12 gauge reloading question please

[Milkmaster]

I have read a great deal of the posts here in the reloading forum. Most have to do with metallic cartridges. My son and I are starting to shoot a great deal of trap. From what I have read, reloading shotgun ammo is not as difficult as other types of ammo.

I Want to know if 12 gauge shells are economical to reload. Most of what we buy is 7.5's with 1.125 oz shot and 3drams charge. Current price is about 4 bucks per box.

I am sure this has been asked before. Sorry for the repeat. Any helpful information will be appreciated.

 

[Starter52]

There was a time when reloading 12 ga. target shells made sense, but with the advent of "Estate" shells and Walmart specials reloading just isn't necessary anymore.

You can buy 12 gauge in bulk for almost the same price as reloading. The cheap shells are not the quality of AAs (softer lead, cheaper wads), but for a beginner the bargain shells are a good choice.

 

[SASS#23149]

dO YOU SHOOT AT A CLUB? and do they have accesss to bulk buys of shot,wads,etc?
At our leverl..1 or 2 bags of shot at a time...it's been priced right out of being worthwhile.Shot was what....16 bucks a bag about w years ago,and now it's PUSHING THIRTY BUCKS.
I ask because some larger clubs by it by the ton and have it delivered to the cub and and sell it to the members for a bit less.
I still relaod because I"ve had the equipment for years.Not sure I would jump into it now adays,although with 2 or more shooters it's likely to pay off.

 

[nitesite]

I reload 12-ga 1-1/8 ounce ammo, even though there is $4.00 <1-oz> stuff available on promo loads like the Remington and Federal offerings in Wal-Mart.

My shells cost me around the same four bucks, but they are identical to my Remington STS Premier and Nitro Gold / Sporting Clays factory ammo that costs between $6-$7 per box. I use STS hulls, Rem Fig-8 wads and Remington Magnum hard shot.

I can't prove conclusively that they hit targets or doves any better, but on a patterning board they are superior to the promo loads by far. So when I miss I never question my ammunition.

I have a wooden knife block in my kitchen stuffed full of German chefs knives made by Wusthof and Henckels. Most of them were between $60-$100 each. It took me years to accumulate them. I think there are about twelve of them.

I could probably cut meat and veggies with some Ginsu knives from K-Mart and do the job, but never as cleanly, precisely, or effortlessly. After using the good stuff I could never again use cheap promo knives.

Fine cooking is a hobby of mine. So is reloading.

My point is that if I have the ability to reload truly good stuff why would I ever feel satisfied with the bargain brand that has soft irregular shot and doesn't shoot as well.

The knives cost a bundle up front, and so does a good shotgun reloader. Once you make the investment it becomes very difficult to pick up the Ginsu knives or the promo shotgun shells.

I hope that what i said doesn't sound sanctimonius. Since you mention you and your son's common interest I think reloading shotgun ammo together sounds like a terrific way to spend time together.

 

[loadedround]

I reload shotgun shells for trap and with the price of components going up, I srill save over a buck a box over factory loads.

 

[45auto]

You won't save much at the present time, but it depends on how many shells you shoot a year. You can make a consistent, better shell(harder shot) than the promo loads for about the same cost or a bit less. You control the component content as compared to the manufacturer.

I'd check prices and availability of reloading supplies in your area. There are "calculators" on the net that make it easy to determine the cost effectiveness. You need a reloader, scale and "data book". Estimate @$200-$400. You can spend less and much more, but you don't need to IMHO.

Reloading shotgun is easy and there's enough "load data" around so you don't have to experiment...just follow the book to the letter.

Of course, reloading allows you more flexibility of choosing loads if that's important to you.

Not an easy decision if your happy with what you buy and shoot now.