Finally started loading for the first time.

[TrickyDick]

So last month I received a Lee Single stage reloading kit. I'm starting with 7.62x54R, so I accumulated some brass, bullets, primers, but no powder so as I wait for a supply of powder to come up, I did everything I could so far. cleaned, resized, and trimmed.

I've been doing a lot of research before I dove into this hobby.
I'm using 150Gr .311 Spitzer bullets, with a Lee die set, equipped with a .311 EZ expander.

I used the breach lock bushings for all 3 dies to make life easier, and it does.
So I did manage to properly seat a bullet and crimp it with a slight taper crimp. I used this as a practice one before I started loading live rounds, and simply turned it into a nice keychain.

but aside from all that, the only powder I can find in stock is Norma from Midway, but I cant justify buying 1 lb when the cost to ship is more than the product. any help?

 

[LiveLife]

How about these?

3rd Generation Shooting Supply (Powder limit 10 1 lb, 2 4 lbs, 1 8 lbs):

Hodgdon 4895 1 lb/$22.99 - http://store.thirdgenerationshootingsupply.com/browse.cfm/2,3649.html

IMR 4320 1 lb/$20.99, 8 lbs/$153.99 - http://store.thirdgenerationshootingsupply.com/browse.cfm/2,3672.html

IMR 4350 8 lbs/$153.99 - http://store.thirdgenerationshootingsupply.com/browse.cfm/2,3673.html


Recob's Target Shop (Powder limit 4-1lb OR 1-4/5lb OR 1-8lb):

IMR 4350 1 lb/$21.49 - http://www.recobstargetshop.com/browse.cfm/4,278.html

IMR 4350 8 lbs/$153.29 - http://www.recobstargetshop.com/browse.cfm/4,279.html


Powder Valley - http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/

- IMR 4320 1 lb/$20.60
- IMR 4350 1 lb/$20.60, 8 lbs/$147.80

 

[TrickyDick]

Did you know that I love you? LOL Thank you so much!!!!

 

[TrickyDick]

Well, the hazardous shipping is still a killer for me? I'm essentially going to pay $60+ for a pound of it

 

[LiveLife]

Do you plan on reloading other calibers? If you do, you can bundle more powders to spread the HazMat fee.

 

[TrickyDick]

For now, it's just the 54R, eventually I would like to do .45 ACP, .223, perhaps 7.62x39, and 6mm Rem

 

[Lost Sheep]

Well, the hazardous shipping is still a killer for me? I'm essentially going to pay $60+ for a pound of it

Ouch! $60

Two ways around that.

Advertise in your local area (word of mouth, billboard postings at your local range, gun stores (that don't sell powder-be polite) for other people who would increase the order size, thereby spreading the fee out.

Buy an 8 lb jug yourself (if you are sure you will like the powder) or multiple 1 lb containers which you can re-sell locally, spreading out the fee. I know of no laws that prevent private sales of gunpowder, but you might check.

Lost Sheep

 

[TrickyDick]

I've checked all my local gun shops, local trading publications/ craigslist, and I've even gone as far as asking to buy some from coworkers.... it's painful!

 

[jwrowland77]

Ask your coworkers to go in on a order with you. Everyone gets what they want, and it spreads hazmat fee out.

 

[Centurian22]

Hey tricky I just noticed you're from Maine what part? I am in the Bangor area. If you're not too far we might be able to work something out. Message me if interested.

 

[BullfrogKen]

I'd do the same. Talk to the reloaders you know, take the initiative, and put together a bulk order. Get yourself a few pounds of what you'll use, or might want to use when you decide to load a different caliber that you shoot. Spread around that Hazmat fee becomes insignificant.

 

[tcanthonyii]

Find it locally. Online is almost worthless unless you buy A LOT of stuff. I can actually buy it cheaper locally than the listed price online. I bet you have much better luck locally.

 

[TrickyDick]

Find it locally. Online is almost worthless unless you buy A LOT of stuff. I can actually buy it cheaper locally than the listed price online. I bet you have much better luck locally.

Locally seems to be all dried up, so that is my prediciment.

 

[Jcinnb]

GGGGGGGGGGun Shows

I am a new reloader, too. Finally, I think the local June show, had some powder for my 25-06.

Couldn't find any for the x54 till mid June when we went on a trip to South Carolina. Stopped at two stores in Columbia (fortunately both were on route)

Then directly across the street from our hotel in Anderson, there was an outfitter kind of store and I got three pounds for x54 loads,

You have to look when you travel.

Good luck.

 

[tcanthonyii]

Guess I'm lucky. I've been able to get pretty much everything I need around here without looking too hard, well other than 22lr. Primers, powders, brass and projectiles. Sure they are out from time to time but for the most part they've had in a couple of days.

The only thing I couldn't get quick was a 380 die set and a 223 die set.

 

[Shmackey]

You'll soon find that $50 in shipping and hazmat is just fine when spread across 10,000 primers and 16 pounds of powder.

Trust me--I never thought I'd be that guy either...

 

[BullfrogKen]

Trust me--I never thought I'd be that guy either...

Nor did I.

Before he who shall not be named took office 5 years ago, I could find whatever I wanted, in whatever quantity I wanted, whenever I wanted it, locally.

I bought my first big order of a full sleeve - 5k primers - and powder in 8 lbs jugs during this mess the last time. Now, while I was at it I and several other buddies went in together and bought smaller quantities of primers and 1lb jugs, too. We had two HAZMAT fees because we collectively ordered something like 50 - 60k in primers, and some 60 lbs of powder. A good bit of that 60 lbs was 1 lb jugs of various stuff we couldn't find locally at the time.

I'm still working off of some of that supply from 3 years ago. But a good bit is gone.