I'm in the same boat as fsr as shops go. Walmart is my best option for caps. As far as powder, I'm lucky enough to live within driving distance of Friendship so I make sure to stock up when the national shoots are going on. For everything else, I order from online shops like Track of the Wolf, The Gun Works and The Log Cabin Shop. I have had good experiences with all three.
Personally have ordered blackpowder (plus musket caps and some other items we don’t talk about here) from multiple suppliers recently and have NOT paid Hazmat nor more than $5 for shipping. Suggest you sign up for notifications from various suppliers as to when they have deals…. here is a screenshot of my Hazmat notifications for the last few days.
Depends on whether a local merchant sees enough demand to make it worthwhile. EG Local hardware in Oxford PA built a brick structure on their grounds to store BP in.
Long drive. OP lives in Edmonton Kentucky.
Guess no merchant in Edmonton saw a profit in it.
I came into this sport living in an area with near zero local access to Anything BP related and even hostile to unmentionables (however unmentionables and accessories were and are readily available in every city)
Rendezvous were 300+ Mike's away just a few times a year, no local source in the crumbling granite hills, No local shops even knew what 'flint' is - so you order on line and grab some at Rendezvous when you can.
Tis exactly why I choose to make them on my own, as for Kentucky Gun Co. Bardstown, I have gotten several firearms from them, GREAT group to work with still 170 mile round trip for me, I choose not to spend an entire day driving. Will make a note If I am traveling that way already be worth at least an honorable look.I came into this sport living in an area with near zero local access to Anything BP related and even hostile to unmentionables (however unmentionables and accessories were and are readily available in every city)
It really sucks for BP in Southern California; stuff was not just "hundreds of miles away" but Thousands of miles.
BP was hit and miss at only ONE (1) firing range, lead ball was either order online or make your own.
Flints?
Patches? Make your own, easy and no brainer.
BP? Order online in bulk and it's much cheaper then the Scalpers at gun shows, also order with local clubs (watch out for cheats, listen to others - just make your own order).
Not having a local source for muzzleloading supplies is Not a misfortunate one off but is the Normal.
Those who live next door to their favorite vendor think they are the 'norm' and some live to strut around like a peacock about it....but you and I know; We are the majority and only the strong and resourful survive!
P.S.
I have since moved out of Southern California, to a 'Gun Friendly' state....Still NO Local BP supplies, but Scalpers are abundant!
But, still I keep my store full, even through COVID I kept both rifle and revolvers running
Keep an eye of Graf and Sons. They have deals a few times a year where they waive hazmat and shipping fees. There is a minimum amount required, but it's a good deal if you shoot a lot, or split the order with a buddy.
I agree with your last sentence as it is easy to burn $20 up in gasoline. Your math sucks though.
Yep, sure flipped the math on that post. I’ve been shooting quite a few loads with charges between 70 and 100 grains of powder and definitely mixed things up. Can I blame it on that pesky born on date? Call it a senior’s discount.I agree with your last sentence as it is easy to burn $20 up in gasoline. Your math sucks though.
7000 grains in a pound, so 100 shots per pound yields 500 shots not 350 for five pounds unless you are a heckuva lot more shaky than I am when measuring.
I have bought powder by the case from Coonies for 25 years since the fire marshal scared all the gunshops in Houston from carrying it. BBT drops it off at my front door. I just bought 1000 CCI caps from Natchez even though I mostly shoot flint these days. They had free hazmat and a "sale". Taint cheap, but much better than doing without.
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