Running the cost calculator at trapshooters.com, my 1 oz loads running 1250 FPS are costing me about $4.80 per box to load. They are nearly identical to STS loads that cost $7.78 for a savings of $3.10 per box.
My 1 1/8 oz loads cost about $5.20 and save $2.75
My total savings the past month since I bought a new reloader paid for the difference in what I paid for the new Ponsness and the old Ponsness and Mec that I sold.
I included a cost for the hulls although my pick up plenty of Remington gun clubs for free and no longer pay for hulls. In patterning and chronographing the loads I find they shoot as good or better than Remmy STS/Nitro or Winchester AA's.
Time should probably be calculated, but it is a great relaxer and once a progressive is set up I can run it while listening to the TV and quit to look at the replays for anything important.
If you plan to load for serious amounts of shooting go straight to a progressive. Mec 9000 at a minimum, a used Ponsness 800B unless you use new Winchester hulls (they won't crimp right) or better yet a Ponsness Warren 800 Plus.
You can see my costs for load duplicating top line Rem or Win AA loads.
A lot of guys like clays powder, but it is imported. I use Alliant powders (American Select) because they work well, are cost effective and are made here. Use the components in the recipe and do not deviate until you KNOW which components can be substituted. Some components can be subbed, but learn from experienced shooters and do your research.
Rem hulls are new the best in my opinion. STS, Nitro, Gun Club and the black sport loads can all use the same data. The quality of the plastic may vary slightly, but the hull is shaped the same (compression formed) and they load the same.
Down Range wads are excellent replacements for most factory hulls (I like the XL-1 and XL-118) in place of the Winchester WAA12SL and WAA12 wads for 1 oz and 1 1/8 oz. They are better quality than the other replacements and more efficient (less powder for the same speed) than any other of the same designs.
Final word - try it, you'll like it!
