Wanting to get into shotgun reloading I shoot a lot of clays in the summer and would like to start reloading. My question is what equipment to look for I will only we reloading 12 ga. Is like something that can do 3 inch shells today be try and load some turkey loads as well. And is used equipment worth buying or just buy new? I'd lonely be reloading a couple thousand shells a year.
Shotgun reloading
- Thread starter czeger
- Start date
A single stage MEC would be hard to beat. The Sizemaster would be perfect. Used shotgun presses can be a real bargain and few are ever worn out. I have bought used on EBay and been happy with them. If you have a skeet/trap range nearby, check out the sale board. There are usually some equipment and guns for sale as interests or economics change. A progressive press could be an option since you say you shoot a lot of clays, but they cost more and require more fine tuning. My best buy was an old Pacific 105 press for about $50. It is obsolete, but the bushings from the Hornady fit so all is good.
deaddogwalkin
Active member
If you can find a good used mec you would be far ahead. You can't wear one out and if you do then you can send it in to have it gone through. I don't know about the combo 2&3/4 and 3in. I have found some really good deals in the past. Picked up a mec 20 and 12ga progressive with 10,000 12ga wads, 10,000 fed primers 100lbs of shot and 3/4 of a keg of powder, plus powder bushings and some 20ga wads for $225.00 total. Reloading for shotguns is totally different than rifle and pistols. You will have to follow the reloading data. Another thing you really need to see is what it is going to cost you for the componets and if you can find them in your area.
Squeeze
New member
Look at MEC Single stage loaders, like the 600 Jr Mark 5, or
the Sizemaster, for good entry level loaders. I have four
600 Jr. Mark 5s in 10ga, 12ga, 20ga, and 28ga. The 10ga
is set up to do 3.5" magnum waterfowl/turkey loads, the
12 ga is set up to do trap loads, but quickly converts to
3" hunting load work, and with a little time and tools, can
be converted to loading 3.5" waterfowl/turkey loads, too.
The 20 ga loader is set up to do 2.75" target loads, and
3" hunting loads. And the sweet 28 ga loader does 2.75"
target and hunting loads.
As for higher volume loading, I shoot on a trap team, and
go through 1200-1500 target loads a year. The Mec 600 Jr,
has handled my shooting needs for 25 years. With that said,
it is not a high volume loader. A Progressive would be
a better choice, but also 10x the cost. For me, I spend
the winter months loading the next year's target ammo, and
if I have time during the summer, I crank out a few boxes
of target ammo, each week in between trap nights.
Squeeze
Squeeze
New member
Forgot to add, if you want to get into shotgun reloading,
especially target ammo, check out the local trap clubs.
They usually sell components cheaper than almost any other
outlet. I am buying chilled magnum shot for $40/25lbs, recycled
shot for $25/25lbs, WAA12 replacement wads for $16/1000,
and 8 lb kegs of powder(when available) at or just below
the better market prices. They also sell primers, but my
trap club is a few dollars higher than another source, so
I don't buy that component from my trap range.
Squeeze
especially target ammo, check out the local trap clubs.
They usually sell components cheaper than almost any other
outlet. I am buying chilled magnum shot for $40/25lbs, recycled
shot for $25/25lbs, WAA12 replacement wads for $16/1000,
and 8 lb kegs of powder(when available) at or just below
the better market prices. They also sell primers, but my
trap club is a few dollars higher than another source, so
I don't buy that component from my trap range.
Squeeze
tomcat388th
New member
I have 3 mec 600jr's that I use 20 ga and 12ga 2 3/4 &3 inch.
The Famous Grouse
New member
Do the math and make sure it makes sense. The combination of equipment and components make reloading a different position today than it was in the past. The ROI is much farther out.
Look carefully for case price deals on ammo and enquire about more discounts for 10+ case buys. Often you have to ASK for these deals, they aren't just printed in some sale flyer. I know of a local sporting discount store manager who has been willing to extend pallet-load deals on trap loads and that's on top of a sale price. No skin off his nose, he gets to add $$$ to the bottom line for pallet loads of ammo and he doesn't even have to pay an employee to put them on the shelf.
