Shotshell Reloading

[chagasrod]

I'm thinking about start reloading for my 12GA and wondering how many times i can reload the same hull;

I've done some metallic reloading but never for shotguns.

I hear some people saying it's not worth it right now. What should i know?


Thanks guys

 

[JimKirk]

It all depends on the brand of hull. I've got some old style Winchester AA hulls that I have no idea of how many times they have been reloaded, but I can say that it was many. The new AA are not as good, but are OK. The Remington STS are the top hull right now, followed by the AA and Remington Gun Club hulls, the others fall in line according to the plastic used and style of manufacture.

If you shoot a lot and you are able to buy the components in large quantities, then you can save some $$. Otherwise probably not much savings for a small lot. You can tailor you loads that fit your needs better than finding odd or different loads. For example, I like to shoot 20 ga 1 oz loads of hard #9 for early season dove, those are rare as doves teeth, but I can make my own.

Jimmy K

 

[Sidewinder72]

I still use the old AA hulls. Some have 9 loads on them. I still have several thousand old hulls left. I love to find the perfect load for my gun. I think it is very well worth it. Start changing chokes and loads and know the results.

 

[oldgold]

[QUOTEI still use the old AA hulls.][/QUOTE] New AA hulls got cheapened up sometime in the last few years. Some don't last through the factory load. Remington STS seems to be the best right now.

A lot depends on the load and what powder you use. Red Dot used to burn hulls out after only a couple of loads. Heavy loads of most any powder will burn up hulls quickly.

Any hull with split crimp ends seem to not have enough tension to burn some powders completely. I usually throw out STS hulls after 6-7 loads for that reason.

Loading for shotshells is mch like metallic reloading. A lot depends on how many rounds you will be shooting. A hundred a month will take a long time to get your investment back. 6-700 a week [as a trap or skeet shooter will do] won't take near as long, but you'll need to buy in bulk in either case.

Mec makes some decent low cost loaders. You will want something progressive. Inline loaders like the cheap Lee take forever.

 

[oneounceload]

Good hulls like Remington STS or Win AA's will allow you 8+ reloads. Buying in bulk will allow you to reload good shells for $3.50-$4.00 per box - I've been reloading shotgun loads for almost 30 years - if you have a question, either ask or PM me

 

[FROGO207]

I got sick of wearing hulls out with my 410 and went to metallic hulls. They are available from Magtech for 12 GA also. They are pricey but the payback is not needing anymore for a long long time. BTW I also bought some 444 Marlin brass and use these with equally good results. You have to see if the 444 brass will eject on your shotgun however, some guns will not.