[BridgeWalker]

I would guess that I'm probably doing ok with the forty-something bucks a case I've been paying for shells, but I have wondered if there is some threshold for bulk purchasing that might save some more money.

Anyone know of a retailer that sells in bulk quantities--say a couple thousand rounds--at a greater discount? I've seen articles about the legendary Argentinian dove-shoots refer to bringing a couple "flats" of shells--anyone know to what quantity that refers?

My best guess is no, because the shipping would be prohibitively expensive. It just seems odd that with the number of shooters going through hundreds of shells a week there ought to be a more efficient way to buy it that by the 250 round case or 100 round value-pack.

[mswestfall]

A flat is 10 boxes of 25 shells. (It used to be 20 boxes of 25 shells.)

I am not aware of anyone that sells loose shells in bulk.

I am aware of two ways to get shells at a reduced price. Get a FFL and buy directly from a wholesaler or reload. Reloading is becoming less and less attractive because of component price increases.

[BridgeWalker]

Yeah, I definitely see reloading in my future. Probably this winter. It seems one can save on the price of shot by making that too, but with a small child and with me still nursing, probably flirting with lead poisoning on that level is not wise.

But reloading is probably gonna be my new hobby this winter.

Thanks for the clairification on flats. Everyone around here calls them cases--I've got three sitting in my closet...

[Oldnamvet]

With the cost of lead shot, and the cost of starting reloading, you would be losing money if you reload. Loaded shells at around $40 a case (10xbox of 25) are still common around my area. Shot is going for more than $40/25#. You can download one of the on-line calculators for reloading and see that you are not going to beat those prices with the current components costs.

[yesit'sloaded]

I would assume skeet clubs buy in bulk from somewhere.

[NAK]

In Argentina the cases are 20 boxes (500 rounds) instead of the 10 boxe cases we get here.

Couple of those before lunch and a couple in the afternoon equal one seriously sore shoulder :neener:

[bofe954]

I was looking into a group buy and was told that there would be little to no savings on the low end shells, (estate supercomps, remington top guns) compared to just buying the cases for 40ish.

If you could find a bunch of people that wanted AA's or something you might save some money vs retail but still pay more than low end shells.

It seems like there are sales towards the end of hunting season even on the low end stuff. Your best bet is to stock up then, from what I have been told so far.

I was told for a bulk buy I'd need to buy a "skid" of shells-120 cases. That isn't that many shells if you had 10-15 guys in on the buy. At some point though I question the real savings of tying up $400 in shells especially if they sit all winter. They take up space and the money could be used elsewhere. There is also some speculation that lead prices will drop. I think I'd want to save more than is possible on a $40 case for all the effort of a bulk buy.

My advice would be to ask the manager at your walmart (or wherever you are getting your $40 cases) if they would knock a few bucks 1K or 2.

[zinj]

A flat used to be 10 boxes of shells, and a case was two flats (20 boxes). Lately people have started to use them interchangeably.

[BridgeWalker]

I was told for a bulk buy I'd need to buy a "skid" of shells-120 cases. That isn't that many shells if you had 10-15 guys in on the buy. At some point though I question the real savings of tying up $400 in shells especially if they sit all winter. They take up space and the money could be used elsewhere. There is also some speculation that lead prices will drop. I think I'd want to save more than is possible on a $40 case for all the effort of a bulk buy.

That actually sounds pretty promising. I figure I'd really like twenty cases of AAs sitting in my closet. But finding enough others interested could be a challenge. And yeah, I guess there's always the hope of projected price drops.

[BridgeWalker]

(or wherever you are getting your $40 cases)

Oh, don't I wish! Nah, I said "forty-something dollars" per case--$43 on a major Winchester promotion at a local outfitter, $48 on Estates at Cabella's, $44 on some Remingtons at Dick's. If I could find $40/case at all I'd be delighted.

[mswestfall]

delta9

Post a message at you local club asking interested people to contact you for a group buy. As they call ask them if they have any connections with a retailer or wholesaler.

If you stay with the retail outlet you won't have to worry about collecting taxes.

[bofe954]

Delta- Sportsman's warehouse has the estate super comp shells for $4.39/box with a %5 discount on 10 boxes or more. This turns out to be around $43 and then tax. That is what I have been doing.

Natchez's has the same shells (out of stock) for around $3.50/box when you buy 10. No doubt shipping would kill the deal, but it makes you wonder if you could get someone locally to sell you a large amount for say $3.65/box.

I know that last year near the end of hunting season the local fleet farm had federal top gun's for less than $4 a box. But, that was last year, so you never know.

Zinj, I have been using case to describe 10 boxes. I guess I should be saying flat. If I was getting 20 boxes for $45, I wouldn't be posting on this thread.