I have lived in two states since I began muzzleloaders, not long as I didn't start until mid 90s.
I have NEVER had a store I could just drive to and buy BP over the counter.
My last two years in California however I did find a range where i could buy "One Pound Per Person - Must Use On Our Range" (but no one frisked us as we left
My experience with 'Group Buys':
First you have to Wait for enough people to want to pitch in and order.
Then i began hearing (locally) a lot of complaint that the Group Leader (one with the Permit to make large orders) was Skimming powder from each pound before delivering it and claiming "It Settled During Shipping".
But some put it on a scale and found they were only getting 3/4 and some just 1/2 pound!??!
A lot of angry people, threats, name calling....didn't sound like anything I wanted involved with.
So I ordered my own from Graf & Sons!
Sure I had to take a day off from work to Sign for it....one time it came a day Early, UPS went next door and my neighbor signed....when I got home he brought to me and asked "WHAT did I just Sign for???" - I told him "Black Powder..." (he knew I did Reenactments)
So I just don't understand all this "I can't find BP locally so I am forced to use fake powder, no choice"
The state I live in now I can buy all the Fake stuff I want from just two blocks away....but NO Black Powder ANYWHERE. No where within 450 miles in either direction (Each way).
Sure I found a few pounds at a local Gun Show but even then we only get two shows a year (spring and fall) and other then one guy they try to Gouge the heck out of us (even unmentionable ammo for that matter - $65 to $85 for 50 rounds of .44??? I Won't Pay It!....besides, I have contacts $30 to $40 and that is still too high in my opinion)
So what I am getting at is: This is the Age of the Internet!
I envy those back east and mid west that can still buy BP at their local gas station, I envy those who can find Percussion caps at their local convenience stores....but so long as I have an Internet connection and a phone - Black Powder and Caps are just a few clicks or phone call away.
Sure, I have to pay shipping and hazmat....it is the penalty for living in a Nanny State I guess, so i save up and Pony up for as much as i can afford, then i don't need it for a while, so i save up for when i do.
I wonder if Real Mountain Men, Long Hunters, Frontiersman used to only buy one or two pounds at a time, and always had access to more just across town?