I received a mec sizemaster (12 gauge) and a lyman reloading book for Christmas. After doing some calculations and figuring out which recipe to use, I've come up with a cost of about 75 cents a shell (using my previously fired shells and internet pricing). Not the savings I was expecting... I chose the recipe based on the book's advice and wound up with federal primers and wads and Winchester Super Target Powder. I'm not sure what to do, any advice or cheaper brands to bring down my cost?
Looking to save on reloading my 12 gauge
- Thread starter Bituman
- Start date
i assume your talking about standard shot loads? unfortunately there isn't much savings to be had unless you make your own shot or get a good discount on factory made shot.
buckshot and slugs are where the saving's at, especially if you cast.
buckshot and slugs are where the saving's at, especially if you cast.
beretta boy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Orillia, Ontario
Have a look at some of the comments on the previous page thread "Yes Another Is it Worth It to Reload Target Shot Shells" thread.
If you live in the GTA and don't find it a big inconvenience to drive to Ancaster and/or Caledonia to buy supples in bulk, yes, you can
still save a little on reloading 12 ga. target loads (that, IMHO, are better than "promo" loads IF you already have good reloadable hulls
like STS's, AA's, or GM's) And certainly, savings can be had for slug & buck shot loads. The biggest savings, like always, are if you
reload lead for the 28 & 410 and from a convenience point, the 16.
If you live in the GTA and don't find it a big inconvenience to drive to Ancaster and/or Caledonia to buy supples in bulk, yes, you can
still save a little on reloading 12 ga. target loads (that, IMHO, are better than "promo" loads IF you already have good reloadable hulls
like STS's, AA's, or GM's) And certainly, savings can be had for slug & buck shot loads. The biggest savings, like always, are if you
reload lead for the 28 & 410 and from a convenience point, the 16.
Try a load with the following components: Cheddite primer ( pretty much the same as Winchester ) Clay Buster Wads, and Promo powder.
You can also use less shot for an additional savings. 7/8oz or 1oz works great for clay targets, birds or bunny's and kicks less too.
A 7/8oz load costs me about $5.00 a box, and for me it's worth the time as I save a few cents a box, and the lighter recoil lets me concentrate on my shooting instead of the kick.
12 gauge loads are produced and sold in such massive volumes that there is no way a small handloader can come close to saving any money. I only load specialty shot like slugs and buckshot for my 12. There is a little bit of savings on 20g and lots on .410. You might be able to make a better load for the same price on 12G, but your time is free, if you have the time.
I can't be bothered to load 12g, I wait for flats to go on sale and buy lots.
I can't be bothered to load 12g, I wait for flats to go on sale and buy lots.
You can still get 25lb bags of shot at gun shows for 25-30bucks. I just picked up 8 bags of #8 Hummason in Woodstock gun show for $25/bag. Lead is about 75% of the cost of your shell so it really drops down the price per box if you can find old bags of lead. Also I was at Lawrys yesterday and they have Federal 209a primers on clearance now for $29.95/1000!!. Thats another savings. You can load cheaper even for 12 gauge if you look around for deals. Plus I believe you can load superior hand loads to alot of the factory loads that are out there. I mean look at Challenger shells they use Cheditte Primers and 700X powder , nothing you can't do yourself. Just my take on it. Sidexeach.
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