Want to reload

[antonio]

I would like 2 start reloading 12 gauge. How much would a reloader cost and what else would I need

Thanks,

anton

[foxtrotuniformlima]

MEC reloader, like a MEC 600 Jr, is what I would consider an entry level reloader. Can be found for less than $ 100 used.

They go up from there to a Spolar. At over $ 1500, it is the king of shotshell reloaders. I load on a Ponsness-Warren ; about $ 900 new.

Start with a good book. The Lyman handbook is considered the best by most reloaders. In it, you will find just about everything you need to know.

In addition, you will need a scale to check the powder weights as the bushing charts are not even close most of the time.

I find that that is about all. A very short list compared to metallic cartridge.

Keep in mind, shotgun shell reloading is like baking cookies ; follow the recipe. The load book will give you combinations of hull, powder, primer and wad; you can't substitute. you have to use the exact recipe.

[antonio]

Cool thanks for the info fox I will look into those things u mentioned

[Revoman]

antonio -

All that foxtrot said is true, I would also recommend the RCBS shotshell loading manual. It's chock full of really good loading information from setting up the loader to making rounds to recipe's. An excellent step-by-step manual. (It's kinda wierd since RCBS is better known for on the metallic side.)

As already stated, you should stick to a single recipe, use good quality hulls like Remmies or AA's they are easier to load and should last as long as any.

You might need to buy the first few factory boxes and once you shoot them, then reload them.

If you are loading for 12 gauge, there are savings there, but not as much as metallic. The really cool part is that reloading is a great hobby and shooting your 'roll your owns' is very gratifying.

Oh, I also have a buddy that refurbs MEC loaders. If you're interested, I can have him call you if/when he has a loader in stock. (He can't keep them in stock, they fly out the door!)

[antonio]

Yeah that would be cool revoman. How much the refurb ones usually run. I will Pm u with my number. Where is he located

[Revoman]

antonio -

I see that you are in NorCal, he is in SoCal. There would be shipping involved, which would add to the overall cost. You might want to look locally first.

[antonio]

Watched some videos on you tube using the MEC 600. It is coming back 2 me i forgot 2 mention i used 2 help my grandpa reload but he has been gone for 12 years now and i forgot how easy it was. I have been saving my hulls, is there a certain brand that is better for reloading

thanks everyone

[Southpaw45]

You didnt say what you will be reloading for. Target, hunting and what type of game? If its for target shooting like trap or skeet, the best brand of hulls are, Winchester AAs, Remington STS and Federal Premium target. All of these hulls have brass bases and will last much longer and perform better than lets say the cheapo stuff you get at Wal Mart that come in a value pack that have a steel base. Get a good reloading manual like the Lyman reloaders guide for shotshells. The Mec 600 is an excellent reloader for the beginner. Mine is still in use for more that 20 years....

[bohoki]

i'm not sure if there is much savings to be had

they use alot of lead and alot of powder and wads

short of casting your own slugs and buck shot

how much can you really save over say the $5 a box stuff from walmart 6,8 shot

[RaymondMillbrae]

When it comes to reloading for shotshell, it is a passion.

You will not save "too much" money when it comes to target loads (unlike reloading for pistol and rifle), but there is definitely a savings.

Like someone mentioned above, what are you reloading for?

If you are into 3-gunning, you will really see the cost-savings when it comes to reloading slugs. You will save on target loads (if you purchase primers, wads, and powder in bulk), but you will really shine if you roll your own slug loads!

Don't let anyone intimidate you, as there is nothing better than rolling your own "custom target loads". Once you find that sweet spot (recoil reduction and accuracy), it's all butter after that.

Vince (SargenV) has been talking to me lately, and has talked me into casting my own Lyman sabot slugs. (Actually, I was already interested in it...but he pushed me over the edge). I have recently ordered the Lyman sabot mold, the casting pot, and a few other goodies...and I am anxious to get casting. If I was saving on the sabot slugs before...well...I'll be "Cookin with Crisco" now!

I know I am probably side-tracking here, but bear with me for a moment. Check this out...

You can purchase 400 Lyman sabot slugs shipped to your door for $140.00. (CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT). Or you can purchase a 25-pound bag of lead shot for $35.00 (which will give you approximately 330 Lyman sabot slugs), and cast them yourself. Or you can go to the "Nth degree," and save even more money by finding your own free lead, . (But it is getting harder now that Kalifornia has passed the new law which went into effect in January of this year).

But see for yourself, even if you purchase the Lyman slug components from an outside source, reloading for slugs will still save you a ton over store purchased.

OK...now to get back on track. PONSNESS WARREN SHOTSHELL RELOADERS are the bomb. I almost jumped on one the other day from a fellow CalGunner because of the good price.

Personally, I have the HORNADY 366 AUTO which I purchased used a few years ago. I paid something like $250.00 for this beasty, and got over like Rover! (See my video below, under my signature). I will also attach a picture of my office reloading bench at the bottom.

The MEC SHOTSHELL RELOADERS are also pretty nice, and pack a whollop for the price. I've heard nothing but good things about their higher-end reloaders.

Go for it. Shotshell reloading is very satisfying.

But be forewarned...it is also much more dangerous than pistol or rifle reloading. Make sure you use the exact components in the load data.

Look on Craigs List or Ebay for great deals. Or even browse through the CLASSIFIDES of your local Rod & Gun clubs, or shotgun forums.There are great deals to be had.

Happy hunting, and shoot with a purpose.

In Christ: Raymond

[ar15barrels]

i'm not sure if there is much savings to be had

they use alot of lead and alot of powder and wads

short of casting your own slugs and buck shot

how much can you really save over say the $5 a box stuff from walmart 6,8 shot

If you are shooting something OTHER than something like Walmart bulk loads, there is great savings to be had.
Go buy yourself some slugs, hevishot, buckshot or bismuth loads and you will see huge savings by reloading.