Where to find powder?

[farm23]

In an earlier post you gave me some good advice on which press to get. In trying to line up what I would need I find powder for 44 & 45 loads not available. When I talked to our only local gun store he said he did not know when appropriate powder would come in and when I went to Mid South Midway I did not find anything in stock. I am sure most of you have accumulated powder over time but were do you buy now? The Haz Mat fee seems to make on-line purchases only economical if you buy in bulk.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Powder Valley has spotty stock, check daily and see if they have what you need. http://powdervalleyinc.com/ Cabela's has had in-store stock over the past few weeks from what I've seen.

Unfortunately the best you can do is just keep hunting, sorry...

 

[RealGun]

First, are you referring to .44 Special or .44 Magnum?

Are you referring to .45 ACP or .45 Colt?

What guns will you be shooting?

What bullets did you buy for each?

To buy locally, you almost have to take any powder that matches up to a load from one of the manuals or the powder company's data.

To buy on line, I will pay HAZMAT, if I can get at least 4 pounds of powder in an order, even in less economical one pounders. It depends upon how badly I want the powder or how long I have waited to locate some.

 

[Speedster00]

And it depends on where your located which you don't have showing. I buy it from local shops and haven't had an issue because the shops don't ship so its local buyers only. If you were in Houston or Nashville I could tell you!

Other than powder valley, check Natchez Shooters Supply

 

[farm23]

I will start with 44spl and 44mag. Later I will load for 45lc. At present I have 44 S&W 629's and Ruger SA and 45lc Ruger. I probable will get a Charter Arms and know it will require special attention.. At this time I do not reload and have not purchased any equipment. I am wondering if it is worth the investment at this time with supplies so hard to get. I live in the mountains and there is only 1 local shop and the next one is about 35 miles away. I love it here but it does have its down side.

 

[Speedster00]

Even at current prices, its definitely worth it if your shooting a lot. My cost reload is 75% cheaper than buying factory ammo. But you have to spend up front to buy in buy in bulk for supplies. You have quite a few powder choices in those calibers. Just open up lymans and figure out what crosses over. Something like Bullseye, unique or Power pistol would work in all those.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Even with the problems finding components I'm sure it's worth the time and effort to reload. Take your time and find the sales on equipment and search out the components. Things seem to be starting to loosen up a bit so it's possible in short order components will be more available. (but just a guess or a hope really)

Here are examples:
A box of 20 Federal Premium 30-06 ammo will cost you ~$36.
A box of 20 Hornady 30-06 ammo will cost you between $26 and $36.
Barns 30-06 ammo will run you just over $41/20 rounds.

My reloads:
20 rounds of 30-06 using a Sierra GameKing bullet costs $10.48 to load.
20 rounds of 30-06 using a Nosler AccuBond bullet costs $15.28 to load.
20 rounds of 30-06 using a Nosler Partition bullet costs $17.68 to load.

NOTE:
20 rounds of 30-06 using a Barnes Triple-Shock bullet costs $18.48 to load.
As you see above a box of factory Barnes ammo will cost you $41/20 rounds. You are building the Barnes ammo for almost 60% less than you can buy it. You can load 45 rounds of Barnes ammo for the price you pay to buy 20 rounds. IMO that makes reloading well worth it, even in lean times or especially in lean times.

 

[RealGun]

Start collecting brass. There is no significant savings until you are reusing your brass. If necessary you can "prime the pump" by buying an initial supply of new or fired brass, but then you have to retrieve it after shooting.

At the range on Saturday I discovered a full 50 round WWB box of .357 Magnum brass in the trash can. It's like dollar bills. I even found .38 Spls scattered about, probably 100 of them. You have to try to drop revolver brass. It's crazy.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

When you return to civilization (Your local gun shop) take a list with you. Look in the load charts for the bullets you plan to use. Write down (or make a chart) for the different powders listed for each bullets. Then make a list of the powders that will work and prioritize it. With that you should be able to find some powder to take home.

For your 44s and 45 you will want some slower burning pistol powders. IMR 4227 at the slow end