Gun Shops and Reloading Supplies

[Southpauler]

If a small gun shop we’re to start stocking reloading supplies, what powders and primers are going to be the most popular for rifle, pistols, and shotguns?

Also, what brands of brass and or bullets?

 

[AJC1]

I would expect to see what they have easy access through their distributor. Is this a wish list or what

 

[Southpauler]

I would expect to see what they have easy access through their distributor. Is this a wish list or what

No, I am just curious of what a shop would be expected to have that is popular in the reloading community. Primarily ones that are universal and “popular” so to say.

 

[Milt1]

Start with powders and primers.

 

[Southpauler]

Start with powders and primers.

Yes, but do you have recommendations of what to stock?

 

[Milt1]

A gun store owner is probably going to order through a distributor who will be able to tell the store owner which powders and primer are most popular, simple as that!

 

[Mosin77]

I’d be interested in the answer to the OP’s question, too. Anyone work for a distributor?

Purely based on internet chatter, I feel like I hear a lot about 4895, 3031, Unique, Bullseye, Trail Boss, and Red Dot. But that’s pretty unscientific.

 

[Southpauler]

I’d be interested in the answer to the OP’s question, too. Anyone work for a distributor?

Purely based on internet chatter, I feel like I hear a lot about 4895, 3031, Unique, Bullseye, Trail Boss, and Red Dot. But that’s pretty unscientific.

Thank you, this is what I am asking. From people who are well involved in the community and have a great understanding of common powders and primers are those who I would like a response regarding my question.

 

[ballman6711]

If it were me, I would talk to my customers and see what they usually use, and stock that. Really would depend on whether they shoot pistol, rifle, or shotgun as to what components they would want.

If most of my customers shot rifle for hunting, I would focus on components for hunting rifles, with some other stuff thrown in. And I would be willing to order in a pound or two (or more) of a pistol powder/primer with my regular shipment for someone that wanted it, provided I would make a profit or break even, just for the good will and good word of mouth.

chris

 

[George P]

Winchester SPP, LPP and 209
then add CCI SPP, LPP and 209
Powders is a tough one because some of the more popular ones are not currently available

 

[Southpauler]

Winchester SPP, LPP and 209
then add CCI SPP, LPP and 209
Powders is a tough one because some of the more popular ones are not currently available

Thanks for the primer input! In regards to the powder, would you mind shedding light onto the popular powders you speak of?

 

[ballman6711]

Thank you, this is what I am asking. From people who are well involved in the community and have a great understanding of common powders and primers are those who I would like a response regarding my question.

I may be mistaken, and apologize if I am...

But it sounds to me like you are a gun shop owner possibly looking to expand your business.

As a former business owner myself, I would look to see what my community needed or wanted. I would take some time to talk to my customers and get some feedback as to what they wanted or would be willing to purchase.

I don't load for rifle or shotgun, so I would leave all the rifle powders and primers on your shelf. Same for shotgun. But your customer base may be different. Probably is.

Your community and mine are most likely different. I would reach out to my customer base and see what they shoot, what they need, and what they want. And I would go from there.

chris

 

[Zendude]

For shotgun, I would certainly stock Red Dot and maybe Clays. For pistol, Titegroup, Sport Pistol, HP38, and HS6.

 

[George P]

Thanks for the primer input! In regards to the powder, would you mind shedding light onto the popular powders you speak of?

I have stopped reloading 12 and 20 for the moment, but when I did I reloaded 3/4oz in both. That meant Titewad or Xtralite in 12; Universal or Green Dot in 20
In 9mm, I have Power Pistol, Universal, 231, and several others, but again, right now I am not reloading 9mm
Same powders for 38/357, and I am reloading these because retail is stupid.........I load a 38 LSWC/plated or coated; 357 is a jacketed version of some swc

 

[forty_caliber]

I've spoken with the proprietor of my LGS about this. At least in this case, getting the products from the distributor isn't a problem, LIABILITY INSURANCE is THE problem. The cost of this alone would be prohibitive against any profits that he might realize from the sales. Would also require buy in from the city (occupancy permit, fire marshal, etc) who would want to limit the amount of explosives he has in inventory.

