14 bucks for powder

Mlarkin_09 · May 9, 2010, 11:18 AM

I found a reloading supplies place locally that has to good to be true powder deals. He is selling pretty much any powder for around 14 bucks a lb. The one hang up is that he only has 8 lb containers. If you don’t need or want that much he will weigh out how much you need and send you down the road with a Glass Lined sack full of powder or I suppose any container of your choosing. I guess not having to buy the smaller 1 Lb bottles he keeps his costs down.
He is close enough to the warehouse he goes and buys a pickup load of primers and powders a week and gets around HAZMAT fees.
This is the first time I have seen some one breaking up factory powder and putting it in other containers. I cautiously bought 1 lb of Powerpistol and 2 lbs of bludot. In the glass lined sacks. I will try it out and see how it works but I honestly can’t see any problems with it. I am not sure how the powder companies would react to this practice or if the guy even wants the extra advertising so I will wait to give out his name until I talk with him. I also picked up 1000 cases of 9mm for 20 bucks that were cleaned and polished wrapped up in shrink-wrap.

freakshow10mm · May 9, 2010, 11:37 AM

I would never buy broken down powder not sold in factory packaging even if I witnessed the factory seal being broken and labeled the package myself. Factory packaging only for me.

Also, a K of 9mm brass, polished for $20 is par for the course.

floydster · May 9, 2010, 11:51 AM

Ditto:
Floydster

orionengnr · May 9, 2010, 11:57 AM

bookmarking...

Mlarkin_09 · May 9, 2010, 12:01 PM

I guess I took a chance

.

10 Spot Terminator · May 9, 2010, 12:03 PM

NO WAY on loosly packaged powder . No way to insure you keep your act straight with something like that later on down the road. What if the powder were to be recalled ? No lot # to go by or factory container to allow return of the powder . I have had 2 instances of recalled powder in the few years I have been reloading and those are just the ones I knew of ,,,

oneoldsap · May 9, 2010, 12:03 PM

The guy that I buy my powder from has been selling out of bulk containers for years . However you must provide your own container labeled for the powder that you are buying . I believe at the present time he has 28 different powders on the bulk list . They are the best sellers in this area for Rifles , Pistols and Shotguns . Those savings have allowed me to shoot more than I would have paying retail for my powder ! You can record the lot # right off the Keg .

freakshow10mm · May 9, 2010, 12:17 PM

That's great. Carry on. I'll choose my own method. To each his own.

oneoldsap · May 9, 2010, 12:27 PM

I wasn't trying to talk anybody into anything Freakshow ! you keep on keeping on . I was just stating what has worked for me for 30+ years .

oneounceload · May 9, 2010, 01:22 PM

Why not just buy the 8# jug? It's not going to go bad if you use reasonable care. I would want the original jug for not only the reasons mentioned, but also to keep light from the powder - light and heat are a powder's enemies

AlaskaMike · May 9, 2010, 01:25 PM

That's exactly how it used to be done, and you are responsible for your own safety in the process. You can make it dangerous and fail to label your container, or you can make it reasonably safe by using properly labeled containers. If you want to verify the powder you would always have the option of asking to see the lot number on the 8 lb. jug and checking with the manufacturer to verify it (and labeling your container with it in case of later recall).

These days we have convenient sized, sealed containers right from the factory with all pertinent information on it, so it takes a lot of the potential problems out of the equation. Given a choice between original, factory sealed packaging and powder dispensed from a bulk container into mine, sure--I'll choose the factory sealed can every time if the price is the same. But as long as you use common sense and take sufficient steps to ensure basic labeling and lot # recording, I see no problems with this at all.

What I think is ironic here is that I get a lot of the same reactions you guys are giving Mlarkin_09 when I tell people I load my own ammo:

"What, are you crazy? NO WAY would I mess with that! I buy factory ammo ONLY!"
"Wow, that sounds dangerous--I'll stick with factory ammo!"
"What if you make a mistake? No thanks, I'll stick with factory ammo!"

All experienced handloaders here have their own strict procedures that mitigate a lot of the inherent risk in handloading--why not just apply the same thinking to this situation?

