Reload vs Buying in Bulk

[md2020]

thinking out loud here...

I'm somewhat new... just spent way more than I thought I ever would on what I am now told is a reasonably priced shotgun... but its all good, early indications seem that it's all money well spent

I could easily see needing 3000-4000 shells in the first year if I shoot weekly , in fun shoots and practice sessions.

Is reloading really worth it? I know I could probably save a few pennies a shot. But for 12ga ammo, I really wouldn't be saving that much, would I?

Money aside, which isn't the primary reason for asking... Isn't the real benefit of reloading the convenience of it? this weekend, I'm driving a couple hours to Cabela's to pick up 1000rds. I'm going to hate that.

Just working it all out in my mind to see if I will ever get to a point where I reload. That three hour drive to Ranch Cucamonga and back could be better spent doing something else. Turners in Torrance is closer, but that's two hours instead of three and I have no idea what they have until l get there.

[Ignatius]

Reloading is good if you can afford it and have the time to do so correctly. Good luck finding components at this time though.

[naz]

It’s not just about money savings, it’s ability to keep shooting when there is a shortage

My $0.02 is that for now get a lot of factory ammo when it’s reasonably priced (like buy that 4k rd you expect to use this year in 1 shot) and see where your round count stabilizes, and make a call then about reloading.

I think you should plan to eventually have a press for each platform you shoot regularly, and buy components opportunistically when prices are good

[CWL]

It's about the money, and fine-tuning specific loads.

Serious clay shooters fire millions of rounds during their lifetime.

[whutsup40]

thinking out loud here...

I'm somewhat new... just spent way more than I thought I ever would on what I am now told is a reasonably priced shotgun... but its all good, early indications seem that it's all money well spent

I could easily see needing 3000-4000 shells in the first year if I shoot weekly , in fun shoots and practice sessions.

Is reloading really worth it? I know I could probably save a few pennies a shot. But for 12ga ammo, I really wouldn't be saving that much, would I?

Money aside, which isn't the primary reason for asking... Isn't the real benefit of reloading the convenience of it? this weekend, I'm driving a couple hours to Cabela's to pick up 1000rds. I'm going to hate that.

Just working it all out in my mind to see if I will ever get to a point where I reload. That three hour drive to Ranch Cucamonga and back could be better spent doing something else. Turners in Torrance is closer, but that's two hours instead of three and I have no idea what they have until l get there.

LAX ammo is closer then Turners and will be cheaper, and you can get bulk ammo, not sure if cheaper then bass pro though!

[whutsup40]

If your going to shoot 3 to 4 thousand a year think about reloading, Start out with a basic Mec jr and reload in your spare time, I reload 4 different gauges.

[md2020]

If your going to shoot 3 to 4 thousand a year think about reloading, Start out with a basic Mec jr and reload in your spare time, I reload 4 different gauges.

I saw a guy on shotgun world selling one pretty cheap that got me thinking if I should be doing it in my spare time.

Maybe I should be buying better shells now so I can reload later.

[JagerDog]

If you want to buy shells now and reload later, what shells you buy can make a difference. Some are better for reloading than others.

The Remington Gun Club (Clay & Field now?). have long been the econo choice for reloadable hulls. Remington STS or Winchester AA are even better (IMHO), but cost more. With Remington going under, hard to say what's in the future.

There's little savings to be had in 12g. But I can load what I want, when I want it. I have different loads for different games and hunting. I reload 12 & 20. A bit of savings on 20g. Don't have a 28g and only shoot a handful of .410's. 28 and 410 are substantial savings over factory if you shoot quite a bit.

I enjoy the hobby. Some don't.

[shovelon]

I saw a guy on shotgun world selling one pretty cheap that got me thinking if I should be doing it in my spare time.

Maybe I should be buying better shells now so I can reload later.

Save your hulls, whatever brand. Even the garbage shells might be reloaded 2 or 3 times. I am reloading 12 gauge taper hull Winchesters, Remingtons, and straight hull Estates and Federals. I have my progressive reloader for the good hulls, and the Mec Jr other for the cheap hulls with weird loads.

[shovelon]

If you want to buy shells now and reload later, what shells you buy can make a difference. Some are better for reloading than others.


There's little savings to be had in 12g. But I can load what I want, when I want it. I have different loads for different games and hunting. I reload 12 & 20. A bit of savings on 20g. Don't have a 28g and only shoot a handful of .410's. 28 and 410 are substantial savings over factory if you shoot quite a bit.

I enjoy the hobby. Some don't.

My 12 ga. skeet loads are 3/4 oz low recoil for practice and recreation. I finally got the price to under $4.50 a box by using any reclaimed shot when available. My club gets reclaimed on occasion for $27 to $32 per 25lb bag. Sure beats the going price of $7.50 a box plus tax when you can find shells.

[naz]

My 12 ga. skeet loads are 3/4 oz low recoil for practice and recreation. I finally got the price to under $4.50 a box by using any reclaimed shot when available. My club gets reclaimed on occasion for $27 to $32 per 25lb bag. Sure beats the going price of $7.50 a box plus tax when you can find shells.

[whutsup40]

I saw a guy on shotgun world selling one pretty cheap that got me thinking if I should be doing it in my spare time.

Maybe I should be buying better shells now so I can reload later.

Go to craigslist under sporting type in reloading, there have been some mec jr 12 gauge there for 100 to 150 complete

[whutsup40]

right now there is a mec grabber there for 100 which is a better press and a mec jr for 150

[tanks]

...
I could easily see needing 3000-4000 shells in the first year if I shoot weekly , in fun shoots and practice sessions. ...

I am shooting a couple of times a week plus the monthly shoot. It is between 2,000 - 2,500 shells a month.

So, your estimate might be low.

[shovelon]

right now there is a mec grabber there for 100 which is a better press and a mec jr for 150

Does a Mec Grabber have a resizer? I know the Jr. does.