From the similar posts I find I’m not the only shooter coming up short on reloading supplies. My issue is essentially powders. I’ve been rolling my own since the 70’s. Between the powers that be saw fit to shutter several arsenals that supplied ammo to the military, the Mid-East Wars, supplies to the Ukraine (well spent) and the general anti-gun zeitgeist (I love that word, look it up) in the US powder availability for reloading is nil. I saw an article that our ability to replace our stock of 155mm rounds sent to the Ukraine for our military will be 5-7 years: “Maybe” production will be expanded.
Legacy powders are no longer available and probably never will be, I contacted Hodgdon who owns most of the companies that provided powders. Some of their powders are sourced from Canada and Australia; their supplies are expensive and spotty. Don’t seem hopeful for a come back in the consumer market.
The newest wrinkle I saw was that the 6.8x51 was adopted and that means millions of rounds of new ammo will be produced.
That rant being said, does anyone have a powder source, brand they find relatively available for pistol (.38, 9mm, .45ACP) on the retail market?
Most any powders I have seen for sale are all on auction sites. That seems to be the only place any amount or different powders are available. NO SHIPPING. So, you better hope it’s a close to you auction.
@Thomas749 Welcome to the community!
I use Win 231 / HP-38 for 9mm & .40. Seems to drop consistently from my Dillon. Heard it’s also good for .45. Always seem to be able to find it at most online retailers. Usually wait for free hazmat and/or shipping deals.
I have been useing power pistol for some time now i have no problems with it good for 9mm /45 etc mid suoth says they have it good luck
Scheels has some
Know anyone that got a B+ or better on all their chemistry exams in school? Smokeless gunpowder can be made. Oh, what happened to the days when Americans were self sufficient? Gun Powder was NOT first made in factories, individuals made it. Sure, some ingredients may have to be bought in times fashion apart from each order and in certain quantities, but we can actually make our own. But, it is easier to just buy it if we can, and then all the other parts and pieces.
But, I take a much different approach, as do many others (I think), I was once asked by friends, after seeing my supply of ammo, how much ammo do you really need? My reply was, “Just one more round for each type of firearm I own.”
But, in reality, is 10,000 rounds per caliber per firearm enough? Thus, if I own 5 firearms, is 50,000 rounds enough? Well, If you plan on going on the “offensive” when the SHTF, it will never be enough. But my plan is to be strictly defensive and under the radar (until I cannot), which means that 50,000 rounds is absurd to me. Besides, if you must “bug out” ever try carrying 50,000 rounds? I carried an M60 on a fire team once, plus rounds, I needed an assistant gunner for the extra barrel, 1,500 rounds, the T&E, the gloves, etc. I was very much in shape at the time, today, nope.
I buy a lot of rounds and have arrived at certain numbers of maximums. I replaced the rounds I shoot, and I shoot thousands of rounds a year, so my turnover is great for shelf life purposes. I only need the finished product, and I watch the prevailing winds of what is going on in this screwed up world, my supply will be enough, as my team of friends also has the same philosophy.
Thus, I do not require several parts in order to make the finished product. But, to each their own.
I use HP-38 as I found an 8-pound jug of it at Bass Pro Shop a couple years ago. Just gotta keep your eyes open and buy what’s available when you see it in large quantities.
Availability is there but the prices are what seems to be getting hot.