Is 12 gauge reloading cost effective?

[kdsd731]

Considering I can buy a 100 round box of federal clay target rounds at Wal-Mart for like 26 bucks or so is reloading 12 gauge cost effective? I'm only after making inexpensive rounds to practice clay target shooting right now. What is the average box of 12 gauge costing you guys to make?

[thenodnarb]

no. it is not cost effective. now 28 gauge, thats a different story.

[CSACANNONEER]

You can end up with a much better product but, it only saves a little bit. I reload .410 and 28g but, I haven't reloaded 12g in years.

[kdsd731]

Thanks for the response guys. That's kind of what I figured.

[maxx03]

Not cost effective for target rounds. But I save a ton by casting and reloading my own slugs.

[jwc]

It is also cost effective if you make your own low recoil loads, but not really for standard loads

[RandyD]

I have thousands of once fired high brass 12 guage hulls and 50 lbs of shot, plenty of powder, 1000's of primers and wads and a premium Hornady 366 reloader, and I elect to just buy factory ammo since it is so cheap. I am glad I have all that I need if the price goes up like it did with .22s but for now, I only shoot factory ammo.

[ireload]

Birdshots are cheap enough that I don't normally reload it. Buckshot I do since I cast the bucks.

[donnrcp]

Considering I can buy a 100 round box of federal clay target rounds at Wal-Mart for like 26 bucks or so is reloading 12 gauge cost effective? I'm only after making inexpensive rounds to practice clay target shooting right now. What is the average box of 12 gauge costing you guys to make?

Prices from MidwayUSA
Wad .02
1 1/8 oz #8 shot .146
Primer .0379
Powder 20 gr Red dot .052
cost before tax .2559 cents

I also cast my own slugs and buckshot

[ChamberCheck]

It is also cost effective if you make your own low recoil loads, but not really for standard loads

This. The only real benefit to loading 12 gauge (versus inexpensive rounds) is to tailor a low recoil/custom round to your liking. However, if a standard load is not an issue for you, you will save some time and the initial investment for equipment and components. Also, if you are not shooting high volume, the benefit to reloading is negligible...compared to cheap factory prices like the OP listed. I happen to shoot lots of 20 ga, and that is also inexpensive to buy. But, I reload that (at little savings) simply because I can't get a factory load that is as pleasant to shoot as the one I put together.

As others have mentioned, if you were shooting 28 or .410, it would be a no brainer.

Dave

[anyracoon]

I do .410 for the grandkids and slugs I cast. Wally World is just to cheap for birdshot loads.

[Capybara]

.410 and .28 ga are huge winners for reloading but 12 ga? Only if you are doing something out of the ordinary, slugs, buckshot, etc. But for target loads, I would keep buying factory personally.

[toby]

Unless you just like spending time doing so then it really isn't worth it. Just buy a case or three every time you find it on sale and pretty soon you'll never have to buy again.

[Cowboy T]

Birdshots are cheap enough that I don't normally reload it. Buckshot I do since I cast the bucks.

Exactly. For either slugs or buckshot, yes, it's worth it. Not for birdshot at this point, though.

[AAShooter]

The promotional shells sold cheaply at places like Walmart are not premium shells and only limited loads are available. If(!) you are happy with those loads and their performance, it is difficult to load any cheaper. However, if you are looking for a reload more similar to premium shells often used by competitor or one with a tailored load, you can save money reloading.

When it comes to sub-gauges (other than 20), you can save serious money. Also loading steel shot, buckshot or slugs can offer a substantial saving.