Mike

snuffy · May 9, 2010, 02:01 PM

The gunshop I worked at used to do that. We would pour 1 or 2 pounds of powder into white styrofoam cups, then staple the lids on. Mainly for shotshell powders, but some of the rifle IMR's also. It became too much of a hassle to do that. We never had any negative feed-back from anyone having any problems with it.

Quote:

Why not just buy the 8# jug? It's not going to go bad if you use reasonable care. I would want the original jug for not only the reasons mentioned, but also to keep light from the powder - light and heat are a powder's enemies

Light IS the main enemy of powder, about equal to heat in the degrading category. I just remembered that there's now one gunshop that's still selling bulk powder. BUT he demands that you bring empty bottles EXACTLY the same as the powder you're buying. I heard that, went down with an empty 1# bottle of varget. He filled it, then put the lot# on a sticker on the bottle over to old lot #. Nothing wrong with that!

oneoldsap · May 9, 2010, 02:04 PM

My supplier has better storage environment than I do . Also for safety reasons I don't want to store a keg of every powder that I use . Some people just can't take responsebility for themselves and couldn't imagine putting themselves in a position where they can't blame the outcome of their actions on someone else. I manned up a long time ago and it looks like Alaska Mike has too !

Sam06 · May 9, 2010, 02:20 PM

I think thats a great idea. I wish more outlet stores would do that and pass the savings to us. I for one don't have a problem with getting powder like that. I buy 8lb kegs and split them with my buddies all the time. Same with Cases of primers.....whats the big deal? People act like reloading is some kind of magic......sorry guys its not. Been doing it for 30 years and i am still doing fine.

To the OP, I hope you have good luck with your reloading

Sam

MDB · May 9, 2010, 02:46 PM

I don't see any problems with your purchase. Just mark it well and be sure not to mix. Good luck and have fun reloading.

Edward429451 · May 9, 2010, 03:27 PM

Quote:

All experienced handloaders here have their own strict procedures that mitigate a lot of the inherent risk in handloading--why not just apply the same thinking to this situation?

Are many of us under the impression that Surplus powdes are in thier original containers? They are not in most cases. It wouldn't faze me to buy bulk powder and label it. When I open a new can of powder I typically weigh out 10 charges and avg consistency on a sticky note and tag th power anyway so for bulk powder all I'd have to do is write two more ines.

Sarge · May 9, 2010, 03:37 PM

What Ed said.

GP100man · May 9, 2010, 03:52 PM

I`ve bought RedDot before in 1# paper sacks , GS owner said a can (25#keg) lasted `bout a week!

Burned it up before it got a chance to do anything !

Sevens · May 9, 2010, 06:41 PM

Aww hell, I'd be all over a deal like that. But truth be told, I'd only buy a pound to try the powder... if I liked it, or already knew I liked it, I'd be happy to buy an eight pounder. The savings in price would be killer and no hazmat would be even better.

No chance this unnamed dealer is in Ohio, hmmm?

mrawesome22 · May 9, 2010, 07:13 PM

No doubt. I'm in OH and I'd LOVE some $14.99per pound H380. I'll take 8 pounds please.

sc928porsche · May 9, 2010, 07:34 PM

I buy most of my powder in 8# lots. I refill my 1# containers with them when the small container is empty. It makes handling a lot easier. BTW the 1# containers are factory containers and refilled with the same powder. When I get down to about 2#s I repurchace another 8#.

troy_mclure · May 9, 2010, 07:35 PM

id buy it.

Mlarkin_09 · May 15, 2010, 08:05 PM

The powder place Is in St.Joseph Mo. It is potters reloading supplies on O highway.

Ultralight · May 16, 2010, 09:03 PM

I bought 2 pounds of Bullseye from them a week or so ago--$13 per pound!! Cabelas wants $19.95 per pound.

Blue Grass · May 16, 2010, 10:32 PM

When I was in highschool(late 1960's) I bought my powder at the local hardware store exactly like this. I usually couldn't afford a whole pound so the clerk would sell me a quarter of half pound. He'd put it in what ever container I had. I stole a lot of my moms plastic freezer bags AIR. A different time in a different America.

