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Posted: 7/14/2026 11:32:55 PM EDT
| Assuming that you had the choice in what your favorite LGS ordered, what powders would they have in stock? |
Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
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There is fantasy answers and realty answers. Dealers are at the availability of various powders. VV are pretty easy to have consisted stock . Alliant forget about it both domestically produced and imported IMR branded stuff have not see 4895 4064 4831 and the enduron powders for a long time Hodgdon branded powders are made domestically and imported but there are ebbs and flows. Like there is no TG, 231/HP38 out there Trail boss is erratic Winchester branded powder are made domestically and usually pretty easy to get Accurate powders are both domesticlaly and imported and can be erratic Ramshot is pretty decent except there has been no true blue in years Norma is not being imported right now |
jme and I am a NRA Endowment Member
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
R W Emerson
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
R W Emerson
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Retail outlets are limited to what's available, I have suffered through multiple panics that wiped out inventory because people were scared. I was one of them. VV N133* VV N140* VV N150* Varget* IMR-4895* H4895* H322* H4198 RE-15 IMR-8208-XBR* Bullseye* WW-231* TiteGroup* IMR-4227 300-BLK Lil Gun H4350* RE-22 IMR-4831 (short grain or regular) Many of these powders play in the same burn rate community. The powers marked with an (*) are really critical to my reloading plans. I would be perfectly fine if every ball powder disappeared forever. I like the bulk produced using extruded powders, their predictability and wide tuning windows compared to ball powders. The fact that high temperatures have little effect on single based extruded powders makes it my go to. |
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Originally Posted By borderpatrol: Retail outlets are limited to what's available, I have suffered through multiple panics that wiped out inventory because people were scared. I was one of them. VV N133* VV N140* VV N150* Varget* IMR-4895* H4895* H322* H4198 RE-15 IMR-8208-XBR* Bullseye* WW-231* TiteGroup* IMR-4227 300-BLK Lil Gun H4350* RE-22 IMR-4831 (short grain or regular) Many of these powders play in the same burn rate community. The powers marked with an (*) are really critical to my reloading plans. I would be perfectly fine if every ball powder disappeared forever. I like the bulk produced using extruded powders, their predictability and wide tuning windows compared to ball powders. The fact that high temperatures have little effect on single based extruded powders makes it my go to. What should a business stock? Whatever they can get to cover the bases….. fast pistol/target shotgun medium pistol/ target and hunting shotgun Slow pistol/ magnum/ small bore shotgun Fast rifle for small cartridges medium rifle magnum rifle Get one or two powders to cover EACH line above. So that’s 6-12 powders at a bare bare minimum. Like ice cream everybody has a favorite flavor. |
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Originally Posted By SteelonSteel: What should a business stock? Like ice cream everybody has a favorite flavor. That would be the death of such a venture, though, don't you think? I cannot imagine a local gun store, with their inherently-limited, local customer base, being successful stocking every possible flavor. Around me, retail businesses have died by the dozens or hundreds. Those that survive tend to be boutiques or large chains. Businesses need to know their customers and tailor their offerings to them. If you have hunters, or USPSA pistol shooters, or long range rifle shooters, each would require a different set of offerings. If I understand modern "retail" business, you have to have an online presence to generate enough sales to make a go of it. Pistol powder - W231, Unique Rifle powder - TAC, 4895 Don't forget primers - SP, LP, LR, LRM <-- even though I do not use them, I think CCI is probably the brand to stock. Now we need to talk about bullets and brass. |
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Originally Posted By rn22723: a store stocking powder....that would get expensive fast. The local Academy, Bass Pro, and I think even Walmart stocks quite a few different powders and other reloading supplies. Still can't find Varget on the self anywhere.....and most 1lb powders are $45+ each 
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#1 in this economy and state of the industry opening a shop would be the last thing I would spend money on. #2 most of people are frugal and do not support their local shops. Local shops have to make money to pay rent, labor, utilities, insurance. #3 What to stock.....if you want repeat customers have a consistent supply as bet you can. A) VV has the most consistent availability which is interesting considering it is imported B) Alliant is the worst with both domestic and imported offerings |
jme and I am a NRA Endowment Member
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
R W Emerson
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
R W Emerson
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Does the OP consider Academy and Bass Pro Shops to be LGS? They are large chains and different rules apply than for a "Mom & Pop" LGS. By me, there are no LGS other than the large chains. A long time ago, there was a store called "The Reloading Center". They were great! The County and City put them out of business and ran them out of town. |
