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12-03-2023, 05:10 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Lethbridge
Posts: 1,779
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Shotgun shell reloading. Worth it?
Does anyone have a definitive cost on reloading shot gun shells. Do you know the cost per box that you need to be over to make it worth reloading. I’m currently looking at reloading for a 20 gauge. What hauls work best? What’s a good price on lead shot? What is availability on lead shot like?
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12-03-2023, 05:28 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ft. McMurray
Posts: 38,649
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Most of my shotgun shell reloading is out of necessity, because my main hunting guns are either muzzle loaders or black powder cartridge guns.
As far as modern stuff goes, I make my own shot , and have collected compnants over the years so can load cheaper than I can buy factory ammo.
However , I also buy 12 and 20 gauge for trap and skeet .
I used to be able to load got about half the cost of factory, not sure what it would be now .
Cat
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Anytime I figure I've got this long range thing figured out, I just strap into the sling and irons and remind myself that I don't!
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12-03-2023, 05:32 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,632
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Possibly if you make your own shot and get the lead for free.
Other than that it's handy for making some loads that are hard to find like small lead shot magnum.
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12-03-2023, 05:29 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Camrose
Posts: 45,377
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I load 28 gauge and 410, my cost averaged $9 per box with components purchased a year ago. Buying components today, if you can find primers, you are likely looking at $10-12 per box, depending on which components you choose. A good single stage press will run you $500-$600, and a full progressive MEC $1100-$1200. Depending on how many rounds you load per year, and which press you choose, the savings could pay off a press in a year or two, or it could take a decade or more. Loading 3000 rounds per year of 28 gauge, I saved enough to pay off a MEC 9000 the first year, but 28 gauge target loads cost around $24 per box, so a 20 gauge would take me two years loading the same 3000 targets per year to break even. A single stage press will produce around 100 shotshells per hour, and a progressive press 250+ per hour.
I don't bother loading 20 gauge, as I only shoot 1000 or so each year, so more than 5 years to break even.
I do shoot around 3000 rounds of 12 gauge per year, but saving only around $1-$2 per box, and using more shot and powder, it would likely take 10 years to break even.
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Only accurate guns are interesting.
Last edited by elkhunter11; 12-03-2023 at 05:37 PM.
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12-04-2023, 10:03 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Sherwood Park
Posts: 187
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Reloading steel runs me around 15$ a box. I bought the components relatively cheap as there was an opportunity for me to get a lot of things for less as it was a estate. Like all reloading, you can get better results over the factory shells, of course sticking within the limits....
Its a passion/enjoyment factor - it is cheaper, dont factor in your time, and search for the deals.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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12-04-2023, 10:34 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Camrose
Posts: 45,377
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GoneOutdoors
Reloading steel runs me around 15$ a box. I bought the components relatively cheap as there was an opportunity for me to get a lot of things for less as it was a estate. Like all reloading, you can get better results over the factory shells, of course sticking within the limits....
Its a passion/enjoyment factor - it is cheaper, dont factor in your time, and search for the deals.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Unlike rifles where I handload to develop a specific accuracy load with a specific bullet, I load shotshells strictly for cost savings. I save around $3000-$4000 per year by loading 410 and 28 gauge which works our to about $100 per hour for my time. Shooting skeet, my scores are the same whether I shoot factory or handloads.
Now if I needed a low pressure load for an old shotgun, or a specific load that I can't buy, I might load for that reason as well.
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Only accurate guns are interesting.
Last edited by elkhunter11; 12-04-2023 at 10:42 AM.
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12-04-2023, 12:44 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: North of Cochrane
Posts: 6,701
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One other benefit
Neither Elk or Cat mentioned it, you shoot more, a lot more and you become, as they have a dead shot. In other words they never miss. When Elk says his scores didn't change, that's because he hits them all. Great guys to have shooting if you are a dog handler!
I shot only upland any more and use #4 lead in a .410 but if I was starting over I'd get a 28 ga. like the one Elk uses.
I started because of poverty, 12ga. but now for my .410 I do it because I can't find any factory ammo to buy. I don't miss birds either but that's because I have a very good dog, and she tells me where the bird is and when it is going to flush. The shots are about 15 yards!
I love the hobby.
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"The well meaning have done more damage than all the criminals in the world" Great grand father "Never impute planning where incompetence will predict the phenomenon equally well" Father
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12-04-2023, 02:57 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,025
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Reloading shot shells with my old PW375 does keep me a little busy in the winter.
But as others have said I have components, lead , primers,12 ga. hulls "left over" from more vigorous shooting days so my costs will bear no relationship to a newbie's.
BUT my main purpose in shot shell reloading is to create 3/4 "or slightly lighter" 12 gauge skeet shells. That way I can shoot two rounds before shoulder (no rotator cuffs and big arthritis) a few times a week when the weather is decent.
So each to his own, to me shot shell reloading is a means to an end, and it seems it's that way for most folks.
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12-04-2023, 07:36 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Lethbridge
Posts: 1,779
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I have a MEC progressive press for both 20 and 12 gauge, handed down from my father. I have no problem figuring it out. (Sadly from the onset of dementia to his passing I was never able to glean info from him on its operation). But it is something that I am willing to put time, money and resources into if it is cost effective and components are easily sourced. But if it’s a love of the sport type thing with limited cost saving, I’d allocate my energy to something that bears a little more fruit for my labour. I have no shotgun that require special loads.
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