Not saying yes or no, just saying make sure you know before you spend all the time and money getting into something. It's fine if you really want to reload as a hobby in itself, but if you're hoping to save money, make sure the time/money investment is worth it.
Grouse
Look carefully for case price deals on ammo and enquire about more discounts for 10+ case buys. Often you have to ASK for these deals, they aren't just printed in some sale flyer. I know of a local sporting discount store manager who has been willing to extend pallet-load deals on trap loads and that's on top of a sale price. No skin off his nose, he gets to add $$$ to the bottom line for pallet loads of ammo and he doesn't even have to pay an employee to put them on the shelf.
Not saying yes or no, just saying make sure you know before you spend all the time and money getting into something. It's fine if you really want to reload as a hobby in itself, but if you're hoping to save money, make sure the time/money investment is worth it.
Grouse
deaddogwalkin
Active member
I will agree with grouse. But if you want to reload then I would get a used progressive for 2 3/4" and a single stage for the 3in. That way you won't have to change anything on your progressive. But unless you shoot alot of turkey's I would not even worry about it. Plus your time is worth something. If you can find some smoking deals on trap rounds by the case or 1/2 pallet then it does not make much sence. But if you are looking for another hobby then it is great.
derbyacresbob
Well-known member
Starting out with a Mec Sizemaster or 600 Junior is not a bad way to go.
After learning about shotgun shell reloading then you can go to a progressive loader if you think you need to.
I have a Mec 600 Junior for my coyote and waterfowl loads and I have a Mec Grabber for reloading my Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clays loads.
I shoot nothing but 7/8 oz and 1 oz loads for my target shooting. There are no quality 7/8 oz or 1 oz target loads at a decent price within 200 miles of my house.
If you buy good quality shot, wads, primers and powder in large amounts you can still save a little money. With good components you can reload much better shells than the promo shells that Wal-Mart sells.
By reloading your own shells you can reload what you want to shoot instead of being forced into buying what is available to shoot.
I would still reload shotgun shells even if it was just a break even deal because I enjoy reloading shotgun shells.
If you have any Trap, Skeet or Sporting Clays ranges near by go talk to some of the shooters there for information on where they are getting their components and also check on once fired target hulls to reload.
Check out trapshooters.com, people are selling 12 ga 2-3/4" target hulls and Mec reloaders on there all the time.
After learning about shotgun shell reloading then you can go to a progressive loader if you think you need to.
I have a Mec 600 Junior for my coyote and waterfowl loads and I have a Mec Grabber for reloading my Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clays loads.
I shoot nothing but 7/8 oz and 1 oz loads for my target shooting. There are no quality 7/8 oz or 1 oz target loads at a decent price within 200 miles of my house.
If you buy good quality shot, wads, primers and powder in large amounts you can still save a little money. With good components you can reload much better shells than the promo shells that Wal-Mart sells.
By reloading your own shells you can reload what you want to shoot instead of being forced into buying what is available to shoot.
I would still reload shotgun shells even if it was just a break even deal because I enjoy reloading shotgun shells.
If you have any Trap, Skeet or Sporting Clays ranges near by go talk to some of the shooters there for information on where they are getting their components and also check on once fired target hulls to reload.
Check out trapshooters.com, people are selling 12 ga 2-3/4" target hulls and Mec reloaders on there all the time.
The Famous Grouse
New member
Originally Posted By: jetman For lead shot shells...
Probably 12 gauge you will find it's kind of a push on price. 20 gauge you will save $$$. Steel on the other hand, for top of the line water foul loads you can reload for about half price.
Obviously, you're in Canada, so prices will be different, but I can buy 12 and 20 gauge target loads for the same price per box or case.
