Reloading 12ga...Worth it?

J

Jumbalaya

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I've been getting into skeet and have access to free empty hulls. Has anyone done the math on how much it costs in materials to reload (not counting the press)? Most empties are cheddite (Challenger) hulls. Also if you know of a local place that carries all the raw materials around Montreal.

Thx!

Jumbalaya
 
Everything depends on what price you can get shot for. That is far and away the biggest cost and it varies tremendously from region to region.

Usually, unless you are within driving distance of Hamilton the answer is "not worth it".
 
Ok that answers my question... I'm able to find target load on sale around here for $59.99+tx a slab (250). Still though I was thinking of stocking up on some clean empties if one day it becomes worth it...
 
As previously stated, 12 gauge lead there is no savings vs. imported shells. I personally reload for trap because 1) I'm retired and it gives me something to do over the winter months. 2) it allows me to control the quality of my loads. imported stuff is ok but often times lacks consistency. The quality of the once fired hulls aren't that great and most are only 6 point crimp and straight walled. I am currently loading once fired Remington STS hulls. I bought enough components to do 5000 rounds. Excluding the cost of hulls, I am loading 1 oz loads of #8 hard shot for $6.35 a box. Unless your shooting more than 5M rounds a year, I'd stick with the imported.
 
You can save a dollar or two reloading but you have to have a good supply and don't include your time. I do mostly because I load light puff loads you can't buy commercially. 12g target loads are incredibly low cost- it is hard to beat factory.

I wouldn't waste your time reloading cheap hulls. More aggravation than worthwhile. Gun clubs, sts, nitros or winchester AA are worth reloading. Cheddite hulls and promo loads just don't reload well and I've never had luck getting good consistent crimps with them.
 
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I reload most of my target loads, when components are available. Do I save money on 12ga target loads, little if any. Much like Rottiman, I do so for 2 reasons; 1.Quality control, I load exactly what I want to shoot, a light 1Oz load, hard to find commercially, 2. I always have a supply of ammo when I need it without running all over the city looking for the best deal that week.
 
Jumbalaya said:
Ok that answers my question... I'm able to find target load on sale around here for $59.99+tx a slab (250). Still though I was thinking of stocking up on some clean empties if one day it becomes worth it...
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Challenger are not the make of hulls worth stashing from my experiences with them. AA or STS Yes
Cheers
 
Reloading 12gauge only makes economic sense for premium plated shot loads, non-toxic shot like Bismuth or Black powder loads IMHO.
No criticism implied for those who reload because they can.
 
I reload 12 Ga to be able to shoot skeet with 3/4 oz. loads.
Plenty of shot for skeet, VERY light recoil, and cost is under $6.00 a box in components.
The only way to obtain a load like this is to reload.
 
Don gk said:
I reload 12 Ga to be able to shoot skeet with 3/4 oz. loads.
Plenty of shot for skeet, VERY light recoil, and cost is under $6.00 a box in components.
The only way to obtain a load like this is to reload.
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Or buy a 28 gauge. :) I don't know for me even if I reload 3/4 oz in a 12ga it is till in my mind a 12ga and I feel better if I run them with a 28ga
Buy hey to each their own

Cheers
 
3macs1 said:
Or buy a 28 gauge. :) I don't know for me even if I reload 3/4 oz in a 12ga it is till in my mind a 12ga and I feel better if I run them with a 28ga
Buy hey to each their own

Cheers
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Yep a 12 Ga is a 12 Ga no matter how much shot is in the shell, but a 12 Ga. with 3/4 oz. of shot is a whole lot more pleasant to shoot! It's also cheaper to load for if you factor in hull cost.

I like shooting the sub gauge guns too, but a 3/4 oz. load in a 8 1/2 lb. 12 Ga. is not the same as 3/4 oz, in a 6 lb. 28 Ga. Both are fun but a super light load in a heavy target gun reduces recoil and muzzle flip, allowing me to see if I did a clean follow through.
But as you say to each their own.
 
Don gk said:
Yep a 12 Ga is a 12 Ga no matter how much shot is in the shell, but a 12 Ga. with 3/4 oz. of shot is a whole lot more pleasant to shoot! It's also cheaper to load for if you factor in hull cost.

I like shooting the sub gauge guns too, but a 3/4 oz. load in a 8 1/2 lb. 12 Ga. is not the same as 3/4 oz, in a 6 lb. 28 Ga. Both are fun but a super light load in a heavy target gun reduces recoil and muzzle flip, allowing me to see if I did a clean follow through.
But as you say to each their own.
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I have honesly never experienced any muzzle flip or even noticed recoil in a 28ga and cannot say I have ever shot a gauge more pleasant to shoot and I do them all from 4210 to 10ga . In fact have been shooting the 28ga m 1000's and 100's of rounds a year since the mid 60's in both 870 pumps first and then 1100 remingtons when they came out . I won't count the 4 barrel sets or tubed guns we progressed to since they were heavier
Now that it is just for fun I am back to the original 870's 99% 28ga and having a ball
All honesty most guys get better scores with the 28gs vs the 12ga, I know I do and if I am going to drop birds in a 4 gauge shoot it will be the 41o followed by the 12 ga
Funny how we are all different which is fine :)
Cheers
 
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