newbie reloader shotgun ??

hiishmiik

hiishmiik

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alright, ive read the stickies up at the top of feeding the pigs page. nothing seems to mention reloading shotgun shells. i assume that one would be easier than the other, ie shotshells or brass, but there's again no mention anywhere about that. as a newbie reloader, which would be easier to try out first? what equipment is needed for shotshells? is it the same equipment or a different press etc? i havent noticed either if a hull can be reloaded with any type of load, other than a slug i guess. if it shot birdshot is that the hulls life from thence til end of days?

anyways i havent bought any equipment, figured to edumicate myself before i go buy something. just a few questions i had as i read more and more. thanks everyone
 
I was in the same boat - i reload my own handgun stuff but decided to try out reloading shotgun shells and figured its all the same concept so turned to the forums for help. I found you can get a Lee load all for cheap but i wanted more metal in my press. Found a used MEC Versamec for $60 - set it up and back to the forums i went. I knew i was going to be making my own slugs and loading them - looked at the Lee mold loading guide and went with the Remington STS hulls, what powder, wads and primers. You will save a ton of time by reading what these guys take the time to post than just going out and doing. I found out in one thread that Clay buster wads say there a match to Winchester but they dont fit the same way when used with a slug hence causing buldging and not feeding properly. Once you establish what you want to shoot search the load data to narrow down what you need. YouTube has a ton of video's showing the differant reloaders available and just how easy it is.
 
Reloading for 12 or 20 gauge, unless you are setting up for a very specific purpose ( I make low pressure spreader loads for my Parker) has the economics against you. Shotshell reloading is very specific, that is changing one component like primers,wads or hull can increase pressure to an unsafe level so following exact recipes is a must. For rarer gauges like the 28, 16 or .410 does allow for some savings. The equipment foe reloading shotshell is different than metallic cartridges and if a single stage is usually quite inexpensive.
 
alright, thanks guys. i have a couple 12g shotguns so i'd probably stick to that. i assume that you both mention single stage reloaders? i'm a bit of a lazy guy so i'd look for the easy button. is there a good starter kit / brand for doing shotgun reloading? is shotguns easier to learn on? thanks for your help
 
Single stage is cheap and easy. Progressive machines are faster and way more expensive. As stated above you won't save much if anything loading the 12ga yourself. I load very light loads that move fast and I also load very low recoilling loads for some f the female shooters. That said I use a lee load all 2 single stage. I've loaded over 19000 rounds on mine. Even buckshot and slugs. I use mainly imr 700x powder for shot and hs6 for slugs. I use strickly claybuster wads and remington sts, primere, or gun club hulls. They do wear out but a good remington hull can last up to 20 loadings. It is visible clearly when they need to be tossed away. Primer selection is more important. I use cheddite 209 primers and have never had any issues. For just starting out I'd suggest either buy a new lee load all 2 or a used mec loader and if you like reloading then buy a progressive if you shoot a high volume of shells. That way if you don't like it or find its not worth it you can sell it on the EE and only be out a few bucks. The only progessive systems I've used personally are the possness warren. And it is a great machine but not cheap
 
thats the light at the end of the tunnel. thanks brybenn and everyone for your help. now i dont have to re-invent the wheel
 
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