ColtPythonElite
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2011
- Messages
- 10,544
I buy everything in bulk when the price is right and but at least twice what I need.....Currently, I am using powder that cost me about 12 bucks a pound when I bought it.
I can't remember if it was Midway or Cabelas but one or the other get the primers one place and the powder another so you could end up with two hazmat fees.
Vaalpens,
Shipping charges outside of the hazmat may range from $8.95 (Grafs) to ~$16 (PV). Maybe some more, but that is the normal range. So you have to figure on adding ~40 to the order for shipping and hazmat. Hence, you have to order bulk. Think more powder (maybe split with friends) and include 5, 10, 15, 20K primers.
My typical PV, or Grafs, or xyz order is 20+ #s of powder and at least 10K primers. At that point the shipping/hazmat would only add $1-2 per pound or 1K primers. At that point I am way ahead from any LGS.
I do happen to have several friends who reload, so getting large orders split is easy.
Shipping vs Sales tax is a fair comparison - the Big difference is that with the bigger/better online retailers -- it will be MUCH cheaper (in bulk) over LGS or gun show prices.
Another option that comes up from time to time is Bass Pro with their ship to store (FREE & NO hazmat) and only add sales tax. My buddies and I split up around over 20 pounds of Bullseye and Unique at around $27 per pound after tax. Of course if you have one local to you.
Vaalpens, now, compare 8 pounds --- Let's assume 2 4Lb jugs -- 127.98 +28.50+7.95 = 164.43 now divide by 8 = $20.55 --- saving over $6 per pound compared to Bass Pro.
Throw in 5K primers and you are way ahead of the curve.
That's why I always make it a point to "go big" on my online orders of powder/primers.
I know that you mentioned you are just starting out and figuring out which powders you like, but right now - with the general unavailability of powders - for me it's about the powder I can get. In most cases -- it WILL work.
There's really no way "around" hazmat fees.