Accurate Number 5 Supply Issues

[rabrog]

I've been lurking for a while, and, have a couple question for y'all. My shooting season has finally started now that the snow is melting and the temperatures are comfortable enough to shoot without gloves. I have a stock of reloads from last season that will keep me going for a bit, but, as I was doing inventory I noticed I was low on my powder of choice for 9mm plinking loads -- Accurate Number 5. I went to several stores -- about all we have -- and have found that either they aren't able to carry it as a distributor quit carrying Accurate Powders, or that they've moved it to special order only. And, the one store that can order it has a price that's about twice the rest of the powders for it. So, my questions:

1. Are any of you who aren't at the very end of the supply chain seeing issues with getting Accurate No. 5?

2. Since mail order isn't an option for powders for me since I'm in Alaska, what would people suggest as a good alternative that's relatively efficient, meters well (I use a Lee Auto-disk), and clean? Right now, I can easily get Hodgdon, IMR, and Alliant powders. This would be a powder for 9mm light plinking loads, usually under 124 grain plated bullets. My guess from looking at some powder descriptions, burn rates, and my load manuals is that HS-6 might be a good choice.

Thanks,

David Matz

 

[silicon wolverine]

Ive used both red dot for light loads and blue dot (with magnum primers) for heavy loads for years. Cast or jacketed bullets work with either powder.

SW

 

[gwalchmai]

I've been real happy with 4.4gr of Titegroup under 124gr FMJ bullets. It goes around 1150 out of my CZ-75B.

 

[The Bushmaster]

I don't use any of the Accurate powders as I have found , especially Accurate #5, is very temperature sensitive. I would, however, recommend W-231 for your 9 mm.

 

[wrangler5]

I use #5 in my 9mm loads as well. It appears to be out of stock everywhere. My local supplier has been out of it for 6 months, and has no idea when it will be available again. None of the big online suppliers have any, either. I have not seen any explanation for why it's gone. I have the impression that it was one of AA's biggest sellers, so am at a loss for why they haven't refilled the supply pipeline.

It's a puzzlement.

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

I use AA#9 in my magnum pistols. I haven't had a problem getting it from my local sources. I am but one of a handful of locals that buys it from one or two local retailers. As long as we buy it, they stock it. That said, when anyone's out of the AA#9, there's always plenty of Win231 or Unique on the store shelves. Those are just more popular -so there's always more stock on hand.

I did the math one time long ago. I think I remember that 231 and Unique got me more loads per pound of powder and is just as accurate through my 9mm. Combine that with the temperature sensativity, -It was a no-brainer to cull #5 from the flock.

-Steve

 

[rabrog]

After hearing it wasn't a local issue, I went to the source and contacted Accurate from their web page. I heard back from them that they had some logistical problems with their ocean freight and they expect it back in stock in three weeks or so. So depending on how long the last of my 8 lbs lasts, I may just be patient since I have good loads that work well for me with it and I'd rather not re-develop loads right now.

 

[The Bushmaster]

But that's 3/4 of the fun of reloading....