Shotshell reloading, I need your opinions

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tremblayerik

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I'm looking to start reloading shotshell. Never do that, and don't have any equipment. I want to buy press and all the stuff. I think I will almost reaload sub gauge like 20,28 and 410. I don't do any competition, just want the reloading machine to save few $.

What should I buy, brand model, and if you can explain me why you suggest a model I'll appreciate.

Thank you
 
silverfoxdj said:
I have never seen any advantage in loading for shot guns to save money for other reasons maybe..
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Not for target loads, no. Slugs or buckshot there is considerable savings, especially if you cast your own out of free lead.

OP, I've just gotten into shotshell reloading myself and I've been using an old pacific dl-105 for loading 12 gauge. I'm not sure if They can be configured for other gauges but the presses I've seen for sale are cheap and I've had good results with mine.
 
28 & 410 you will save big on, 20 and 12, hardly at all.
Doesn't sound like you'll be shooting a ton, so get a used or new Mec 600 Jr single stage.
 
Some of the smaller gauges are often hard to find in the store. Reloading can help but may not be the only answer. How many rounds do you shoot in a year? What type of shotgun do you use, autoloader. pump, double, o/u, or single shot? If you only shoot a couple boxes a year you are likely better off just stocking up on that gauge when you find some. If you shoot an Autoloader you will not recover many empty cases so is it worth it? Shoot lots and use a double or O/U you will recover almost all your empties. I have loaded shotshells for almost 50 years. I started with a Lee handloader and kept an old single shot and my first double fed for several years. Cases were not sized well, some cases didn't crimp very well but I could get the shells into the chamber and they worked. Bought a pump gun and the unsized shells would not chamber very well. So I moved up to a MEC loader. Worked better but sizing still wasn't perfect. After several years of that I came across a deal on a Ponsness & Warren ? model 375 loader. Could not believe what a nice job it made of loading shells. The case is held completely inside the size body during all steps in the re-loading process so the loaded shells come out so close to factory. When adjusted properly they crimp much better than many of the competitors presses do. The other thing you can change gauges very easily. IF you are going to shoot a lot, and shoot several gauges I would suggest you find a P&W 375 and buy whatever die sets you need. Hope that helps
 
Thanks for all your answer. To answer you all, I only use over/under shotgun. I will probably shoot 3000 shells and more a year, and I almost look at 28 & 410 gauge to reload, because I know in 12 and 20 I won't save much. What do you think is best? 1 press for each caliber, or 1 press that can do all with different dies? Thank you
 
tremblayerik said:
Thanks for all your answer. To answer you all, I only use over/under shotgun. I will probably shoot 3000 shells and more a year, and I almost look at 28 & 410 gauge to reload, because I know in 12 and 20 I won't save much. What do you think is best? 1 press for each caliber, or 1 press that can do all with different dies? Thank you
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Changing die sets on shotgun presses is a lot more hassle than with rifle/pistol presses and I'm too lazy to want to bother with changing them. For the extra $100 or so it will cost you to get a press vs. just the dies I'd go for the complete press. Used MECs come up on the EE often at reasonable prices.
 
tremblayerik said:
Thanks for all your answer. To answer you all, I only use over/under shotgun. I will probably shoot 3000 shells and more a year, and I almost look at 28 & 410 gauge to reload, because I know in 12 and 20 I won't save much. What do you think is best? 1 press for each caliber, or 1 press that can do all with different dies? Thank you
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I would suggest one press for each gauge particularly if you are looking at a MEC Jr. While it is possible to switch dies on them it is a real pain in the ass. It is much better to have two presses set up for your particular load.

A higher end press such as a Posness Warren makes die switching is easier but the price of a PW will likely be more than two MEC Jr.

The MEC Jr. is a very good press to start on. Simple, easy to understand, very difficult to double charge a shell and spare parts are readily available from MEC.
 
I love my MEC sizemasters, it eliminates the 600jr's sizing ring that you will eventually drop or misplace. 410 is the most difficult to reload as it is more sensitive hull fill levels, a little high or low and the crimp isn't as nice. Normally a tap or two before crimping minimizes it. I reload it for about 1/3 of factory ammo cost. The MEC 410 600 jr or sizemaster are not compatible with the auto primer feed system.
 
A used MEC600 or equivilant can be had for about $125 or less, as for reloading, access to all the components easily can be an advantage, as shipping any or all components make it too expensive. I live about 40 min from where I can get everything and getting everything cheap still runs $5.20/ box, so maybe a $1-2 savings for about 15 min/ box of 25. Any special hunting loads are where you save with buck and slug. Any large shot needs to be weighed by hand and put in by hand to get it in as the slide measure WILL bridge the gap and plug it up. Usually #6 lead and smaller works well, bigger shot kinda sucks.
 
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