reloading shot shells?
- Thread starter hawk-i
- Start date
The Load All works, but is all feel for each step and limited production capacity. A 600JR is well ahead in repeatability, production capacity, ease of use and durability. A Sizemaster adds a primer feed as standard and a collet sizer that is better with steel case heads. The progressive Mec machines follow the same pattern of increasing production and increments with added features.
The PW 375 is another great single stage press, can swap dies and tool heads to change gauges quickly and easily, but is quite a bit more expensive to buy new. It’s built sturdier than a Mec, but has no primer feed option and the shell holder design doesn’t like steel case heads as well.
Beyond that, there are lots of other great presses from other makes as well mostly on the used market that will load a good shell. Any shotshell press needs some mechanical aptitude to run and adjust, but if you can handle metallic reloading, you will likely be fine.
The PW 375 is another great single stage press, can swap dies and tool heads to change gauges quickly and easily, but is quite a bit more expensive to buy new. It’s built sturdier than a Mec, but has no primer feed option and the shell holder design doesn’t like steel case heads as well.
Beyond that, there are lots of other great presses from other makes as well mostly on the used market that will load a good shell. Any shotshell press needs some mechanical aptitude to run and adjust, but if you can handle metallic reloading, you will likely be fine.
You may have to find a local (driveable) supply for stuff like lead, powder and primers. Lead due to weight, powder and primers due to hazmat restrictions and fees. Lead shot constitutes the major cost per shell, so if you cant get lead shot for a reasonable price, things are off to a bad start. BTW - have you tried True North Arms for primers and powder?
Reloading has never been only about saving money for true hand loaders shot shell, pistol rifle. It is a great hobby and challenge, custom made ammo that works for you. Some people eat at Mac Donalds other prefer a Rib Eye and lobster on the grill. medium rare please! Another plus you can usually pick up a target or two with a custom handload.
With rifles, handloading is about developing an accurate load for my rifle, but I Ioad 410 and 28 gauge skeet loads, because they save me $1500-$2000 per year, vs buying factory target loads.
For target loads with #8 or #7 1/2 shot, you can't really load it for less than you can buy it.
I started loading 12ga for #4 shot to be used on pigeons, because those suckers are tough.
Loading buckshot is actually quite interesting and definitely more cost effective than buying it.
Had a MEC600 for couple of decades now and it continues to work flawlessly.
I started loading 12ga for #4 shot to be used on pigeons, because those suckers are tough.
Loading buckshot is actually quite interesting and definitely more cost effective than buying it.
Had a MEC600 for couple of decades now and it continues to work flawlessly.
Not much I can add except to endorse the quality of MEC presses. My original 600 jr. dates from 1973. Had 3 of them at one time set for different gauges and tasks when I shot a lot. Never had an issue or replaced a part on a MEC press. Loaded thousands upon thousands of rounds on them. When you get a system and rhythm going you can crank out out alot of rounds in short order on a 600 jr.
Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Not for 12 and 20 but for 410, 28 and 16 there's plenty of savings to be had by reloading.
sharp shooter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Essex county (Ontario)
I have 600’s size masters, grabbers and a hornady 366. I like them all, they are all great machines. Every model and brand has their pros and cons. Just have to know how to deal with them. The 600 is likely the simplest. I had a Mec 650 which was another great loader I should have kept. Very rarely did I ever need to size a shotgun shell to fit a chamber so you really don’t even need to size most times. And save a lot of money and buy used unless you want a new one. I have refurbished many dirty rusty Mec 600’s for very cheap and they worked like new.
sharp shooter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Essex county (Ontario)
There are plenty of savings in reloading 12 and 20 if you shoot a lot and buy components wisely.
I think that applies only to Southern Ontario we have a much larger component supply and shooter base than the western guys and don't have the shipping cost I am a 30 min drive from two major Canada wide suppliers. I have seen shot go for $50 a bag and Claybuster wads sell for $15 a bag or less primers $79 a thousand. Powder not always a large selection but sometimes as low as $38 a pound. If you are lucky and check around daily you can still save a few bucks.
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You are not buying components for those prices here in Alberta, try $65-$75 per bag of shot, and $55-$60, per pound of powder. I bought Federal primers last spring at $70, and a few weeks later, all that I could find was $100/1000, and then there were none. Wads are a bit more expensive than yours, but they have gone up the least out here.
Prior to last year, my cost to load 410 and 28 gauge was just under $6/box, at todays component prices, it is now around $9/box. However the cost of factory 410 and 28 gauge skeet loads is now over $20/box here, so still huge savings. I could still buy a progressive press, and pay it off in the first year. However, with a MEC 9000 at over $1000 now, plus taxes and shipping, it would take me several years to save enough to pay for the press, loading 12 gauge ,let alone save any money
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I guess there are pros and cons no matter where you live. You have higher prices and great game shooting we have lower prices and the Liberals. But the way things are going lately in this country it looks like our sport is in for some rough times no matter where we live.
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Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
You can save money reloading hunting shells but not target ammo unless your getting your components a heck of a lot cheaper than I can. I got rid of my 12 and 20 reloader 10 years ago because I couldn't be bothered trying to save a couple of cents per shell. Any of the guys I know that are loading 12 and 20 target shells are only doing it for a hobby and not for cost savings, the rest that use to reload are like me and just buy factory now.
Years ago, I loaded 12ga with a LoadAll II. Old style AA, 700X, Windjammer wads. Made perfect loads. What helped the most was warming the crimp end of the hulls under a table lamp. Made very nice crimps.
I only shoot store bought target loads now.
I only shoot store bought target loads now.