May 9, 2010, 11:18 AM	#1
Mlarkin_09 Member Join Date: March 28, 2010 Posts: 19	14 bucks for powder I found a reloading supplies place locally that has to good to be true powder deals. He is selling pretty much any powder for around 14 bucks a lb. The one hang up is that he only has 8 lb containers. If you don’t need or want that much he will weigh out how much you need and send you down the road with a Glass Lined sack full of powder or I suppose any container of your choosing. I guess not having to buy the smaller 1 Lb bottles he keeps his costs down. He is close enough to the warehouse he goes and buys a pickup load of primers and powders a week and gets around HAZMAT fees. This is the first time I have seen some one breaking up factory powder and putting it in other containers. I cautiously bought 1 lb of Powerpistol and 2 lbs of bludot. In the glass lined sacks. I will try it out and see how it works but I honestly can’t see any problems with it. I am not sure how the powder companies would react to this practice or if the guy even wants the extra advertising so I will wait to give out his name until I talk with him. I also picked up 1000 cases of 9mm for 20 bucks that were cleaned and polished wrapped up in shrink-wrap. Last edited by Mlarkin_09; May 9, 2010 at 12:14 PM.

May 9, 2010, 01:25 PM	#11
AlaskaMike Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Posts: 947	That's exactly how it used to be done, and you are responsible for your own safety in the process. You can make it dangerous and fail to label your container, or you can make it reasonably safe by using properly labeled containers. If you want to verify the powder you would always have the option of asking to see the lot number on the 8 lb. jug and checking with the manufacturer to verify it (and labeling your container with it in case of later recall). These days we have convenient sized, sealed containers right from the factory with all pertinent information on it, so it takes a lot of the potential problems out of the equation. Given a choice between original, factory sealed packaging and powder dispensed from a bulk container into mine, sure--I'll choose the factory sealed can every time if the price is the same. But as long as you use common sense and take sufficient steps to ensure basic labeling and lot # recording, I see no problems with this at all. What I think is ironic here is that I get a lot of the same reactions you guys are giving Mlarkin_09 when I tell people I load my own ammo: "What, are you crazy? NO WAY would I mess with that! I buy factory ammo ONLY!" "Wow, that sounds dangerous--I'll stick with factory ammo!" "What if you make a mistake? No thanks, I'll stick with factory ammo!" All experienced handloaders here have their own strict procedures that mitigate a lot of the inherent risk in handloading--why not just apply the same thinking to this situation? Mike Last edited by AlaskaMike; May 9, 2010 at 02:20 PM.

May 9, 2010, 03:37 PM	#17
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,494	What Ed said. __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

May 9, 2010, 06:41 PM	#19
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,775	Aww hell, I'd be all over a deal like that. But truth be told, I'd only buy a pound to try the powder... if I liked it, or already knew I liked it, I'd be happy to buy an eight pounder. The savings in price would be killer and no hazmat would be even better. No chance this unnamed dealer is in Ohio, hmmm? __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

May 9, 2010, 11:37 AM	#2
freakshow10mm Junior member Join Date: January 23, 2008 Location: MI Posts: 1,398	I would never buy broken down powder not sold in factory packaging even if I witnessed the factory seal being broken and labeled the package myself. Factory packaging only for me. Also, a K of 9mm brass, polished for $20 is par for the course.

May 9, 2010, 11:51 AM	#3
floydster Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2008 Posts: 472	Ditto: Floydster

May 9, 2010, 11:57 AM	#4
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,206	bookmarking...

May 9, 2010, 12:01 PM	#5
Mlarkin_09 Member Join Date: March 28, 2010 Posts: 19	I guess I took a chance .

