[freakshow10mm]

Looking to load 12ga and 20ga commercially. Currently load 20ga on n MEC 600JR. Have put out a couple dozen boxes for local guys who can't find certain loads, like 1oz of #5 in the 20ga, stuff like that.

I won't mess around and will start off with the hull feeder for sure. What is the practical loading speed per hour of the machine with case feeder? I need to gauge my time to see if it's worth it and to set prices, etc. I'd be getting the press set up for 12ga then a 20ga conversion.

Main product will be 12ga for LE ammo. 20ga for hard to find loads like buckshot at reasonable prices, #5 shot, etc are a definite possibility. I can start off on the 600JR for now and if I get swamped I can spend the $275 for a conversion for the Dillon.

[loadedround]

My son and I load 12 ga trap loads on the Dillon SL900 and conservatively load 500+ rounds an hour with pauses to refill the case hopper and primer tray. I'm sure if we tried to be faster that we could easily increase our speed 100+ an hour or more. :)

[freakshow10mm]

I'll use a 500 rd/hr rate as a guideline. Figure a pallet of shot will load 32,000 rounds at 500/hr should be about 64 hours which is about 4 days work running two shifts at 8hrs each. 4,000 rounds a day or 1,600 boxes. Should be pretty good turnout for ammo.

Thanks for your time. I'll get a press, pallet of shot, and see what happens.

[oneounceload]

Why not look at a commercial loader? Faster, automatic

even a Spolar with the hydraulic upgrade will work very well

(IIRC, you already have the federal stuff handled)

[freakshow10mm]

If it doesn't work out it's probably easier to sell a Dillon than a commercial grade setup. If I can't keep up with the Dillon press, I'll look into it then. I can't keep the metallic presses running right now due to shortages so I can load shotgun in the down time since all components are in stock everywhere. Pallet of shot is 32,000 one ounce loads or 64,000 half ounce loads so I'm good with a pallet mixed with #4/5/6 shot. Hell if I load a pallet of ammo and then sales disappear I won't lose sleep over it.

I just put the loads on my site. 12ga is straight up 2.75" 00 buckshot; have to price buckshot before I list retail. 20ga is 1oz loads of #4/5/6 shot and the .410 is 1/2oz load of #4/5/6 shot. Still have to price out buckshot but the 20ga loads are $9.63/25rds and the .410 bore is $9.34/25rds.

Yes I'm already licensed and insured to make ammo commercially.