aerod1
Member
Are there any shotshell reloaders here? I am just beginning to look into reloading shotgun shells. I am reading some manuals but was wondering about people's experiences and advice.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Shotgun Shell Reloaders
- Thread starter aerod1
- Start date
- Status
I did when I shot a bunch of tac. shot gun matches. I had a mec reloader. It worked but I found it was more trouble than it was worth at the time. I was saving about $8 per 50 or so. Back in the early 90's. The internet was not what it is today and the only supliers I knew were local and as I found out way over priced.
I've got a MEC Sizemaster that I love. Lead shot is really pricy right now, as is powder- so buying Federal shells from Wally World is pretty close in price. You will also have to set it up for a certain kind of shells (6 crimp vs 8 crimp, etc), so you can't just scavenge hulls from anywhere. Mine is set up for Winchester AA hulls and I load #4 shot at 1150fps for USPSA 3 gun. I also load for skeet and trap, but I wouldn't go buy a reloader just for that right now. The breakeven would be well into the thousands of rounds.
ClarkEMyers
Member
My advice - decide on a firm goal first at least accept that goal influences choices.
My advice - decide on a firm goal first at least accept that goal influences choices.
Just as metallic reloading ranges from hand dies to a Dillon Super 1050 and more expensive so to for shot shell the trap shooter who wants high volume low cost production with one hull and one powder and one wad and one load would be better served by a different machine than the hunter who wants different loads in different hulls of different lengths with different wads and different shot of different material.
The cheapest Ponsness allows loading any hull, including beat up hulls, with any combination of components, slowly. Many of the other low priced machines will not load the most beatup hulls.
For the clay bird shooter I'd say start with an automated MEC and move up from there if necessary. For the hunter I'd say go with Ponsness or better so the hulls really work in any hunting gun.
Finally the savings are as always subject to great debate.
There is a stong case for the 27 yard shooter to spend time shooting new ammunition bought by the case and selling the hulls instead of reloading for small savings. For the sometime hunter the factory ammunition is expensive but gives good guaranteed results when few shots are taken. The investment in components to make premium hunting loads can be quite high for the number of shots taken.
YMMV.
My advice - decide on a firm goal first at least accept that goal influences choices.
Just as metallic reloading ranges from hand dies to a Dillon Super 1050 and more expensive so to for shot shell the trap shooter who wants high volume low cost production with one hull and one powder and one wad and one load would be better served by a different machine than the hunter who wants different loads in different hulls of different lengths with different wads and different shot of different material.
The cheapest Ponsness allows loading any hull, including beat up hulls, with any combination of components, slowly. Many of the other low priced machines will not load the most beatup hulls.
For the clay bird shooter I'd say start with an automated MEC and move up from there if necessary. For the hunter I'd say go with Ponsness or better so the hulls really work in any hunting gun.
Finally the savings are as always subject to great debate.
There is a stong case for the 27 yard shooter to spend time shooting new ammunition bought by the case and selling the hulls instead of reloading for small savings. For the sometime hunter the factory ammunition is expensive but gives good guaranteed results when few shots are taken. The investment in components to make premium hunting loads can be quite high for the number of shots taken.
YMMV.
NCsmitty
Member
The monetary advantage really only occurs with the smaller bores such as 28 and 410 due to the initial high cost of factory ammunition. !2 and 20 GA advantages are the ability to customize shot charges and velocities and the personal satisfaction of shooting your own loads. There is little monetary advantage enjoyed due to high component costs, compared to case lot sales that many of the big box stores offer in factory ammo. Give it some thought, and price out what you might want and need.
NCsmitty
NCsmitty
Encoreman
Member
Hey Aerod, I think all the posts are somewhat correct. It is really up to the individual. I reload for clays and dove hunting. I use a MEC 600 jr. and load savings of $3 or 4 bucks a box for good 1 1/8 oz. loads isn't too bad. It is like most reloading, the savings usually get shot up, so basically you get to shoot more for the same amount of money. It sure is satisfying busting a clay to pieces with a load you made. Mac
loadedround
Member
One of the best shot shell loaders on the market is the Dillon SL900 loader. It is a bit pricey compared to some of the Hornnady and MEC loaders but it is one of the best around for both quality reloads and speed; plus Dillon's no BS lifetime warranty. I sold off my two MEC's after buying my Dillon. Check it out! 
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
