Worth reloading 12 gauge?

[Bronsononson]

I currently reload 9mm and .223 ... just curious to know if anyone reloads 12 gauge and about how much do they save per 25 shells? I buy almost 2 cases a week (PG and AGC trap). So I figured it might be a good idea to invest... thoughts? I get a case of estate for around 70ish. Someone mumbled something about being able to cut that in half, down at PG the other day. Is there any truth to that?

 

[byf43]

Yes, I think it's worth it, to load 12 ga shells.

Look at the price(s) of the machines, though.

Used to be, you could buy a MEC 600 Jr. Mk V for less than $100.00. ($67.50, actually!)

I bought one in 20 ga. to load for my son, for $94.50 before the panic set in.

Look up prices on powder (IF you can find it!), primers, shot cups ('wads') and shot. (I'm not counting hulls, because you should have been saving them, from the start!)
Prices have gone up, but, I've never found any factory loads that shoot as well (performance and patterns!) as my handloads.

 

[Mikey]

I buy in bulk and load 7/8oz 12ga loads. Here is how the math works out:

25lb bag of shot = $35=457 shells at 7/8oz= $.077 per shell
500 bag of claybuster wads =$10= $.02 per shell
1000 Primes = $30 = $.03 per shell
8lbs of Extra Lite Powder = 56000 grains = $130, 20 grains per shell = $.046 per shell

So in the end each shell costs $.173 so a box of shells costs $4.33. This is not a lot of savings when you can buy bulk 100rnd boxes at Walmart for $23, or catch gun club on sale at dicks for $6 per box. It really comes down to whether or not you want to load something different than what you can buy for $6 a box and how much your time is worth.

 

[SOMDSHOOT]

It really depends on how much you shoot and how much time you have on your hands. I don't shoot a lot, so, in my case it's cheaper to just buy certain shotshells versus reloading them.

I reload a lot of 12 and 20 gauge here. The only reason I reload 12 gauge is because I can not find a commercial 12 gauge shotshell locally that offers me a #4 or a #5 shot in a 2-3/4" or a 3" shotshell for a good price. I reload my 12 gauge 2-3/4" shells, and with the ability to increase the powder weight, I now create what is basically a 3-1/4" shell is a 2-3/4" shell. I get a lot more bang for my 2-3/4" reloads.

As far as reloading a common clays / trap shotshell, it is almost not worth it when you compare the prices to what a retailer like WalMart gets for a 100 round box at $25.00 The same issue applies to 20 gauge shotshells, compared to WalMart it's just not worth it.

Unless you have a need for a "custom" shotshell like what I prefer is a super heavy magnum 12 gauge 2-3/4" shotshell I'd prefer to just buy commercial ammo for my clays shooting, however, my Steel Waterfowl and Copper Plated Crow reloads are a "Custom" recipe for a special needs situation.

By the time I add up the costs of Primers, Powder, Wads, Shot, and Time invested I'd save more just by buying commercial clays / trap loads.

I just wanted to add that I do own three Lee Load All II presses for 12, 20, and 16 gauge and I can punch out a box of 25 shells in a very short amount of time. As long as you're not trying to win a race and take your time reloading the shells you can get it done very fast. It comes down to a consumable component cost issue much more than time.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Oh no , someone else is coping Somdshoot's tiny typeface .

But like Mikey said - If you are satisfied with the performance of bulk Promotional loads , the pure money savings is modest. If you flip the parameters around if you are interested in non-common combinations of shot size / payload/ velocity it's the way to go. Likewise you could use premimum hard shot , in a load atilored to your gun , and desired pattern quality for about the same $ as Promo loads.

 

[Pinecone]

I could never make the numbers work to make it cost effective.

I would buy quality target rounds for not much more than reloads. And figuring I could sell the once fired hulls for about 4 cents each, the numbers got worse.

But some gun shops will discount flats, if you buy in quantity. If you are shooting 2 per week, buying 10 or 20 at a time is not outrageous.

 

[platoonDaddy]

I have a MEC 600 Jr (referenced as the old style model) set up for .12ga, with a few rust spots, that you can have for $50.