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Originally Posted By Trollslayer: That would be the death of such a venture, though, don't you think? I cannot imagine a local gun store, with their inherently-limited, local customer base, being successful stocking every possible flavor. Around me, retail businesses have died by the dozens or hundreds. Those that survive tend to be boutiques or large chains. Businesses need to know their customers and tailor their offerings to them. If you have hunters, or USPSA pistol shooters, or long range rifle shooters, each would require a different set of offerings. If I understand modern "retail" business, you have to have an online presence to generate enough sales to make a go of it. Pistol powder - W231, Unique Rifle powder - TAC, 4895 Don't forget primers - SP, LP, LR, LRM <-- even though I do not use them, I think CCI is probably the brand to stock. Now we need to talk about bullets and brass. Originally Posted By Trollslayer: Originally Posted By SteelonSteel: What should a business stock? Like ice cream everybody has a favorite flavor. That would be the death of such a venture, though, don't you think? I cannot imagine a local gun store, with their inherently-limited, local customer base, being successful stocking every possible flavor. Around me, retail businesses have died by the dozens or hundreds. Those that survive tend to be boutiques or large chains. Businesses need to know their customers and tailor their offerings to them. If you have hunters, or USPSA pistol shooters, or long range rifle shooters, each would require a different set of offerings. If I understand modern "retail" business, you have to have an online presence to generate enough sales to make a go of it. Pistol powder - W231, Unique Rifle powder - TAC, 4895 Don't forget primers - SP, LP, LR, LRM <-- even though I do not use them, I think CCI is probably the brand to stock. Now we need to talk about bullets and brass. It sure would be impossible to stock everybody’s favorite at current prices but it wasn’t so bad 25 years ago. Not that a shop even tried. More that they had something that could be used for whatever project you had but in their preferred store brand. What I saw in my region was probably pretty common. They carried several lines of powders and excludes others on the most part. You were certain to see IMR and Winchester. Maybe not everything but a lot of it Hercules was also fairly certain especially for the trap shooters. Hodgdon was getting stronger representation. Vihtavouri, yea you never saw it. Before the last great price jumps with Hodgdon owning everything I’d say you could see any of their lineups but even the big stores didn’t have it all. |
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Originally Posted By Trollslayer: Does the OP consider Academy and Bass Pro Shops to be LGS? They are large chains and different rules apply than for a "Mom & Pop" LGS. By me, there are no LGS other than the large chains. A long time ago, there was a store called "The Reloading Center". They were great! The County and City put them out of business and ran them out of town. How about Walmart? I stopped by one the other day and noticed they stocked a few different powders. One of the first powders I used when learning was IMR 3031. It was a powder I could use with .223 and .308, and nearly every shop had a few dust covered bottles on the shelf. |
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Originally Posted By Moondog: How about Walmart? That is my question back to the OP. Context is key. In posing his question, was he referring to shops that are small, local businesses or does he include mass-merchandising places like Bass or Walmart? Is this a question from a local Joe wanting to expand the offerings in his small gun store or is it the Hunting Department Head at a local Walmart considering what lines to bring in to expand their offerings. |
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Originally Posted By Trollslayer: That is my question back to the OP. Context is key. In posing his question, was he referring to shops that are small, local businesses or does he include mass-merchandising places like Bass or Walmart? Is this a question from a local Joe wanting to expand the offerings in his small gun store or is it the Hunting Department Head at a local Walmart considering what lines to bring in to expand their offerings. Very good observation. Some of you are OBLIVIOUS to the real world. Screw Alliant powder just is not there Screw IMR all that is there is 3031, 8208, 4227, and 4350 Most Hodgdon imported and domestic are fairly consistent Most Winchester too Accurate is pretty decent Ramshot too VVP probably the most consistent Norma not being imported |
jme and I am a NRA Endowment Member
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
R W Emerson
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
R W Emerson
| Powder is not going to be going down in price probably for ever. |
jme and I am a NRA Endowment Member
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
R W Emerson
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
R W Emerson
Joined:
Nov 2022
Posts:
4965
EE: 100% (4)
SC, USA
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Originally Posted By rn22723: There is fantasy answers and realty answers. Dealers are at the availability of various powders. VV are pretty easy to have consisted stock . Alliant forget about it both domestically produced and imported IMR branded stuff have not see 4895 4064 4831 and the enduron powders for a long time Hodgdon branded powders are made domestically and imported but there are ebbs and flows. Like there is no TG, 231/HP38 out there Trail boss is erratic Winchester branded powder are made domestically and usually pretty easy to get Accurate powders are both domesticlaly and imported and can be erratic Ramshot is pretty decent except there has been no true blue in years Norma is not being imported right now I believe IMR Enduron line was discontinued a few years ago |
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Originally Posted By rn22723: Powder is not going to be going down in price probably for ever. If this war ever wraps up in Ukraine, then maybe that factory in Canada can go back to making Clays powder instead of powder for Howitzer shells. I liked Clays in .45ACP and 12 gauge loads. I didn’t shoot that much .40S&W especially at major power factor, but when I did it was with Clays powder too. |
