I only shoot 12g. If youre a clay, dont get in front of me. But my buddy and I will go through 100-150 rounds in a day. He is coming back from his second tour in May and its something he said he misses most. I know we will start going out a lot again. Anyone know if reloading is cheaper? I know start up will cost a leg and a half.

 

I've reloaded shotshells for many, many years.

I got a MEC 600 Jr. from my (then) brother-in-law, in 1979.
This 600 Jr. was OLD when I got it. (It is not the "Mk V" press, that's how old it is.)
I had a Zenith 25" color tv that I wasn't using, and he offered the 'trade'.

The ONLY thing that I've replaced on this old press is the "Wad Column Guide". The original was copper. The new one was plastic.
No, I did buy some new shot and powder bottles. I still have and use the originals, though.

A couple of years ago, I bought another MEC 600 Jr. MK V for loading 20 ga shells, for my son and wife.
I paid less than $95.00 for it. Now, they're going for about $150.00


For 12 ga, I use Alliant (formerly Hercules) "Red Dot" powder (18.0 grains) through a slightly modified #30 MEC powder bushing, a 1-1/8 oz chargebar, and "Claybuster" shot columns or 'wads'.
That load yields 1200 fps, which used to be 'legal' for Trap. Now. . .???
I just know that this combination in old Winchester AA cases or Remington STS Premier shells patterns really well through my Remington 1100.


I haven't bought components in several years.
Claybuster wads were so cheap, I bought 5,000 wads, and I'm still using CCI #209 primers, that I bought for less than $11.00 per thousand!

 

Thanks for the reply, Im going to look into everything at Gander Mtn the next time Im up there

 

Take a look online at Natchez Shooters Supply, Midway USA and Midsouth Shooters Supply.
You will most likely find their prices to be lower than Gander Mtn.

Also, pick up a copy of Lyman's Shotshell Reloading Guide.

The 'recipes' are quite specific for shotshell manufacture and 'type'.
(Verrrrrrry good book!!)

 

I've been looking at starting to reload too. Looking at the Lee Load-All

The hazmat fees ruin the deal though.

I'll have to find me a copy of that book.

 

Look no further. . .

Shotshell Reloading Handbook: 5th Edition Reloading Manual

Lyman Shotshell Reloading Handbook - 5th Edition - Natchez Shooters Supplies

 

Thank you .

 

Buy your powder locally to avoid Haz-mat. Otherwise online is usually cheaper for components and equipment. I've had great luck with Midwayusa.com, very good and easy to use website and speedy delivery. Like Keith said AA's and STS's are excellent hulls. Dont rule out cheap once-fired hulls like Remington's Gun-Club load or the Federal 100 round value pack. Cheap hulls have plated steel heads instead of brass and may need resizing if you shoot a repeater. They also may only last two or three firings but if your real thrifty it still counts.

 

Agreed, 100% on buying powder and primers locally.

You may find them cheaper online, but, those HazMat fees kick the price up considerably, especially when you order powder AND primers (because they have to ship separately!).

Also, IF you buy online, be sure to check your local laws and ordinances.
For example, in Maryland, you can possess 5 lbs of powder (maximum), unless you have a (free!) permit from the State Fire Marshal's Office. (This is in the event there's a fire, the Fire Dept. will know what you have, and that it's stored 'properly'.)

Several years ago, a guy at my sportsman's club (he's an FFL holder) ordered powder for several guys. He ordered three 5 lb 'kegs'.
The next day, the local Fire Marshal paid a visit to him and cited him for not having that permit.

 

I buy most powder online. You are paying the hazmat whether you buy online or not. The key is volume. Order 8lbs kegs, and better yet combine orders with friends or family. The hazmat is usually the same for up to 4 kegs, which is what fits in a case. Depending on the product.

You'll go through 8lbs pretty fast in shotshells. For rifle and pistol is it an advantage to have a good amount of powder from the same batch lot. Safer that way. I'm using powder that is 20 years old. When stored properly, smokeless lasts indefinitely.