Shotshell reloading

[metlhead]

I've been loading rifle and pistol for years. Watched my dad load 12ga. I go through a lot of steel shot loads every season and was wanting to know if there are real cost savings with reloading steel waterfowl loads. Always searching online for deals I can find the 20ga loads I prefer for about $.68 per shell to my door. I've tons of time for reloading. Is it cost worthy after the investment of the reloader? Thanks

[Wetwoodshunter]

I've been loading rifle and pistol for years. Watched my dad load 12ga. I go through a lot of steel shot loads every season and was wanting to know if there are real cost savings with reloading steel waterfowl loads. Always searching online for deals I can find the 20ga loads I prefer for about $.68 per shell to my door. I've tons of time for reloading. Is it cost worthy after the investment of the reloader? Thanks

No, it is not cost efficient. Similar to reloading for rifle there are a million combinations to try so you tend to accumulate the stuff you don’t need. I calculated it out, I’m loading 3” 12 gauge and am at $.98 per shot. But to get that I have to load 1,000 rounds otherwise you have primers, powder, wads, hulls etc you purchased sitting on the workbench.

None of this includes the reloader, bushings, powder bars, etc.

[metlhead]

Thanks. Wasn't doin it for fun and cost was my concern. Sounds like a fat NO. Suppose I'll spend that time elsewhere and cheap shop online!

[EnglishSetter]

I don't load steel, but.........

Component wise I'm loading 12g 1.25 oz bismuth for about $35/box.  So yeh, it beats retail.

Generally, if you buy in volume, you can save on field loads and sub gauge.  Target loads in 12g, nah.  There's a variety of reloading cost calculators out there you can play with yourself.

Having what I want when I want it?  Priceless.

[wadu1]

I only load steel for shells that I can't get OTC, like 10ga #4 (3 1/2). As already mentioned, Bismuth for 2 1/2 20ga & 2 7/8 10ga. But I can load anything I want to tackle, from .410 thru 10ga.