Want to reload shot shells where do I start?

I'm one of the few left reloading 12 and 20. Already had the progressive presses, and recently added 28 and 410 progressives. I enjoy reloading and like the reduced recoil from 7/8oz 12 gauge and 3/4 oz 20 gauge. Hard to save much money over flats of cheap target loads
 
I only reload 20 gauge and 28 gauge now, and there are now plastic basewad federal shells in these gauges that I have found. And I have had the basewad come apart and found it trapped in the barrel of my o/u and if it were my auto loader I would have been in a world of hurt. I just stay away from federal reloads to be safe.
 
if i get a .410 down the road i would probably start reloading for it. for now i just buy the trap rounds by the case (cheap federal is what my shotties love lol), and i have the casting gear to make slugs for fun at the range. i just dump the bird shot, cast the new slugs, insert and redo the crimp by hand. 25cent slugs, i can cast about 3 a minute with my cheap lee mold, and takes about 40 mins to change out a box (25) from shot to slugs. put about 200 through my guns so far and they work pretty good for blasting at the range, i dont hunt so im not trying to make cheap hunting loads, just cheap plinking loads. factory specs about 1250-1300 for 1 1/8oz and im using a 7/8 mold so im putting the actual fps right about 1400fps? pretty much a reduced recoil slug feel.
 
If you want to reload shotgun shells then you will be getting some really good quality shells. The savings will be there if take into account the fact that your home made shells will be the same quality of AA handicap if you want. Thats where it becomes cost effective but its marginal. You also have to look for deals on reloading supplies and buy large quantities when you find them. Over the years I have found many great deals on components in my area. Friends of friends that are getting out of it, etc. Try to get in touch with your local trap range and see if you can order with them - my local range buys large quantities of components from the distributors here and save big. I pay roughly the following for the last 5 years

Used Mec 700 loader for 75 bucks in great condition
$25 per bag of lead
$140 per 8 lbs of red dot
$35 per brick of primers
and have had thousand's of old AA hulls for free and lots bought for 10 cents a hull.

Also have received lots of free lead and powder from people that kept in there garage for 15 years or so since they moved and didn't set it up, etc.

I have made out like a bandit just by looking for the stuff.
 
I'm in accord with "sharp shooter" ... particularly in regard to quality reloads and
buying in bulk. For me it still makes sense to do so ... using a P/W 950 Elite
and running through between 5,000 and 7,500 rounds a year.

I've purchased (cash & carry) lead by the ton, and
primers and wads by the sleeve/case of 5000, respectively. In addition, I've
been using Alliant "Promo" for the past several years, at about $100/8lbs.
I've found it to be very comparable to Red Dot, albeit slightly "dirtier" ... which is of
no import to me ... or my O/U ... and neither of the autoloaders have been problematic either !
At any rate, it all disappears with good cleaning practices.

With something in the neighbourhood of 50,000 old style once fired AA's and
15,000 or so Federal GM's on hand, I won't be buying any empties anytime soon.

I enjoy shooting factory stuff ... STS's and Federal papers in particular, but good old
AA's, Kent, Gamebore, B&P, Fiocchi and a few others offer some very good loads as well.
In the end run, reloading to achieve a quality reload is still less expensive for me
than buying first class target ammo, and far preferable to using "promo" ammo.

As to your original question: "Where to Start ? "
I think one of the best sources is probably Lyman's "Shotshell Reloading Handbook"
Tons of info on the basics, components, "how to reload", shotshell ballistics,
information on chokes, reloading for special purposes, and extensive data for
loading all gauges for lead, plus popular buckshot, slug and steel shotshell loads.
Haven't seen anything on the internet that even comes close.
 
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