.40

 

[Targa]

^^^ This might explain why most of the local gun shops around here have absolutely zero to at best dismal selection of reloading supplies.

 

[somethingbenign]

In my area 2 and 3 gun are popular so the bulk of loading happens to be 9mm and 223. Titegroup and power pistol are popular for 9mm, not sure on 223. Primers seem to be Winchester and CCI. In your area I'd check the local matches and talk to the competitors. While more guys reload the competitive shooters are the ones burning through the most components. I hear a bunch of talk of guys wanting to mess around with trail boss but not sure how many actually buy the stuff.

 

[Metal God]

I'd think It would be based not only on popularity but also location . I'd think deep woods big game hunting areas would have a bit different stock on hand then a coastal urban town , with some overlap of course .

 

[mjsdwash]

me and most I know look for the following, in order: H335, HP-38, Bullseye, Reddot, BLC-2, H110. No one cares about primers as long as you have them. Thats just the loaders I know. Bullets in .224, 355, 357, 451, and far behind, .308, and .311, .323. are also on the list. Black powder goes a long way if no one else carries it. I cant get real black powder within 200 miles.

 

[Eddietruett]

Most of the shops I frequent have stopped selling reloading products totally because the big box stores and online companies often sell as cheap and sometimes cheaper than the small shops can buy for. A few stock primers and powder with a very limited inventory. I actually had a conversation with a LGS owner on Saturday about reloading supplies and he has a pretty good thing that so far is working well. He keeps a few brands of powder and primers in stock that can be purchased if someone runs out and is in a bind. Might not be the chosen brand, but at least yo can get buy in an emergency. His bulk of sales is a once a month bulk order he places. Customers put in their order for primes and powder during the month and at the end of the month he places a order and the one hazmat fee is spread out so it is of no concern and since he doesn't have to keep everything in inventory, he can live with less markup. Everybody wins. Said it took a few months for customers to get used to placing their orders once a month, but now its working great. At least for him

 

[newfalguy101]

Ot doesnt really matter...you will ALWAYS have the wrong powder, or be out of the right powder, same with bullets, ALWAYS have the wrong stuff in stock.

Reloaders are finiky picky cheapskates that want premium components at bulk prices, and my experience has been that they are not afraid to throw online prices around ( most of the time forgetting about shipping) both shipping costs AND shipping times.

 

[kmw1954]

I talked with one of the small shop owners near me that also has a small 8 lane indoor range. He told me he would not stock reloading supplies because it would take up too much valuable floor space and the profit margin is too small. Later we talked again and he told me he could get what I wanted but I'd have to pay his costs+. Was cheaper to buy online.

 

[AJC1]

So to start you will be looking at one line of product to maximize volume. If I had only one choice I could deal with alliant as first pick with imr, and hogden close behind. Your community has a favorite but I dont know what that is. Having the full line of one is better than big holes. Varget is hard to find but if you have ar comp and reloader 15 you would be good. 4895 also fits the bill. Alliant seems the cheapest across the entire board. Primers are the same way. I like cci and if you have the full range your good. Just so happens they are the cheapest in the big 3. I buy cci 500 app 1k at a time.
Hornaday seems to be sold everywhere but if I could get speer bullets I find those about the same price but a little better. Ever bass pro academy carries hornaday and you dont want to directly compete. Jmo

 

[Zendude]

I always buy powder from my lgs but other components I order online when they go on sale. However, since Texas now collects sales tax on out of state purchases, the price gap between the lgs and big online retailers has narrowed.

 

[Jack B.]

Ask the local distributer what he sells the most of in your area. I think it depends on your location and the people who live in that area. Does your area have a lot of handgun shooters ,rifle shooters, hunters, target, long-range target etc.