harder than it used to be. Guns shows are a good source, and lots of places on the net. Also, keep an eye out here on CalGuns.

[ftbt]

... Guns shows are a good source ... Also, keep an eye out here on CalGuns.

Good advice. I have scored Varget and RL 15 from local sellers who posted on CalGuns, and last week at the OC gun show I was able to get RL 17 and some Accurate 5744. Another alternative, although it can be hit and miss, is Phillips Wholesale in Covina. I would never camp out for powder, but at least Phillips will post what that have in stock on line.

[Grunt81]

I agree with everyone who's stated that online ordering isn't cost effective because of the hazmat fee. Also, realize you are competing with millions of reloaders all across the country for powder found online. As suggested, search the Private Reloading Sales forum as well.

You should have a few, if not quite a few reloading component vendors, ranges, and gun stores within an hour from you. From what I understand, powder should get delivered once a week - sometimes it's only a few pounds, sometimes it's close to a whole pallet. An easy thing to do is just call the reloading store before driving there! Guys who work at reloading stores do tend to be dicks sometimes, but I've never had any of them unwilling to let me know what they had in stock and how many pounds of it before I made the drive.

Another thing, don't forget that there are several shotgun powders from Alliant and Hodgon that also work in some pistol calibers. I've used Alliant American Select, just to name one, in 9mm. Recoil was milder than Power Pistol and accuracy was definitely on par.

Good luck. You'll find powder in no time to get your first loads under your belt.

[stilly]

I've been shooting so much lately that I've got to get into reloading. I plan to purchase the Lee Classic 4 Hole Turret Press Deluxe Kit, calipers, and 38 Special dies. A friend who has reloaded for 30 plus years will be mentoring me and will loan me his case cleaner and 9mm dies.

So I've been searching for powder, because I cannot see the point in purchasing reloading equipment if I cannot find powder. Before that I checked here and other sites to see which powders work well for for the above calibers, however not one powders I've seen recommended is available anywhere I've looked including GunBot.

Am I doing something wrong?

Powder is like sand crabs, you gotta jump on it as soon as the wave comes in else when the wave dries up you really gotta dig for it...