Powder and primers supplies scarce??

[Peter A Van Tassell]

Originally Posted by Craig Larter

Thanks to a PGCA member I was able to purchase a 8 pounder of Unique at retail. Now I'm set on supplies for a couple of years or more. A sincere thanks to all that PM`d me over the last year with tips on in stock items and others that traded needed items for my surplus items. Great brotherhood looking out to assist each other. Craig Larter

Congratulations! Hope 8 lbs will last you a while
I'm in the market for Unique also, at some point in the next 10 months
Just in case anyone hears of any. Can drive to Ohio or PA if need be.
Can't do anything right now, medical bills first.

[Cold Spring]

Just for info, I talked with a friend in the industry today about powder and he told me it's not well known but THERE IS A SHORTAGE of nitrocellulose, the primary ingredient (percentage-wise) in modern smokeless powders. That's because an alternate industry that had been using limited NC has ramped up production over recent months and the few NC manufacturers have limited production capacity. Net, powder shortages will continue for the foreseeable future. Buy it when you can .....

[Peter A Van Tassell]

Originally Posted by Frank Srebro

Just for info, I talked with a friend in the industry today about powder and he told me it's not well known but THERE IS A SHORTAGE of nitrocellulose, the primary ingredient (percentage-wise) in modern smokeless powders. That's because an alternate industry that had been using limited NC has ramped up production over recent months and the few NC manufacturers have limited production capacity. Net, powder shortages will continue for the foreseeable future. Buy it when you can .....

I really do wonder what that alternate industry might be, now that it has such a sudden demand. Particularly keeping the shipping disruptions and international trade in mind.

[Cold Spring]

Just trying to pass some inside info to members. What alternate industry that is, is irrelevant to those who are trying to find and buy reloading powders. Peter, you can accept that info or if in doubt, do your own research to confirm/deny the increase in NC demand and please let us know what you find out from your source(s). Those who have studied organic chemistry will know that cellulose can be nitrated to a wide range of % nitrogen for products with different end uses.

[Peter A Van Tassell]

Originally Posted by Frank Srebro

Those who have studied organic chemistry will know that cellulose can be nitrated to a wide range of % nitrogen for products with different end uses.

The only thing that comes immediately to mind is plastics, but I'm not aware of any real upheavals in that sector lately. Certainly not on a scale that would impact other users. (I do heavy industrial maintenance for a living, so I'm not far from industry in general).

I also know that I've heard a lot of different reasons from all over the place, none of which I am able to verify independently. And of course, I don't particularly trust the government NOR the "official" sources of info either.