Looking for advice on starting to reload shotgun shells

G

gunny123

Member
Rating - 100%
45   0   0
Location
Nova Scotia
I'm thinking on getting into reloading shotgun Ammo, mostly 12 gauge steel for waterfowl, 3" and 3 1/2". But also would like to be able to load for 12-2 3/4", 20-2 3/4", and 410-3" lead. Is it possible to get one press to do all of them. 12 and 20 are my main concern, especially the steel for waterfowl. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance
 
I was given a cheap reloading press for free. I have hulls, primers, powder, shot and wads on hand. I still can't be bothered to reload. Shotgun ammo even the high end stuff is cheap.
 
My question to you is why do you want to start reloading?
If you are the type that is willing to buy the best ammo for ultimate performance then yes go ahead and start reloading you will surely save money.
On the other hand if you are the type that makes do with the cheapest ammo around then don't bother it is difficult to beat the cost of low cost promo ammo.
Just like reloading for rifle shotgun demands dedication and an investment in time and money to achieve ultimate results.
It is very gratifying using and harvesting game with your own hand loads.
BB
 
I'm really happy when I read or hear people how convinced they are about not reloading shotshells. This leave me with more hulls to pick up and reload and no one would ask for reclaimed shot to be remelt and reborn into great brand new shot for reloading.
What saddens me is reading ridiculous claims on how cheap is the shotgun ammo and how not worth is the reloading. That's like offering wrong info to someone who's asking for help.
 
I don't shoot steel shot for anything, so I don't reload it and as result I can't comment much on it. MEC does make a reloader specifically to load it, the Steelmaster. Most who load multiple gauges, have a loader for each. I load 12ga, target and field loads, I have 2 Lee Load All(originals) presses, one is always set-up for loading STS & AA hulls, the other is set-up for loading Federal Papers. When compared to cheap promo loads in 12ga and to a lesser extent 20ga, you won't save much but you can save money doing it right. The difference is 1. you are loading at least as good, and in most cases(if you are consistent) a better load than the promo stuff & 2. You can tailor your loads to what you prefer for what you are doing. Reloading also means I always have shells loaded when I need them(ie. last minute decision to attend a trap/skeet/sporting clays shoot somewhere, etc)
 
gunny123 said:
I'm thinking on getting into reloading shotgun Ammo, mostly 12 gauge steel for waterfowl, 3" and 3 1/2". But also would like to be able to load for 12-2 3/4", 20-2 3/4", and 410-3" lead. Is it possible to get one press to do all of them. 12 and 20 are my main concern, especially the steel for waterfowl. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

If you can source the components locally then it may be worth reloading 12 and 20 but as soon as you have to pay to ship 25 lbs bags of shot all savings is long gone. It is possible to reload most of those things on one press but for the cost of the next set of dies/parts to set up another gauge it is almost the same cost just to buy another press. A change over takes a long time and not worth it in my opinion. The only place I know to get Steel and the components in Canada is Will Bilozir, google the name. Again I still don't think you will save any $ reloading it. 410 is a different story. I reload it for about $5 a box. Good luck
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom