Inexpensive (per lb.) bulk shotshell powder?

[JagerDog]

Something like Unique or Universal are rather.....universal.

[Dooder]

Last time I checked, I could not buy components to load shotgun shells for less than what run of the mil 12ga birdshot loads cost...

This is a common misconception. The Walmart blaster pack with the steel based hulls is $22 ($5.50 a box) and the STS or AA are $8 a box. Now the difference is that I reload an STS clone load with the STS hulls and a Remington style wad for the same price or less than the blaster pack. The better way to look at it is that I save myself about $25 a flat for about 15 mins of work to make STS ammo.

Basically you couldn't reload a shell of the same quality as that blaster stuff. One could pick AA or STS hulls out of the dumpster, buy the components to load it they'd be making a better shell that costs the same.

And the savings is enormous when loading subgauge. Save around $10 a box by loading 410.

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[the86d]

Guess what day yesterday was, guess what day?

Arrival day! Horked box (just chowdered corners, flap-restapled), AND because of this, I got about $10 off when I purchased (saw "New From..." at the bottom of the desc. due to the box being not in perfect condition.

NOW I can say I reload everything we shoot that isn't 22lr, AND still never payed the background-check tax for ammo yet, AND that is including 200 rd 9mm I got when I picked up a rifle from jail. I should have gotten some more defensive 9mm HPs, but I am sure the lady will get some when she gets her lefty Ruger American .308 rifle on the same ticket.

[the86d]

It looks like I got Universal for ~$23.1288/lb, after shipping/Hazmat for an 8lb jug...

Anyone do better?

Edit: Apparently, not including shipping/Hazmat Ramshot Competition 8lb can be as low as 18.74/lb...
I REALLY got a hell of a deal with Midway when I cleaned house on 158gr 1200 HP bullets, as all I paid to ship was Hazmat on primers/powder, during the free shipping deal when said bullets were on clearance, too.

[CGT80]

This is a common misconception. The Walmart blaster pack with the steel based hulls is $22 ($5.50 a box) and the STS or AA are $8 a box. Now the difference is that I reload an STS clone load with the STS hulls and a Remington style wad for the same price or less than the blaster pack. The better way to look at it is that I save myself about $25 a flat for about 15 mins of work to make STS ammo.

Basically you couldn't reload a shell of the same quality as that blaster stuff. One could pick AA or STS hulls out of the dumpster, buy the components to load it they'd be making a better shell that costs the same.

And the savings is enormous when loading subgauge. Save around $10 a box by loading 410.

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Well, my statement still holds true, unless you are paying significantly less than $5.50 per box equivalent for your components. I was purposely very specific with my statement.


What machine do you use for loading shotgun shells at that speed?
I considered a dillon or other progressive that would have run hundreds of dollars. I did not like the lee loaders that I tried. This adds to the expense ($2500 or so to setup a 1050 and bullet feeder for pistol ammo was cost effective for my use).



I buy my supplies in bulk and priced from powder valley and others for components. Shot was $2 per pound last time I looked. You must have found better prices than I did.



AA ammo did not make a difference for my skill level and relatively low volume of shotgun shooting, but that is great that you get better ammo for the price of the cheap ammo.


Loading premium ammo or the less usual varieties can save enough money to justify the press and time to reload, as per my original statement. When bulk packs satisfy my needs, it doesn't make sense for me to spend the time to load and money to buy a nice press when my cost isn't any less than buying bulk.


It took a few times of reading this: "Basically you couldn't reload a shell of the same quality as that blaster stuff. One could pick AA or STS hulls out of the dumpster, buy the components to load it they'd be making a better shell that costs the same", for the wording to make sense.



My cost calculations for components were not significantly higher than bulk ammo, so getting good prices on components could match the cost if people want quality or don't care about doing the work and time. Different strokes for different folks...........

[ar15barrels]

It looks like I got Universal for ~$23.1288/lb, after shipping/Hazmat for an 8lb jug...

Anyone do better?

I have universal for $20/lb if you are in the LA area.
I have many sealed 4lb jugs as well as an open one I will pour single pounds from.

I also have a lot of other older powders for $10/lb if you want to root through the milk crates.

[sigguy552]

I have new red Dot and Clay's for $25 a lb of you're in norcal

[Sanderhawk]

I use red dot for all my shotgun reloading. I also have the lee load all 2 and its about as easy as it gets to reload. I will be doing some reloading today for a little bit of relaxation.

[McGuiver]

I use Aliant e3 in my Remington / Peters Hulls. I get it for $160 for 8lbs at Phillips Wholesale before tax. I have tailored my own 12ga shot shell loads. I have also tried this in 38 spl, and 45 acp. It also burns very clean in 12ga.


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[DueceMcGurk]

Also use E3 for Cowboy low recoil shotgun loads. Works great!

[Southpaw45]

Alliant Promo powder is going to be about the most least expensive powder out there and will fit for light pistol and shot shell loads. It has the same burning speed as Red Dot but it measures differently so dont use Red Dot loading data for it. One more thing. Promo is only sold in 8lb kegs...

[the86d]

Alliant Promo powder is going to be about the most least expensive powder out there and will fit for light pistol and shot shell loads. It has the same burning speed as Red Dot but it measures differently so dont use Red Dot loading data for it. One more thing. Promo is only sold in 8lb kegs...

That is what I was looking for!!!

Thank you!