I don't think its necissarily getting raped by the local mom and pop shops, but the fact that walmart buys things in such bulk amounts, that they can keep the prices lower. I personally would rather spend a couple more dollars for a pound of powder at the local gun shop, and keep the guy in business that will do my gun work also, then to spend less at walmart, put the small guy out of business, and have no one to go and have gun work done, or sit and chat with on a weekday afternoon.