Bird Shot Shells - Worth Saving?

[ExtremeX]

I don't reload yet, but Ive been saving my birdshot shells... Mix of Federal and Winchester.

Do people still reload from these shells or are the ones with high brass content more sought after?

[CSACANNONEER]

The most sought after ones are low based shells like Remington STS or old Winchester AAs.

[Revoman]

Most shotshell reloaders use Winchester AA or Remington STS hulls. Both can reload many times. Usually between 8 - 10 times, sometimes more.

The ones that I believe you are referring to can be reloaded, yes, but not as many times. Perhaps only 2 - 3 times. Most of the time, it's not the plastic part, it's the cardboard wadding that is used inside.

[ExtremeX]

Sounds good, if they can re-used Ill keep them around until I start reloading. Its just the hulls I pick up to clean up after myself in the desert.

To clarify the ones I am referring to are the bulk packs from Walmart...

[CSACANNONEER]

Reload them once and then toss 'em.

[redranger13]

I throw away the wal mart junk when I'm done. Yes you can reload but not really worth setting up your machine and getting the formula for one reload. As everyone else has said win AA are good rem sts and nitros are better those are the only ones I keep. Research your formula though because I've found the AA to use the same formula as many of the cheapy federal stuff so you may want to shoot them twice if you don't have to do any setup.

[AAShooter]

Assuming you are talking 12 gauge, the margin between what you can buy shells at Walmart ($22/100) and what you can reload them for is small. If you assume you can reload for about $20/100, it takes a while to recoup your costs. Some would argue that your reloads will be higher quality rounds.

Now if you are shooting AAs, for example, at $7.00/box, you are shooting a higher quality cartridge and will generally pattern better. Then reloading will save you $2+ a box of 25.

The big savings come if you are shooting something like 28 gauge or .410, those often run $12-13 for a box of 25 so you can reload them for less than half price.

MEC has a reloading calculator where you can play with the numbers: http://www.mecreloaders.com/Reload.asp

[AAShooter]

They are good for .22lr targets in the desert! Line 'em up on a piece of wood and go down the line knocking them off!

I like that idea.