Cheap shotgun ammo?

[ramathorn]

I have plenty of stocked up pistol and rifle ammo, but not much when it comes to 12g shotgun rounds. I like to have a decent amount on hand because prices will only go up and also for the ever so popular SHTF scenario (SD). My SG is a used Remington 870 LE Express - if it matters.

So my question is what is your opinion on inexpensive bulk ammo? For example, I know target loads aren't as good as standard loads or SD rounds, they're for shooting targets after all, but anything from a shotgun is still all kinds of deadly. Yay or nay? Are reloads are better alternative?

Example of cheap bulk SG ammo:
12 Gauge Winchester Super Target 2 3/4" #9 Shot TRGTL129 - 250 Rounds for $54.99

Any thoughts or recommendations?

[Ricky-Ray]

I have a mix of sport/target load, 00 buck and slugs. With the versatility it can be use for self defense or even to help catch your next meal.

[cgates]

walmart has cheap target loads quite often....and many times they will go on clearance after dove season if they have a pallet left over. If you want buck or slugs and want to stockpile, you need to cast your own buckshot/slugs and load your own.

I would say buy a lot of what you normally shoot and think about reloading in the future. Everything but the lead is pretty cheap when it comes to reloading but if you have to buy new shot its about $2/lb and at that price it may cost you just as much if not more to make a reload in comparison to a factory round. The remington 100 packs of target ammo have very nice hulls to reload.

[haole_50]

Wally World has #8 shot/100 rounds for $22. Enough for blasting clays and what-not.

[TheExpertish]

I have a mix of sport/target load, 00 buck and slugs. With the versatility it can be use for self defense or even to help catch your next meal.

This is my suggestion as well. Personally, I'd keep an eye on special weekly Calgun member deals from Turner's. They had a deal on Fiocci shotgun ammo that was pretty decent.

[cgper]

last weekend I went to walmart and picked up federal sport loads for $18/100pack. pretty good deal. Might have been a blackfriday/thanksgiving sale.

[Marlin Hunter]

For clay/bird shot, the Remington Gun Clubs are about the best you can get for cheapo shells. Federal Top Gun are 2nd best, but may cycle better in some automatics.

For slugs and buckshot shells, you will have to look around for a deal.

[BigDogatPlay]

If you want inexpensive ammo for practice and recreation, Wal-Mart is likely the best deal.

100 round value packs of Remington or Federal sport loads (can vary between #7 1/2 and #8 shot size) run ~$21 - $22. 100 round value packs of Winchester Universal are priced similarly but (in my opinion and many others) the Win Universal is crap ammo that many guns seem to not like. Only one of mine will run reliably on it. The Remington is good stuff, with the Federal a close second.

You might also consider the Federal "Target Load", which is a bit better quality (again IMO) than the bulk shells above. I've been shooting 1 ounce loads of #8 shot in these with excellent results on clays recently. I copped a 250 round case at my local Wally last Wednesday for $51 and change out the door.

If you shop on line you can get Remington Gun Club shells for ~$60 - $70 per case depending on where you buy. Might also look at Estate and Fiocchi target loads, both are competitively priced and deliver solid results. Of those three, look for whatever is on sale and go for it.

Reloading is always a solid alternative, particularly if you are shooting practice ammo or clays in a high volume. Speaking personally I wouldn't reload buck or slugs, I don't shoot that big a volume of them, and the cost of store bought in those is not prohibitive to me.

For defensive ammo on the cheap, look for five packs of Wolf buckshot and slugs on line and buy in bulk. I've shot a lot of it through my guns, it always goes bang and there isn't a better bargain. Failing that, ten or twenty packs of the buck and slug load du jour at Wally will help keep costs manageable.

[hcbr]

wallyworld and just look online for any deals. That's my suggestion.

[comblock]

IMO you already have shtf covered with your rifle ammo. My shotgun ammo is primarily for HD. I dont need much and i like to open up with a salvo of 3 inch magnum rounds with 15 pellets. It kicks a little harder than your regular 00 buck but sends 15 pellets down range real quick. Patterns about the size of a small soccer ball at 10 paces. The important thing is to find one that patterns nicely in your shotgun at the ranges you want to fire it.

[runway1]

last weekend I went to walmart and picked up federal sport loads for $18/100pack. pretty good deal. Might have been a blackfriday/thanksgiving sale.

What city? Huntington Beach store was not having black Friday sales. Price was still good at $22.97 but not $18. I buy the 25 packs at @$4.46. A bit cheaper.

[tonelar]

anyone ever see PDX 12g ammo at Wallmart?

[1SGMAT]

Slickdeals.com always has something. Cabellas has estate 00 and #4 buck for $11.50 a box of 25.

[the_t0ny]

SGAmmo.com is where i get my centurion 1 1/8 oz slugs from in bulk, at 25 yards, I don't notice the difference in accuracy between them and others I shoot such as Rem sluggers and wally world Winchester.

[ramathorn]

Wow, lots of good info. Thanks folks, i'll be hunting for deals at your recommended places pretty soon. My friend has reloading gear that he uses, so i'll try to keep what i can to try out reloading. Gotta save cash where you can these days, ya know. Thanks again.