I haven't reloaded for longer than 5 yrs or so, therefore, I don't know what it used to be like, but I do know in the 'old days' every general store would carry powder. So, I don't know why it has to be difficult to get gun powder (and primers)??? I am not talking about the fact that it is more difficult to get powder due to the political climate, etc. I mean, from the retailers that carry it to begin with. I don't understand why one cannot go into virtually every hardware store and Walmart (yes, I know some Walmarts carry gun powder, but these are few and far between) and ick up gun powder and primers. It makes a ton of sense, especially with the high price of gas (so you drive a lot of miles to purchase gunpowder) and with the Hazmat fee (which makes it cost prohibitive to purchase a pound of powder through the mail).