Shotshell reloading

Used to. Cost of 12 gauge components make it a losing proposition theses days. Unless you loading slugs, sub gauge, or something exotic/rare etc, it really doesn't make sense cost vs time wise IMHO.
 
"North Central Alberta" I guess. My step-dad and I load 12, 16, 20, 28 & 410 combined.

The 16, 28 & 410 are worth it for price. We only reload the 12 & 20 for the older guns where Bismuth and specialty stuff is required, or to get some very custom loads (as an example I load 3" full brass .410 for emergency critter dispatch about the hobby farm).

Any normal range of steel or lead for 12 & 20 is cheaper to go to the store and spend the time shooting instead of reloading.
 
I used to load shotgun when I shot shotgun a lot more than I do now. I found I could produce a better #6 load for pheasant shooting with my O/U than what I could buy at a reasonable price. And I could load a light but high pressure load for my 1100. It is temperamental with lighter loads, but I found a max charge of a faster powder would work better in it than factory loads. However, now, with the war on lead, and from what I can see, a shortage of components, it might be much more difficult. There used to be a lead manufacturer in Edmonton, but I think it is gone now...
 
Ron AKA said:
I used to load shotgun when I shot shotgun a lot more than I do now. I found I could produce a better #6 load for pheasant shooting with my O/U than what I could buy at a reasonable price. And I could load a light but high pressure load for my 1100. It is temperamental with lighter loads, but I found a max charge of a faster powder would work better in it than factory loads. However, now, with the war on lead, and from what I can see, a shortage of components, it might be much more difficult. There used to be a lead manufacturer in Edmonton, but I think it is gone now...
Click to expand...

Unfortunately the Edmonton manufacturer ceased production years ago which is is a real shame. I am down to my last five bags of their shot, and will now have to look elsewhere.
 
It is worthwhile to load 2 1/2 inch cartridges, Black powder, specialty upland loads with plated shot, non-toxic Bismuth or one of the Tungsten alloys, 16 gauge, 28 gauge or .410.
It is not economical to load 12 and 20 gauge target loads. They come on sale often enough. You cannot buy components cheap enough to beat sale prices on target loads in 12 and 20 gauge.
 
I reload 12 gauge. I load it for the softer shooting loads and for the hobby. I call it "reload therapy". If you add the mighty $$ its not worth it, like many of the others have said. I enjoy it and ill always load 12 gauge.
 
I've recently got set-up to reload 12g

With enough work, sourcing and bulk purchasing, I've managed to get my reloading costs down to under 60$/flat tax in. Not massive savings, but I do enjoy the reloading part. I'll mostly shoot bought ammo, but have reloaded shells for special shoots or shots.

As we all know, prices aren't coming down, so I'm hoping this is an investment to future proof me for a bit. Getting set up to have enough components for 6000+ rounds.
 
I reload 12 gauge in Calgary. I do reload target ammo even though it is not cost effective, but seem to have better luck with them. I cast buck and slugs, so that makes for some really cheap shooting fun.

It's fun and fast and no lube required. Also like roll crimping anything I can. No good reason, just looks cool.
 
Most of us who load 12ga target loads, do so for 3 reasons; 1. availability, with maintaining stock, you always have ammo when needed, 2. you enjoy reloading, 3. you can always get the load type you want to use. When compared to the promo loads on the market, you don't save any money, however quality of your reloads(if you put the effort into it) can be better.
 
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