May 9, 2010, 12:03 PM	#6
10 Spot Terminator Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2008 Location: Central Oregon Posts: 348	NO WAY on loosly packaged powder . No way to insure you keep your act straight with something like that later on down the road. What if the powder were to be recalled ? No lot # to go by or factory container to allow return of the powder . I have had 2 instances of recalled powder in the few years I have been reloading and those are just the ones I knew of ,,,

May 9, 2010, 12:03 PM	#7
oneoldsap Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2009 Location: I live in the foot of the Green Mountains of Vermont Posts: 1,602	The guy that I buy my powder from has been selling out of bulk containers for years . However you must provide your own container labeled for the powder that you are buying . I believe at the present time he has 28 different powders on the bulk list . They are the best sellers in this area for Rifles , Pistols and Shotguns . Those savings have allowed me to shoot more than I would have paying retail for my powder ! You can record the lot # right off the Keg .

May 9, 2010, 12:17 PM	#8
freakshow10mm Junior member Join Date: January 23, 2008 Location: MI Posts: 1,398	That's great. Carry on. I'll choose my own method. To each his own.

May 9, 2010, 12:27 PM	#9
oneoldsap Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2009 Location: I live in the foot of the Green Mountains of Vermont Posts: 1,602	I wasn't trying to talk anybody into anything Freakshow ! you keep on keeping on . I was just stating what has worked for me for 30+ years .

May 9, 2010, 01:22 PM	#10
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	Why not just buy the 8# jug? It's not going to go bad if you use reasonable care. I would want the original jug for not only the reasons mentioned, but also to keep light from the powder - light and heat are a powder's enemies

May 9, 2010, 02:04 PM	#13
oneoldsap Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2009 Location: I live in the foot of the Green Mountains of Vermont Posts: 1,602	My supplier has better storage environment than I do . Also for safety reasons I don't want to store a keg of every powder that I use . Some people just can't take responsebility for themselves and couldn't imagine putting themselves in a position where they can't blame the outcome of their actions on someone else. I manned up a long time ago and it looks like Alaska Mike has too !

May 9, 2010, 02:20 PM	#14
Sam06 Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: Fayettenam Posts: 1,086	I think thats a great idea. I wish more outlet stores would do that and pass the savings to us. I for one don't have a problem with getting powder like that. I buy 8lb kegs and split them with my buddies all the time. Same with Cases of primers.....whats the big deal? People act like reloading is some kind of magic......sorry guys its not. Been doing it for 30 years and i am still doing fine. To the OP, I hope you have good luck with your reloading Sam

May 9, 2010, 02:46 PM	#15
MDB Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2002 Posts: 154	I don't see any problems with your purchase. Just mark it well and be sure not to mix. Good luck and have fun reloading.

May 9, 2010, 03:52 PM	#18
GP100man Senior Member Join Date: August 2, 2007 Location: Tabor City , NC. Posts: 1,969	I`ve bought RedDot before in 1# paper sacks , GS owner said a can (25#keg) lasted `bout a week! Burned it up before it got a chance to do anything !

May 9, 2010, 07:13 PM	#20
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	No doubt. I'm in OH and I'd LOVE some $14.99per pound H380. I'll take 8 pounds please.

May 9, 2010, 07:34 PM	#21
sc928porsche Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2008 Location: now living in alabama Posts: 2,433	I buy most of my powder in 8# lots. I refill my 1# containers with them when the small container is empty. It makes handling a lot easier. BTW the 1# containers are factory containers and refilled with the same powder. When I get down to about 2#s I repurchace another 8#.

May 9, 2010, 07:35 PM	#22
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	id buy it.

May 15, 2010, 08:05 PM	#23
Mlarkin_09 Member Join Date: March 28, 2010 Posts: 19	The powder place Is in St.Joseph Mo. It is potters reloading supplies on O highway.

May 16, 2010, 09:03 PM	#24
Ultralight Member Join Date: May 16, 2010 Posts: 23	I bought 2 pounds of Bullseye from them a week or so ago--$13 per pound!! Cabelas wants $19.95 per pound.

May 16, 2010, 10:32 PM	#25
Blue Grass Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2009 Posts: 398	When I was in highschool(late 1960's) I bought my powder at the local hardware store exactly like this. I usually couldn't afford a whole pound so the clerk would sell me a quarter of half pound. He'd put it in what ever container I had. I stole a lot of my moms plastic freezer bags AIR. A different time in a different America.