Today I was going to order some 30 grn. .50 cal. 777 pellets from Cabela's. When I got at the end of my order they added a $20.00 Hazard Charge to the shipping. So a $26.00 item came out to be around $56.00. What a crock.....Needless to say I didn't finish my order. I am going to look a little harder for some around here. I can drive a 50 mile radius and still come out ahead, even with the gas prices of today.

After checking every supplier in town, no one has any. Not only that but they said they don't carry it in the offseason. Does anyone out there like to shoot in the offseason as much as I do. This is the time where I tune everything in or make changes.

Yep, that hazmat fee is bummer.
You will find that anywhere you order powder, primers or percussion caps.

The only way it pays to order propellants and primers is to order in bulk. Otherwise then retail is your best bet (you are still paying a hazmat fee in retail, just not the entire amount).

Also, have you considered switching to loose powder? It's about 1/3 less expensive that pellets.

If you like 777. Try the 3FG (FFFG) loose powder. Or Black Mag'3 loose. Excellent stuff.

www.midsouthshootersupply.com
www.cabelas.com
www.powderinc.com (they have the new Goex Pinnacle)


Just a thought...

It does seem unfair but the stores really have no control over that hazmat fee. They have to follow the law and guidelines set down which they follow. Believe me, they would rather sell a lot more pyrodex and triple se7en. The question is, who really collects that hazmat fee? Who's pocket does that fall into? There is your answer and place to hold your anger towards. I also have to pay the hazmat and the way I get around this is to order in volume. If you order 25 pounds of powder at a time it only adds a dollar a pound which I guess is easier to live with then your case. Although I could not even dream of getting that many packets of pellets.

If you can find other shooters in your area, perhaps you can put an order together and share the fee and all will come out ahead, and you will have friends to shoot the powder off with also... Good luck in your search for your pellets...

There is a gun show this weekend in town. I bet I can find some there.

How do these Hazmat fees work? We pay everytime we place an order - but a little web searching appears to indicate the trucking companies pay a flat one-time yearly fee for hauling hazmat material. I read it was recently reduced - "The DOT substantially lowered hazmat fees from $2,000 to $300 for large truck companies and $250 to $150 for small truck companies after an industry lawsuit."
If we're still paying $20 or whatever it is everytime we order - someone is getting screwed and it's not the truckers or the government.

I've been wanting to try some Black Mag 3 for quite awhile - no one locally is willing to try some and I don't want it bad enough to pay the HazMat charges from Cabela's. Guess it wasn't meant to be . . .

If you decide to order some Black Mag'3 (which in my opinion you should as I love the stuff) I suggest you look at Midsouth Shooters Supply instead of Cabelas as the price is lower at Midsouth. I bought four pounds and wish I had bought ten.

That is the only way to make it worth your while, but ordering multiple jars. You only pay the $20 once even if you order multiples.

The hazmat fee is a scam. The little pack of pellets is far less hazardous than the big tank of fuel hanging under the truck. How many times has a jug of powder or pack of pellets inadvertantly exploded? Do some research and see. If homeowners insurance cares little about having it in your home, trust me, it is safe. The freight companies know who will pay their extortion, working men and women who will pay any price to enjoy their simple hobby.