I don't bother, but I know some people pay more for higher end trap loads and then sell the hulls to make up part of the difference. A lot of faffing around for me, but just to show if you get creative there's always a way to save money. I guess some of the Remington and Winchester hulls are in demand and guys will pay especially for large quantities.
If you can find someone who's willing to cut an extra deal on a large order, it really tips the scales against reloading for trap or target loads IF low cost is the only goal.
Grouse
Probably 12 gauge you will find it's kind of a push on price. 20 gauge you will save $$$. Steel on the other hand, for top of the line water foul loads you can reload for about half price.
Obviously, you're in Canada, so prices will be different, but I can buy 12 and 20 gauge target loads for the same price per box or case.
I don't bother, but I know some people pay more for higher end trap loads and then sell the hulls to make up part of the difference. A lot of faffing around for me, but just to show if you get creative there's always a way to save money. I guess some of the Remington and Winchester hulls are in demand and guys will pay especially for large quantities.
If you can find someone who's willing to cut an extra deal on a large order, it really tips the scales against reloading for trap or target loads IF low cost is the only goal.
Grouse
Thanks everyone for there input. I know after doing research that I'm not saving a ton of money by reloading it's more of a hobby and being able to work with different loads. There are a lot of trap ranges around me as well as a turkey shoot right down the road where I can get hulls from for free. Also there are 2 places aroun me that are fully stocked with reloading equipment and supplies. Being able to load 3 inch shells would be a plus because I shoot hevi shot turkey hunting and woul like to experiment with different loads as well as maybe working some goose loads up. I'm in no big hurry to get one gonna keep my eye open at garage sales and on Craigslist if anyone sees a smoking deal somewhere let me know thanks
derbyacresbob
Well-known member
Originally Posted By: czegerThanks everyone for there input. I know after doing research that I'm not saving a ton of money by reloading it's more of a hobby and being able to work with different loads. There are a lot of trap ranges around me as well as a turkey shoot right down the road where I can get hulls from for free. Also there are 2 places aroun me that are fully stocked with reloading equipment and supplies. Being able to load 3 inch shells would be a plus because I shoot hevi shot turkey hunting and woul like to experiment with different loads as well as maybe working some goose loads up. I'm in no big hurry to get one gonna keep my eye open at garage sales and on Craigslist if anyone sees a smoking deal somewhere let me know thanks
If you like Hevi-Shot Bucks Run Sports Supply has HW13 shot that is round and much cheaper than Hevi-Shot is and the HW13 shot is a little denser than Hevi-Shot.
Bucks Run also has the RSI Heavyweight Shot Reloader's Guide Volume 3 that has lots of reloading data for the denser than lead loads.
Bucks Run web-site doesn't work so you will need to call them if you want to make an order. 1-800-274-0403
If you like Hevi-Shot Bucks Run Sports Supply has HW13 shot that is round and much cheaper than Hevi-Shot is and the HW13 shot is a little denser than Hevi-Shot.
Bucks Run also has the RSI Heavyweight Shot Reloader's Guide Volume 3 that has lots of reloading data for the denser than lead loads.
Bucks Run web-site doesn't work so you will need to call them if you want to make an order. 1-800-274-0403
I used to reload and shoot a case, 500 rounds, a week with a MEC 650. Did it with the same machine for better than 15 years. I have the loader to my friend's kid and he's still using it. You can upgrade and make it electric which saves a lot of time. The shells come out looking great.
Shotshell reloading isn't like reloading pistol or rifle. Powders and shot meter easily and pressures are much lower. You can crank out a lot of shells in short order. I believe MEC stil makes the 650 but I guess people like the sizemaster a little more. Both function similarly.
Shotshell reloading isn't like reloading pistol or rifle. Powders and shot meter easily and pressures are much lower. You can crank out a lot of shells in short order. I believe MEC stil makes the 650 but I guess people like the sizemaster a little more. Both function similarly.
SShooterZ
New member
I went to 9000s after doing the single stage for awhile. Was able to pump out cases at a time without too much trouble.
