Alliant Powders Suspended Shipments Of Smokeless Powders For Reloading

Opinion

It has come to my attention that Alliant Powders has recently suspended shipments of its smokeless powders for reloading. Alliant is the source of such old standards as Bullseye, Unique, and 2400, as well as the more modern Reloader series of powders.

Let me tell you what I have learned about this.

First, there is worldwide pressure on ammunition production capacity because of all the ammunition being consumed in ongoing conflicts, especially in Ukraine. The materials used to make propellants for artillery rounds are the same as those used to make small arms propellants. Many countries have ramped up production of ammunition and its precursors, including most of Europe and the U.S.

We’re seeing it as well on delayed production…

The propellant issue is quite real.
Convenient timing.

I’m curious how many people know why we have a nitrocellulose shortage?

The consequences of stupidity.@SonsOfLibertyGW pic.twitter.com/fNSOaylFFJ

— Michael Mihalski (@SOLGW_Mike) May 10, 2024

The primary production bottleneck seems to be nitrocellulose. Nitrocellulose for propellants can be obtained from various plant fibers, including forest products. However, the preferred source is cotton. The bottleneck is in the plant’s capacity to convert cotton into what is called “defense-grade” nitrocellulose.

Alliant is owned by Vista Outdoor, which also owns several other companies that produce loaded ammunition, including CCI, Federal, and Remington. Alliant sources its propellants from Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the Radford Army Arsenal in Virginia.

Because the ammunition manufacturers under the Vista umbrella are stressed in obtaining the propellants they need for their production, Vista appears to have made the business decision to commit all of the Alliant propellant capacity to Vista ammunition manufacturers. Thus, Alliant withdrew from shipment and sold propellants for reloading.

The ammunition marketplace seems to be recovering from a shortage of loaded ammunition and small arms primers. Prices are relaxing from the recent highs, and retail shelves are mostly well stocked. However, Alliant’s withdrawal from the reloading powder market will likely stress supplies of propellant for reloaders. Further, reloaders who have worked up and used favorite loads of Alliant powders may need to shift to using other brands and products.

How long Alliant’s absence from the reloading marketplace may last is unknown.

The tone of their announcement is until further notice. It may be assumed that this will continue until the military demand for nitrocellulose reduces or the processing of cotton into defense-grade nitrocellulose increases. Neither of those is likely to change dramatically anytime soon.

Best wishes,

Gary Marbut, President
Montana Shooting Sports Association
www.mtssa.org
Author, Gun Laws of Montana
www.mtpublish.com

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About Gary Marbut

Longtime Montana political observer and participant Gary Marbut is president of the Montana Shooting Sports Association, the primary political advocate for Montana gun owners.