Shortages?

[Mr. 16 gauge]

The gun boards are flooded with posts re: shortages of ammo/reloading components. Is anyone finding this to be true with black powder supplies, esp. traditional supplies? I haven't had to buy anything in a while, and have a fair stock of powder, flint, lead, and caps, but was planning on doing a fair amount of BP shooting over the summer (still trying to hit stuff with the trade musket.....the only thing I've been able to hit so far is the ground, and that's if I drop the gun!), and was wondering if there are still adequate supplies of these items, esp. percussion caps.
I've also heard that some folks make their own caps....has anyone ever tried this?

[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

Excellent post. A few years ago I found it more difficult to find real Black Powder. It seems the Fire Codes and Insurance carriers here in PA tightened up on BP. It is easy to find Pyrodex at Walmart or at the gun shop in town. BP needs to be in a magazine 50 feet from the nearest building and that means only rural shops carry BP these days.

My local shop has plenty of caps, flints and projectiles. The prices have gone up 25%-50% for most items compared to a year or two ago.

Adam

[Mr. 16 gauge]

It seems the Fire Codes and Insurance carriers here in PA tightened up on BP. It is easy to find Pyrodex at Walmart or at the gun shop in town.

Similar rules apply here in MI, but from what I understand, some of the Gander Mountain stores carry real BP in addition to pyrodex (for the record, I hate pyrodex!). I'm fortunate that there is a traditional BP shop about 50 miles away near my wife's home town, and they usually have everything that I need to keep the smoke poles smokin'!

I might try and make a trip out there in a few weeks to stock up on caps.....I prefer CCI magnums and really don't want to switch over to another brand unless I absolutely have to.

[skeet]

Was talking with a wholesale outlet not too long ago and they are telling me that Black powder will probaobly be phased out in the next few years. Shipping on it is getting ridiculous and insurance companies are dropping coverage. I know I know..black isn't a high yield explosive but you do know how bean counters think....and they are the ones(along with the gummit) that are going to cause the demise of black powder in this country. Pyrodex isn't too bad but that darn 777 is going to cause some problems in the future. Just my opinion..Creates a LOT more pressure than black or pyrodex. Just got 10 lbs of loose pyrodex in an estate sale. One can of cannon and a couple pistol size. That stuff is real fine. There are a couple other black substitutes out there that are not so hot either. New one out now too from IMR called white somethig or other. The companies are jumping all over new powders to supply the black powder enthusiast. Course you can make yer own Black. But the gummit will probably make it illegal

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Course you can make yer own Black. But the gummit will probably make it illegal

To paraphrase a current TV commercial: What happens in the basement, stays in the basement!

[Joe Boleo]

Very few places around here sell black powder and those that do want an arm and a leg for a one pound can. I went to Graf & Son and got 25 pounds of assorted black powder for about $13.89 a can. Other muzzleloading supplies are getting harder to find. Only one shop I visit has a decent supply of what I need. Take care...
Joe