I have been a centerfire reloader for many years but now I'm thinking of maybe getting into some sporting clays shooting this summer at the club. I have a 20 and 12 guage which will likely both see some use ( both are short & light upland doubles but it's what I own so will have to do ). I'm wondering at what point it makes sense to switch over to handloading shotshell? I guess my question is how many rounds a year do you need to go through to justify the expense of getting set up? I realize we don't really handload centerfire for a cost saving but the fun and superior finished product, is thisi the same case with shotshells? Can you improve on factory loads or is the factory stuff so cheap and reliable it isn't worth the time?
Shotshell reloading?
- Thread starter linderhof
- Start date
NZClaybuster
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, Alberta
In my humble opinion, it is only worth it if you can pay less than retail for the components, and you enjoy the time alone. My daughter likes to help and it is good daddy daughter time. The money saved is minimal at best. But I like it.
Shooting skeet, trap, or sporting clays really doesn't allow for savings for a reloader. A case of rounds is just too cheap. However, that's only for 12ga. If you are shooting 20ga or even .410, then you can save a few bucks.
That being said, reloading is not about saving money as much as it is tailoring rounds or enjoying some quiet time doing it.
I only reload heavy loads for 12ga. Buy cases of skeet loads. Unless I am trying to change or develop a particular pattern. But that's just playing around.
That being said, reloading is not about saving money as much as it is tailoring rounds or enjoying some quiet time doing it.
I only reload heavy loads for 12ga. Buy cases of skeet loads. Unless I am trying to change or develop a particular pattern. But that's just playing around.
Reloading allows you to make ammo that may be difficult or expensive to buy.
I hadnt reloaded shotshells in a long time. The other day i got the bug and cranked out a few hundred hunting loads. It was quite enjoyable to get into the rhythm and produce a bunch of useable ammo from a pile of components.
I hadnt reloaded shotshells in a long time. The other day i got the bug and cranked out a few hundred hunting loads. It was quite enjoyable to get into the rhythm and produce a bunch of useable ammo from a pile of components.
I reload becuz I like 7/8oz loads that scream and I have female and new shooters I take out and most are recoil sensitive so I can load my loads to accommodate their needs. In 12ga and even 20ga for trap and skeet its really not worth it to reload unless you like to tinker. 28 and 410 its a must as factory shells are outrageously priced. Last year I fired 18000+ rounds. Only about 1200 were factory. Of those most were 10-20-28and 410
I load .410 and save lots of money. I load 20G for rounds that i cannot buy for a good price. 12gauge target? forget it. even if time is worth nothing, you only save pennies per round. if you're like buddy who spends quality time with your children, its priceless. Otherwise make your alliances with the local shops and buy bulk.
sharp shooter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Essex county (Ontario)
Since I live in Ontario, I find a good saving in reloading for 12 gauge, especially 20 gauge. I am able to drive to Lawry's in Caledonia and buy shot, powder and primers for almost the same price that the stores can buy them. I haven't been in a year but the last time I went there the prices were something like this:
8lbs red dot - $135
Lead - $30
Primers (1000) - $40
500 claybuster wads - $10
I may be a little off on the lead but that is close.
Oh ya, I buy my clay pigeons from them too for $10 a box if you buy more than 10 boxes. My buddies and I usually split on 40 boxes a year and just shoot in the back yard.
8lbs red dot - $135
Lead - $30
Primers (1000) - $40
500 claybuster wads - $10
I may be a little off on the lead but that is close.
Oh ya, I buy my clay pigeons from them too for $10 a box if you buy more than 10 boxes. My buddies and I usually split on 40 boxes a year and just shoot in the back yard.
