I want to start reloading 12 & 20 gauge. What is the best reloader to get? I've heard a lot of talk about Lee loaders, are they any good or just cheap so there's a lot out there? What reloading manual should I pick up? How about a list of stuff / equipment I will need, everyone has their favorite gadget Any help is appreciated. Thanks and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
I want to start reloading 12 & 20 gauge.
- Thread starter miramichijeep
- Start date
I have loading presses for 12, 20, and .410. For 12 gauge, its my opinion that unless you're a competitive shooter and use cases of shells in a given month, you won't save a dime. 12 gauge shells are produced and sold in such massive quantities that its hard to break even or come ahead with homeloading. With the cost of 20gauge being higher, there are a few bucks to be saved, and definately cash to saved from loading .410 shells as its the most expensive and smallest shell on the market.
For just an entry level press, try a Lee Load-All to make a few shells and have the experience. Mec makes a good press and there are large progressive but pricey machines to produce large quantities. The only 12 gauge shells I reload are specialty shells such as slugs and buckshot.
For just an entry level press, try a Lee Load-All to make a few shells and have the experience. Mec makes a good press and there are large progressive but pricey machines to produce large quantities. The only 12 gauge shells I reload are specialty shells such as slugs and buckshot.
There is a Ponsness & Warren model 375 on the EE right now. My dad has had one for almost 40 years and the 375 has change very little. I pick up a used 375 last year and paid almost double the price as the the one on the EE.
12 ga and 20 ga target loads run about $55/flat. Hard to reload for that price unless you are looking to load up something that is hard to buy, like a 3/4 oz. 12 ga load. Or you have a large supply of free lead shot.
12 ga and 20 ga target loads run about $55/flat. Hard to reload for that price unless you are looking to load up something that is hard to buy, like a 3/4 oz. 12 ga load. Or you have a large supply of free lead shot.
+1. i was going to get the lee loader, but a mec 600 came up so i grabbed it. while i really like lee products, i didn't like the idea of having to put a ring on the each shell to resize it. seems like a real pain, and i'm lazy.
Bought a Lee Load-All 2 for 12ga, loved it.
Picked up a used MEC 600 jr. for 410 from a local guy and I can't go back to Lee. I am looking for a 20ga press and Lee isn't even an option anymore; MEC or bust.
For 12 and 20 gauge I only load buckshot and slugs; target load is too expensive to reload and factory shells are too cheap. Even with paying $2/lbs for lead shot I can load 410 for less than the cost of the cheapest factory. Most recent lead shot I bought was $1.35/lbs so I'm golden (for a while).
Buckshot and slugs are only cost effective if you cast your own. I use the Lee 1oz 12ga slug mould and 00 buckshot mould and they work great. Going to be picking up the Lyman 20ga sabot slug mould and Lee #4 buckshot mould for 20 gauge.
Picked up a used MEC 600 jr. for 410 from a local guy and I can't go back to Lee. I am looking for a 20ga press and Lee isn't even an option anymore; MEC or bust.
For 12 and 20 gauge I only load buckshot and slugs; target load is too expensive to reload and factory shells are too cheap. Even with paying $2/lbs for lead shot I can load 410 for less than the cost of the cheapest factory. Most recent lead shot I bought was $1.35/lbs so I'm golden (for a while).
Buckshot and slugs are only cost effective if you cast your own. I use the Lee 1oz 12ga slug mould and 00 buckshot mould and they work great. Going to be picking up the Lyman 20ga sabot slug mould and Lee #4 buckshot mould for 20 gauge.
BattleRife
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Absolutely. I never loaded a shell on a Lee Load All but they inspire no confidence in me. The Mec 600Jr is where almost everyone should start, IMHO.
MY 1ST SHOTGUN LOADING PRESS WAS A LlYMAN easy loader, IN THE 60'S [JUNK].
I then bought a Mec, I forget the model, it had a special sizer with it, [JUNK]
Then I bought 3 Mec 600 Juniors, 410,20 and 12 Gauge. [EXCELLENT]
I STOPPED RELOADING FOR 25 YEARS AND JUST GOT BACK INTO IT LAST YEAR.
I BOUGHT A USED LEE IN 12 GAUGE, [LOADS SHELLS BUT DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY]
I NOW OWN 3 MEC JUNIORS, 410, 20 AND 12 GAUGE. [THOSE MACHINE ARE BULLET PROOF AND EASY TO OPERATE.
QUALITY IS WHAT COUNTS. [NOT THE CHEAP PRICE].
I then bought a Mec, I forget the model, it had a special sizer with it, [JUNK]
Then I bought 3 Mec 600 Juniors, 410,20 and 12 Gauge. [EXCELLENT]
I STOPPED RELOADING FOR 25 YEARS AND JUST GOT BACK INTO IT LAST YEAR.
I BOUGHT A USED LEE IN 12 GAUGE, [LOADS SHELLS BUT DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY]
I NOW OWN 3 MEC JUNIORS, 410, 20 AND 12 GAUGE. [THOSE MACHINE ARE BULLET PROOF AND EASY TO OPERATE.
QUALITY IS WHAT COUNTS. [NOT THE CHEAP PRICE].
- Location
- Saskatoon, SK
Can anyone comment on the cost of reloading bismuth or tungsten for the 12g vs buying commercially available?
Thanks
Thanks
