12 gauge target loads
- Thread starter Fownz
- Start date
If you're loading target load and are paying retail lead shot prices, it costs more to reload than to buy flats of shells.
If you buy cheap reclaimed shot or have a shot maker you can save some depending on your lead cost.
You can use premium components to load premium loads and may save a tiny bit on buying factory premium target load.
I've talked to several people that load international skeet loads (24 grams of shot; a little less than 7/8 oz) for practice because factory ammo for it is so expensive ($200+ per flat).
I save quite a bit on slugs and buckshot but only because I cast my own.
As stubblejumper said, you can save quite a bit on 28ga and .410 as well. I reload for .410 and haven't done the pricing in a while but a couple years ago it was $7/25 in components and factory ammo was around $14/25 I think?
If you buy cheap reclaimed shot or have a shot maker you can save some depending on your lead cost.
You can use premium components to load premium loads and may save a tiny bit on buying factory premium target load.
I've talked to several people that load international skeet loads (24 grams of shot; a little less than 7/8 oz) for practice because factory ammo for it is so expensive ($200+ per flat).
I save quite a bit on slugs and buckshot but only because I cast my own.
As stubblejumper said, you can save quite a bit on 28ga and .410 as well. I reload for .410 and haven't done the pricing in a while but a couple years ago it was $7/25 in components and factory ammo was around $14/25 I think?
Bassmaster
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- WMU 48 - Whitetail country
Only 12 gauge shotty stuff I find worth reloading, in my humble opinion is buck and slug, as LUTNIT has pointed out....and I cast my own buckshot and LEE drive key slugs
I load 7/8 oz loads at high speed for skeet and small game. It costs me $52+ tax a flat. Most of my shooting is done with factory loads now. I still load specialty shells. Low recoil loads and slugs however.
If you are just shooting trap and skeet just stock up on factory flats when they go on sale
If you are just shooting trap and skeet just stock up on factory flats when they go on sale
beretta boy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Orillia, Ontario
I still reload for target shells, but have a huge supply of old-style once fired AA's and am able to buy components at wholesale cost in bulk.
For the average guy, factory loads are the way to go, but personally, I stay away from the "promo" loads.
Can't see spending thousands on a good gun then cheaping-out on ammo.
For the average guy, factory loads are the way to go, but personally, I stay away from the "promo" loads.
Can't see spending thousands on a good gun then cheaping-out on ammo.
- Location
- Barrie, Ontario
I save money reloading.
I reload a 12g, 3/4oz #9 with somewhere around 15.5gr 700x. Win 209 primer and AA hulls. CB wads.
All in they cost me 58$ a flat and I get to shoot what I want. But, to make it happen, I need to buy my supplies in 700$ chunks.
Of course, there is no value on my time here, but I enjoy doing it and with my MEC 9000 I can bash out a lot if I stay focused - which is key, because if you don't you will see your savings all over the floor..
C
I reload a 12g, 3/4oz #9 with somewhere around 15.5gr 700x. Win 209 primer and AA hulls. CB wads.
All in they cost me 58$ a flat and I get to shoot what I want. But, to make it happen, I need to buy my supplies in 700$ chunks.
Of course, there is no value on my time here, but I enjoy doing it and with my MEC 9000 I can bash out a lot if I stay focused - which is key, because if you don't you will see your savings all over the floor..
C
herpinator45
Regular
- Location
- Southern Ontario - Just off 401
I used to reload a F*** ton of shotshells for my wife and I. What killed it for me was when the prices of powder and primers shot up in price / became unavailable. When you can by flats of challenger shells for $62 plus tax it is way easier just to shoot and throw the hulls out then to buy AA at $92 a flat, and get a couple of reloads out of the hulls.
I have a MEC 9000G, I was even looking at upgrading to the SL-900, but then just looked component cost / time expense and opted out of reloading for the most part.
Now I might only go through 10 flats a year. I still have some supplies left over, so occasionally I will run off 2 flats just for practising with the press more than anything.
I have a MEC 9000G, I was even looking at upgrading to the SL-900, but then just looked component cost / time expense and opted out of reloading for the most part.
Now I might only go through 10 flats a year. I still have some supplies left over, so occasionally I will run off 2 flats just for practising with the press more than anything.
I still reload, but you don't save much-and don't count your time. I don't load full target loads though, normally I'm loading 3/4 or 7/8 oz loads for trap. Last time I bought components I'm at close to $55 a flat after tax. To recreate a 9/8 target load is not worth it.
^^That. I recently stopped reloading 12/20. I was saving $10 per flat. With the pathetic powder situation to boot, not worth it for me.
Back to factory Rio 12/20, still reload 410 (well worth it, around $5 a box versus $12-15 factory)
Have fun
