reloading cheaper than retail??

[hoss76114]

For a newcomer in shotgunning and for basic "practice" ammo, is there any way that reloading 12 and/or 16 ga rounds would cost less than retail of 3.99 - 4.99 for a box of 25 rnds?
This includes 8-9 shot rounds. Every "componants vs costs" chart I have looked at places reloading at about 5.50 (cheapest) for 25 rnds. How can this be?
Years ago I reloaded for my 45 ACP and my 7MM mag. Saved a ton on my ammo expenses. I know "times" have changed but shotshells are the only rounds that I can see that costs more to reload than to buy at Academy - Walmart.
Hoss:banghead:

 

[rcmodel]

Sign of the times.

Promotional or loss-leader shotgun ammo at Wallyworld is cheaper then shot, powder, primers, and plastic wads at the gun store.

Even 9mm pistol ammo is pretty close to the break even point for reloading.

The major savings in reloading anymore is in big-bore handgun calibers, less common centerfire rifle, etc..

rc

 

[ArmedBear]

Hell with promo ammo.

I've joined a group buy and got an order in for Kent 12 Gauge #7.5 target rounds for $50 a flat, and picked up a few flats of Federal Top Gun 7.5, 8 and 9 Target loads for $48 a flat at a liquidation sale. Reloading 12 Gauge makes no financial sense right now. My press has been in the closet for 2 years or more. Keeping your eyes and ears open, and buying loaded shells in bulk, makes a LOT of sense at the moment.

Right now, AA and STS both have $2/box rebate deals going, IIRC. These are two of the world's gold standard competition rounds.

Reloading makes good sense if you shoot 28 Gauge or .410, which cost significantly more to buy loaded (less volume for manufacturers), and significantly less to reload at home (less shot, less powder), than 12 or 20 Gauge ammo do.

Some people reload because they want custom loads they can't buy for cheap (e.g. low-recoil 3/4 oz. 20 Gauge for all-around Skeet practice by someone who shoots all 4 gauges with tubes). But for practice, for most people, the numbers don't add up.

 

[rbernie]

I like to shoot light 7/8oz 12ga loads. The cheapest I can buy those is $8.50/box but I can make a box for just under $5.00. Not a huge cost savings, but loading my own more than covers my range fees and gas.

It's also fun.

 

[ArmedBear]

$8.50? Yeah, I'd load them, too!

I got some of the 7/8 oz. Fiocchis for $5.60 a box a few months back. Eyes and ears pealed at all times. All times. (Past performance is no guarantee of future results.)

Reloading shotshells was more fun before there was a wild animal flying around the house, begging for more exercise. But said wild animal can sure find birds!

 

[oneounceload]

I can reload MY 12 gauge for 3.50 per box - cheaper than any retail, AND I'm loading what I want to shoot - light shot payloads at low velocities. Try finding a 3/4oz 12 gauge load at 1200fps - you can't. There's only one 7/8oz at 1200 fps from Kemen that I know about.

Buy used equipment, components in bulk, and you can save versus buying

 

[ArmedBear]

Fiocchi makes a similar 7/8 oz. load to the Kemen. But 3/4 oz. is not something you can find.

The "eyes and ears pealed" thing goes for components, too. Paying >$35 for a bag of shot won't make the final price too attractive.

 

[batex]

My reloads cost me around $3.35 to $3.50 per 25 round box. Above that there are two other reasons I see to reload. First, I can create custom 1 oz. target loads that recoil less that the typical "value" boxes that walmart sells. Most of the value boxes are field grade loads with 1 1/8 oz of shot and much more recoil than I want when shooting 200 rounds in a day. Third, there is the satisfaction of knowing I have the capability to build my own high quality ammo. If I need 200 rounds for the trap range tomorrow, I can crank them out fairly quickly on my progressive MEC 9000 reloader.

I suppose that if you buy your reloading components in small quantities at retail it is possible for a box to cost you $5.50. However, I buy primers, powder and shot through my local club. Right now, lead shot is $27/bag. Of course it's been higher in the past, but if you can purchase in bulk or through a group or club, it's usually a good deal.

I would encourage you to reload simply for the satisfaction you get.

Good luck.

 

[MostlySurly]

It's Theraputic

Cost for me is a little less than retail, but I'm loading "MY" load - soft and slow mostly, or heavy if I have a different application than just targets.
The key for me is the time I spend away from the grind of the world.
Single stage reloading ain't quick or efficient.
It is therapy.

 

[Mr_Pale_Horse]

If you shoot at a club that sells reclaimed/recast shot, you can get that for around $10-12 a bag.

Still, at my age I got more money than time, so I will buy what I shoot, and spend as little time reloading as possible.

 

[ArmedBear]

$20 a bag, last time my club had reclaimed shot.

When it was $10 a bag, I was buying STS shot for under $20. That's been a while.

WRT it being meditative or therapeutic, I can relate to that. If I could figure out how to sit in a hot tub and reload, I'd be more likely to do it regularly.

 

[oneounceload]

If you shoot at a club that sells reclaimed/recast shot, you can get that for around $10-12 a bag.

I WISH..........just bought some - $1.00 per pound. local new shot (not always round) is 30 and name brand is 45.00................

 

[evan price]

You can get Federal Field & Range for $48 a case, and there's often sales at Wallyworld or Meijer for $20/hundred. I can't see reloading the same thing for any savings. Now, customizing the load for the same price, sure. But I just go to make holes in stuff and the store cheap stuff works fine for me.

 

[stiletto raggio]

At $54 a flat, I've been shooting REmington Gun Club almost exclusively for over a year. WalMart is just now starting to beat them (round for round, after tax) but I would rather shoot Gun Club than the Federal Bulk stuff. Personal preference.

When I finally buy a progressive 12 gauge press, I will be loading 1-1/4 ounce loads to run through my Saigas for three gun matches. The 1-1/8 stuff is too cheap to buy to make it worth my time right now, even on a progressive.

 

[oneounceload]

At $54 a flat, I've been shooting REmington Gun Club almost exclusively for over a year. WalMart is just now starting to beat them (round for round, after tax) but I would rather shoot Gun Club than the Federal Bulk stuff. Personal preference.

Dick's around here has been offering a $1.00/box rebate on Gun Clubs - not sure if it is a Dick's thing or Remington thing - that always helps