Reloading Shotshells

[Hi-Standard]

I've been reloading for rifle and pistol for several years now, but lately I've taken an interest in trap and sporting clays. My question is this, is it worthwhile to reload shotshell(target loads only), or is it just as cheap to go to Wal-Mart for the cost of twenty bucks for 100 rounds? Next question is this, I was looking at the LEE LOAD-ALL II, and they seem fairly inexpensive. Is this all you need to reload shotshell, or do you need something else?

 

[Claybuster]

Here's a link to some cost calculators that will allow you to determine the price per box of your components.

http://www.trapshooters.com/calculators.htm

I think you'll find the savings aren't enough to justify the cost of the loader, even the Lee which is not nearly as good a unit as a MEC 600 Jr.

 

[rsquidjigger]

Reloading

Claybuster is right on. The only savings right now in reloading shotgun is in the sub gauges like the 28 and .410 which is fairly substancial if you get your components at a good price. The other area you may save a bit in is fast 1300 fps + sporting clays loads, around here they are 9.00 + a box. I still load my 12 and 20 gauges just because I prefer my pet loads i.e. I like 1oz 12ga for reduced recoil on the skeet field. Good luck, reloading can be alot of fun..

 

[jukkabev]

At first, the cost of reloading 12ga seems to be a wash with the cost of cheap 12ga shells available for target shooting. However, the cheap winchester Super Target or Super Speed shells are not made with the same quality components used in winchester AA shells and it's easily proved on the patterning board. I also find it hard to locate light target loads at my retailers, or if I do, the price is much higher. I would say that if you have the time to reload and find a good source for components where you can get your primers, powder, wads and shot for a good price, then you can reload for less than the cheap stuff and wind up with a reload that will shoot just as well as the pricey stuff.

Another quick tip - buy the Alliant Promo powder in 8lb jugs for about 100 bux. It uses the same load data as Alliant Red Dot (based on weight, not volume) and it's about half the price of Red Dot and can be used in place of every 12ga recipe that calls for Red Dot.

Cheers.

 

[jukkabev]

I still load my 12 and 20 gauges just because I prefer my pet loads i.e. I like 1oz 12ga for reduced recoil on the skeet field.

I've been reloading a 3/4oz load for skeet and its been breaking the birds just as well as a 1oz or 1 1/8oz load, only with much less recoil and a savings in your pocket book. One of the main contributors in the reloading section over at shotgunworld.com published this recipe and I've been using it for a while now.

Here's his recipe:

12 GAUGE LITE
Hull: AA-HS or any Remington (No Federals -- too much internal volume.)
Shot Weight/Size: 3/4 oz. No. 9 (Actual average dropped, 315 gr.)
Powder: 15.8 gr. Alliant Promo
MEC Powder Bushing: No. 27
Primer: Fiocchi 616 (209), W209 or STS209
Wad: Claybuster CB0178-12 (Clone of the gray WAA12L and the best wad for this shot weight)
~
Average Velocity: 1204
High Velocity: 1221
Low Velocity: 1180
Extreme Spread: 41
Standard Deviation: 16
Pressure: Less than the published 7,900 psi for 7/8 oz. of shot and 16.5 gr. of Red Dot, the equivalent more expensive version of Promo.
NOTE: This load will not cycle semiautos.

 

[Claybuster]

However, the cheap winchester Super Target or Super Speed shells are not made with the same quality components used in winchester AA shells

I'm not entirely sure about that statement. Given the problems I've had with AAs I wonder if the components aren't equally cheap.

The original poster asked the question in the context of the Wally-World Valu-Paks and from a dollars and cents perspective there isn't any money to be saved loading 12 or 20.

Reloading does give you shells better than the cheap factory shells and you can develop your own loads. I shoot 1 ounce at 1200 fps with quality lead and components. Factory ammunition of the same quality (Remington STS or Federal Gold Medal) is about 30-40 per cent more than my reloads.

That 3/4 ounce loads sounds interesting. Do you use a card filler? How do the shells crimp?

 

[jukkabev]

That 3/4 ounce loads sounds interesting. Do you use a card filler? How do the shells crimp?

No, you don't need a card filler, but you do have to adjust your press a little.

Here's what the author of the recipe says:

Assuming you're using a MEC press, you'll have to tinker around with the crimp punch and cam a little to eliminate any hole in the crimp center and minimize dishing.

The trick is to lighten up on the punch depth and adjust the cam up so it closes the center.

I'm using a MEC 9000G and have them crimping quite nicely for the most part. I've had a couple of shells with a hole big enough that #9 shot could come out. For those, I drip a couple of drops of candle wax on over the hole and all is well.

 

[Claybuster]

No, you don't need a card filler, but you do have to adjust your press a little.

Here's what the author of the recipe says:

Assuming you're using a MEC press, you'll have to tinker around with the crimp punch and cam a little to eliminate any hole in the crimp center and minimize dishing.

The trick is to lighten up on the punch depth and adjust the cam up so it closes the center.

I'm using a MEC 9000G and have them crimping quite nicely for the most part. I've had a couple of shells with a hole big enough that #9 shot could come out. For those, I drip a couple of drops of candle wax on over the hole and all is well.

Thanks. I'm loading on 9000G as well and this sounds like a load to try when I start practising with my sxs in advance of hunting season.