Shotshell reloading

[AEC1]

Anyone out there have adviceon reloading shotshells? I am considering starting on the journey f reloading there, as that is where the majority of my shooting goes. Any help would be appreciated.

Rich

[Patriot]

Last I looked into it (not a shotshell reloader myself) it didn't seem that cost-effective.

Just FYI, as there are non-economic reasons for reloading

[brando]

It's a bit different than Metallic cartridge reloading, with some areas requiring special attention. I'd suggest taking an NRA certified Shotshell reloading class (should only be 1 day) if you can.

[f4tweet]

http://www.allsafedefense.com/Courses/InstructorCert.htm

[scrat]

I do it. however i have a full stock of wads for 12 guage. Just the cost is through the roof. I have maybe a pound left of shot. Then thats it. the cost of shot is just so darn high. It is very easy to do. you need to follow the load to a t though. You dont work up a load. you have to stay with the load data. the pressure is a lot different. i got so into it i even started shooting black powder loads. But the cost of shot is just so friggen high. Its just not cost effective any more. Its so easy to go to Wally world and buy a brick of a hundred. When they are on sale.
Best place to learn how to reload is shotgunworld.com

[CSACANNONEER]

I reload shotshells and save a lot of money. OK, I save a lot when I'm reloading .410 shells. For competitive reasons or just for fun, reloading 12g could be well worth it. But, for monitary reasons, I'd say reloading for cheap plinking ammo isn't worth it. Walmart stuff is still as cheap or cheaper than buying all the components. BTW, 20+ years ago I started reloading 12g with a LEE Junior Load-All. It's not the one your thinking about, it was about $10 new. I learned a lot from doing that.

[JG2000]

I've found that if I buy new shot, high end wads, and new hulls my cost is a little more then Walmart plinking ammo. But the quality of my reloads is much better. There are ways to bring the price down. Find a range that sells reclaimed shot, it shoots the same as new. Go with a Downrange or Claybuster wads. Scrounge the trap range for hulls, if you reload center fire then you should be used to this. I've started to use Promo powder it is a copy of Red Dot and there are plenty of published loads for it. If you are looking for a press I would go with a Mec, you can find them on ebay sometimes. My first purchase was a Lyman Shotgun manual and it is still the first book I go to.

[Revoman]

I agree, the components are expensive, however, you can save money in the long run, especially in the 410 bore and 28 gauge. Wally World sells them for more than $10 a box, reloads are about $3.50 or so.
Shot is probably the most costly component as stated earlier, however if you do find a range that recycles shot, it is much cheaper, about $28 a bag is what I paid last. It is recycled, not simply re-used.
You can also reduce the amount of shot in your load and tailor it to your particular shooting sport of choice.
If you can get some buddies to go in with you, the components area less costly as all of you will split the cost of the 'HazMat' fees and buying in bulk, just like most things, offers more bang for the buck.
It is also a great hobby and a true satisfaction is attained when you holler "Pull" and your hand made round crushes the clay.
I would recommend reloading to anyone whether or not it's for savings. It actually enhances the shooting experience/hobby when you learn more about what the rounds and building them are all about.

[AEC1]

Thanks all, I will do some research and think it over with wife, the savings part was just going to be an added bonus, so that is not a real issue, but time is, as I have a 3 month old and a 9 year old...

[gottarollwithit]

Yea, i'm almost in the same boat. I have the progressive Mec and the right components, but have no idea what to do. Can anybody recommend a tutorial or a book? I usually reload metallic and like it a lot, but 12ga is a completely different animal. I only got in b/c the press was a great deal and the components are similar. Plus firebreathing shotshells will be a blast!

[sargenv]

I was about to do a comparison for one ounce loads and well, it turns out that at current prices for lead, it'd be about $6.50 per 25 and I just picked up a couple cases of 3 1/4 dram - 1 ounce - 7.5's for $54/250.. which comes out about $11 cheaper than I could load them for.

I have a good supply of shot currently so my actual reloads will likely be about $3.50/25, but once that runs out, it'll be nothing but Factory unless the price of lead drops.

With the current price of the exotic non toxic shots, steel will likely be the only thing I'll load and only if I can't get my favorite Kent faststeel for a good price.

[scrat]

loading shells is a piece of cake. tooo toooo easy. i have 2 presses. Then i have some old lee loaders. i recently did a post for a guy on THR on how to load 12 guage by hand. For those not too sure about reloading shells take a look it will familirize you on how easy reloading shell is

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=390721