Whatever you do, buy in bulk. Promo is a good powder and Fiocchi 616 primers are somewhat economical. Also Duster wads are good too. This is all for 12 gauge obviously. It's usually the price of lead that kicks you in the wallet.
Whatever you choose, you can't go wrong with a MEC. And no matter how old or junked out they are, you can send them in to get rebuilt and it won't cost you much at all.
Whatever you do, buy in bulk. Promo is a good powder and Fiocchi 616 primers are somewhat economical. Also Duster wads are good too. This is all for 12 gauge obviously. It's usually the price of lead that kicks you in the wallet.
Whatever you choose, you can't go wrong with a MEC. And no matter how old or junked out they are, you can send them in to get rebuilt and it won't cost you much at all.
Squeeze
New member
Originally Posted By: The Famous Grouse
I don't bother, but I know some people pay more for higher end trap loads and then sell the hulls to make up part of the difference. A lot of faffing around for me, but just to show if you get creative there's always a way to save money. I guess some of the Remington and Winchester hulls are in demand and guys will pay especially for large quantities.
If you can find someone who's willing to cut an extra deal on a large order, it really tips the scales against reloading for trap or target loads IF low cost is the only goal.
Grouse
For good quality loading hulls, the best price I see is
about $8/25. The going rate for hulls, is about $1.25/25
at the range. So one's actual cost is $6.75, if one finds
a buyer for the hulls. I can load quality loads, for $5.20.
Sure one can go to the local discount sporting goods, buy bulk
packs of cheap non-re-loadable hulls, for $22+tax, but that is
still $.60 higher per box than good hand loads. And I have
yet to find a cheap load that patterns well, consistently,
in my trap gun. There is also the issue of supply and
availability. At times some shotgun ammo gets scarce. Last
year, Win. AAs, almost disappeared from the market. I never
ran low.
And all of this is in the context of a 12 ga. target load.
There is a steep increase in savings, if one is loading
for 10 ga, 20 ga., or 28 ga. I can load 28 ga, for less than
$5/25, and the store wants something between $12 and $15
a box for quality target loads. I load 10 ga. Hevi-Shot
at 60% of factory, and my 20 ga. pheasant loads are 50%
of factory...And each load is tuned to pattern well in my
scatter guns.
The only problem I see in hand loading for shotgun, is I
shoot a lot more, so in the end, I am certain I am not
saving money.
Squeeze
I don't bother, but I know some people pay more for higher end trap loads and then sell the hulls to make up part of the difference. A lot of faffing around for me, but just to show if you get creative there's always a way to save money. I guess some of the Remington and Winchester hulls are in demand and guys will pay especially for large quantities.
If you can find someone who's willing to cut an extra deal on a large order, it really tips the scales against reloading for trap or target loads IF low cost is the only goal.
Grouse
For good quality loading hulls, the best price I see is
about $8/25. The going rate for hulls, is about $1.25/25
at the range. So one's actual cost is $6.75, if one finds
a buyer for the hulls. I can load quality loads, for $5.20.
Sure one can go to the local discount sporting goods, buy bulk
packs of cheap non-re-loadable hulls, for $22+tax, but that is
still $.60 higher per box than good hand loads. And I have
yet to find a cheap load that patterns well, consistently,
in my trap gun. There is also the issue of supply and
availability. At times some shotgun ammo gets scarce. Last
year, Win. AAs, almost disappeared from the market. I never
ran low.
And all of this is in the context of a 12 ga. target load.
There is a steep increase in savings, if one is loading
for 10 ga, 20 ga., or 28 ga. I can load 28 ga, for less than
$5/25, and the store wants something between $12 and $15
a box for quality target loads. I load 10 ga. Hevi-Shot
at 60% of factory, and my 20 ga. pheasant loads are 50%
of factory...And each load is tuned to pattern well in my
scatter guns.
The only problem I see in hand loading for shotgun, is I
shoot a lot more, so in the end, I am certain I am not
saving money.
Squeeze