Free: Contests & Raffles.
I recommend the Lyman shot shell reloading Manuel. Fwiw you can't work up a load in shot shell loading. Stick to book recipes
I like loading for my 1930's vintage 16ga SxS. The 1 oz loads I make for it kill quail and huns over a pointing dog just as well as the factory 1 1/8 factory loads I was using and are cheaper to make. I still load for my other two SxS, a 12 and 20ga but I like doing it. One ounce 12ga loads with Clay's powder work real well on quail also. I just wish the price of shot wasn't so high. Now if I could only tie fly's as well as Bill W, I'd be a happier man before I died.
Just as you stated. It's not cheaper! But when you find that combo that works better than anything you tried otc. The light will come on. Also if you ever tried to find #4 buck loads that is one place I saved money loading my own shot shells.