Reloading Question:

[brandon123]

Is it still cost effective to reload shotgun shells? I remember years ago when I shot skeet weekly and did it, I could save a few bucks a box but didn't know now, with the prices of the components, if it was actually worth the trouble and time?

Thoughts? Insight?

Thanks!
Brandon

[boomer453]

If you can buy your components in person and on sale then yes. If your paying hazmat on powder then I say no.
At least not for the average shooter who may only shoot a few hundred a year.

[softpoint]

If you shoot the cheapest shells out there all the time, it will take a good while to recoup the cost of equipment, and your own time. However, if you want better ammunition, or shells that aren't typically available, and enjoy doing it, it pays off.

[Shane]

You won't save anything reloading 12ga. If you reload 28ga or .410, then you can save a little.

[meltingfeather]

It depends on how much you shoot and what your time is worth to you.

[SaltwaterSlick]

You won't save anything reloading 12ga. If you reload 28ga or .410, then you can save a little.

This right here... I have loaders for all the gauges and only use the 3" .410 bore now... I used to be able to reload a box of 20 ga for about $1.29/box and 12 ga for about $1.50, then it went to about 2 bucks a box (all assuming you had your cases already)... Now the only one that makes sense to reload for is the .410 for me. I never got into shooting the 28 ga...

[SabreKiller]

You won't save anything reloading 12ga. If you reload 28ga or .410, then you can save a little.

This ^^^^^ You won't save loading 20 gauge either. The WalMart ammo is too cheap. I load all 4 gauges, including 12 and 20 just because I've got sooooo many components and can make any load I wish. The box store stuff is pretty limited I believe.

[Artos]

I have a 12ga & 16ga mecs if anyone is interested...really, people who still load shot shells enjoy the past time & shoot a lot of clays. Probably play with & pattern the loads & makes a good hobby if you enjoy it.

For me, they are making such good shells today reloading for me would be a waste as I don't have the time or enjoy it like I used to. I don't buy the cheap stuff because the load is usually too hot & they use a softer lead. You can get really decent target loads for not a whole lot more.

[SaltwaterSlick]

I have a 12ga & 16ga mecs if anyone is interested...really, people who still load shot shells enjoy the past time & shoot a lot of clays. Probably play with & pattern the loads & makes a good hobby if you enjoy it.

For me, they are making such good shells today reloading for me would be a waste as I don't have the time or enjoy it like I used to. I don't buy the cheap stuff because the load is usually too hot & they use a softer lead. You can get really decent target loads for not a whole lot more.

Same boat here too except it's 12 and 20 ga 750 MEC Grabber progressive loaders... with wife or son helping I used to be able to load a box in less than 2 minutes... Now they're all just collecting dust...
I even have an old "Texan" set up for 3" that I used to load for goose hunting when we could shoot lead... There's no telling how many rounds those 2 MEC's have had run through them!! Only one I still use is a 600 Jr. set up for 3" .410... And no more than I shoot these days, probably won't use it once I run out of wads...

[dustoffer]

I gave it up-sold my press and all components---after I had loaded all I could with the components I had on hand. Ran out of primers first. I think I have 25-28 boxes in the stash.

[brandon123]

This is exactly what I predicted. A buddy of mine is considering getting his son involved in shooting sports and wondered about reloading vs. just buying several cases at once, etc.

I appreciate it guys!