Originally Posted By: FairChase93I've been reloading for my rifles for awhile now and it has proven to be quite enjoyable and given that the volume of my shooting has went up quite a bit since I started it has been more affordable as well.
I'm considering reloading for my shotguns now and from what I have seen and the numbers I have crunched it actually appears as though shot shell reloading may actually cost more than purchasing loaded shells.
For instance around here a box of target loads, let's say 1 1/8 oz of 71/2s, will cost you between 6.00 and 6.50. That is about 0.26 per shell. From my calculations I have come up with 0.32 per shell for a reloaded round of the same weight and shot size. That is using free once fired hulls and does not include any equipment cost.
Given the CURRENT price of components, if you had to start from scratch today, I would say it's at very best questionable if it would be a money saver to reload. It will take a significant amount of time to recover the cost of just the equipment.
Your price of factory loads is roughly accurate, but have you tried to negotiate any deals? I know 2 league shooters who went in to a big box sporting goods store when they had a sale on target loads at $6.99 a box. They cut a deal on a pallet load for 10% off the SALE price. So, essentially, every 10th box was free, tax not included of course. It was a no-brainer for the manager, his monthly sales went up by a pallet load of shells and he never had to touch them.
But you have to be willing to buy in quantity and store them.
To me, the limiting factor is time vs money. Is your time worth the few bucks a week that that will save you?
Grouse