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Originally Posted By rn22723: Very good observation. Some of you are OBLIVIOUS to the real world. Screw Alliant powder just is not there Screw IMR all that is there is 3031, 8208, 4227, and 4350 Most Hodgdon imported and domestic are fairly consistent Most Winchester too Accurate is pretty decent Ramshot too VVP probably the most consistent Norma not being imported Originally Posted By rn22723: Originally Posted By Trollslayer: That is my question back to the OP. Context is key. In posing his question, was he referring to shops that are small, local businesses or does he include mass-merchandising places like Bass or Walmart? Is this a question from a local Joe wanting to expand the offerings in his small gun store or is it the Hunting Department Head at a local Walmart considering what lines to bring in to expand their offerings. Very good observation. Some of you are OBLIVIOUS to the real world. Screw Alliant powder just is not there Screw IMR all that is there is 3031, 8208, 4227, and 4350 Most Hodgdon imported and domestic are fairly consistent Most Winchester too Accurate is pretty decent Ramshot too VVP probably the most consistent Norma not being imported About Norma powders…. If my memory is correct, in that latest edition of Handloader “gun-zine” the one I am referring to in that other thread, there was a full page ad in it for Norma powders. But that is a big if…at this late or early hour. I haven’t had any coffee yet. |
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Some years ago I was helping a budy out trying to get his small gun shop up and running. He tried to put in a reloading section which turned into a disaster . No matter how many components he tried to stock the customers wanted something else. He had a crazy amount of $s tied up in inventory and very weak sales. Another example of how hard it is to do retail gun stuff well. To answer the OPs original question , some customers want mostly the old standbys and other folks want al the new wiz bang stuff they read about in last months gun magazine. I am a old standby type but know many guys at my club load nothing but the new stuff |
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Originally Posted By WeimaranerDad: About Norma powders . If my memory is correct, in that latest edition of Handloader "gun-zine" the one I am referring to in that other thread, there was a full page ad in it for Norma powders. But that is a big if at this late or early hour. I haven't had any coffee yet. I'm sure they make good powder, but availability is announced then slowly goes away. Hope this time is the charm. |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
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Some of you do not get it in the grand scheme of things. Powder from places like Alliant is almost vaporware. OG reloaders want what does not exist on consistent basis. The domestic stuff is hit and miss, and imported stuff just there. Those guys and gals need to rethink things. New reloaders will take what is available and suits their needs. VV has been the most consistently available powder for the most part. The expensive price is no longer a valid reason not to use it. With RL 22/23 locally running $84 #1. Whereas 100 series powders run $51 #1 & 500 series powders run $61 #1. |
jme and I am a NRA Endowment Member
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
R W Emerson
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
R W Emerson
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Originally Posted By Pointman91: You can do a lot with just these four choices. HP38/w231 H110/w296 Varget H4350 That would work for me. But I like VV powders now days in Pistol especially target rounds. |
jme and I am a NRA Endowment Member
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
R W Emerson
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
R W Emerson
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Originally Posted By Trollslayer: It's been a week now and OP has not checked back in. |
Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
|
If I owned a gun store with a reloading section, I’d only have a few powders: TAC Varget H4350 1 Pistol powder that’s good for 9mm & 45 APC (True Blue maybe) I’d also stack CCI primers that match up with the powders above. I’d only stock powders for volume shooters/calibers. No magnum powders or other powders for specialty cartridges. I would never stock bullets. -ZA |
derp...
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Originally Posted By ZA206: If I owned a gun store with a reloading section, I’d only have a few powders: TAC Varget H4350 1 Pistol powder that’s good for 9mm & 45 APC (True Blue maybe) I’d also stack CCI primers that match up with the powders above. I’d only stock powders for volume shooters/calibers. No magnum powders or other powders for specialty cartridges. I would never stock bullets. -ZA Although H4350 is a good magnum rifle powder . I would add h110/w296 to have one magnum handgun and 300 b.o. powder. |
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Originally Posted By ZA206: If I owned a gun store with a reloading section, I’d only have a few powders: TAC Varget H4350 1 Pistol powder that’s good for 9mm & 45 APC (True Blue maybe) I’d also stack CCI primers that match up with the powders above. I’d only stock powders for volume shooters/calibers. No magnum powders or other powders for specialty cartridges. I would never stock bullets. -ZA Or do what half of them do. Just stock what they get when they can get it especially if there are incentives. Very few gun shops that I know of anymore carry a whole line up. The small shops may have a dozen pounds in the whole store. |
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There are no incentives with powder. There is no "Dating Programs" unless through buying groups for larger independent retailers. Resellers that are large enough to buy direct from Hodgdon may get terms? other than 30 Days Net. If I was opening a shop, I would know the market and work from there Alliant I would not bother trying to stock their powders till availability changes Hodgdon (controls 6 brands and they also distribute Alliant Powders) Hodgdon Brand some intermittent absences like say Trail Boss Winchester Brand Best availability Accurate Brand Most are available Ramshot Brand Most are available IMR Brand not too many SKU's available on a consistent basis Pyrodex VV pretty good availability Norma is not being imported Shoooters World erratic |
jme and I am a NRA Endowment Member
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
R W Emerson
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
R W Emerson
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