Start at 1:40 of the following video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-wF3CGyTs4

 

[alucard0822]

I looked into it, could reload at $5 a box, I buy Rem gun club at Trop for $55 a case or $5.50 a box, and they pattern well, and they usually have sales where they may be cheaper, so not worth it, especially given the time it takes. Now I may be inclined to reload slugs and buckshot, there might be some cost savings there, and custom loads would be useful.

 

[paxfish]

500 shells a week?

Howz' the rotator cuff?

 

[MEGARMS]

Now that Walmart has raised the price on 100 round bulk packs to more than $30 (inc tax), you can definitely save money loading your own. As others have mentioned, it really comes down to buying the least expensive, yet still reliable components in bulk which is not something you can do in this state of MD. Most that I know travel to PA a couple of times per year to buy their components.

Check out this link. It has a reloading calculator that breaks down and compares the cost reloading to buying factory shells. All you do is enter the cost/quantities of your components. I currently load reclaimed shot for $3.30 per box. Unfortunately, the source for that shot has dried up and when I run out of it, my loads will cost me $4.55.

http://www.trapshooters.com/default.cfm (just realized that this link doesnt take you directly to the calculator. You have to click on "fun stuff" and then "reloading cost calculators"

Since you may not have a point of reference, use the following component costs/quantities to practice using the calculator with. You won't find prices on components like this at Bass Pro or anywhere in MD for matter so dont bother wasting your time. In fact, I am finding that powder is even tough to come by in PA right now.

Powder - 8 lbs of Promo - $88 - 17.5 grains per load
Wads - $8 for 500 Claybuster wads
Primers - $26 for 1,000 Fiocchi primers
Lead - $40 for 25 lbs
Hulls - $ 0.00 for 1000
Price per box of factory shells - $7.50 (walmart prices)


Using those figures, I get $4.55 per box which saves me $2.95 a round. Not quite half, but a savings indeed, especially if you are shooting 10 boxes per week.

I also have a spare reloader that I am preparing to sell and will post in the classifieds once I buy a shot bottle for it. It is a MEC 9000g progressive in close to brand new condition. It's not a $50 Mec 600 jr, but if you are truly shooting 250 rounds per week, then I would say you may consider a progressive. I can load that many shells in about 40 minutes where as a single stage press would likely take you several hours.

That being said, i started on a MEC 600 jr myself (as did most of us) and they are really really good for beginners to learn exactly what goes in to every stage of the reloading process. Might be a really good place to start.

 

[MEGARMS]

I looked into it, could reload at $5 a box, I buy Rem gun club at Trop for $55 a case or $5.50 a box, and they pattern well, and they usually have sales where they may be cheaper, so not worth it, especially given the time it takes. Now I may be inclined to reload slugs and buckshot, there might be some cost savings there, and custom loads would be useful.

WOW!!!! - Where / What is Trop? That is a great price for shells!!!

 

[Traveler]

www.tropgun.com


709 Cloverleaf Road
Elizabethtown, PA 17022

 

[Winterborn]

I reload 12ga, and yes as most have said the savings are miniscule when you are talking about target shells at Walmart. The most expensive part is the lead shot, as shotshell primers are cheaper than centerfire primers (and usually in stock) and the hulls are free. Shotgun powder (mostly) is also usually in stock except for those that are used in pistols (Clays, etc...)

However, I like my personal load, as I load it a bit higher velocity so the trajectory is a bit flatter and the pattern a bit tighter when compared to factory shells.

But the biggest reason I reload 12ga.....I enjoy it. Its another factor for my hobby that is not reliant on what Walmart has in stock the day I decide to go shooting. As long as you buy in bulk, you will never lose money.

For those who assign a monetary value to every minute of their spare time, shotshell reloading (esp 12 or 20ga) is not for you. 410 and 28 ga the savings are much higher.

Also, that is a great deal for a Mec 600 Jr for 12ga. If I didn't already have one I would buy that in a heartbeat. Great press.

 

[byf43]

I have a MEC 600 Jr (referenced as the old style model) set up for .12ga, with a few rust spots, that you can have for $50.

Start at 1:40 of the following video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-wF3CGyTs4

That's a heck of a price, platoonDaddy!!!!!!!

 

[Bronsononson]

I have a MEC 600 Jr (referenced as the old style model) set up for .12ga, with a few rust spots, that you can have for $50.

Start at 1:40 of the following video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-wF3CGyTs4

I may just take you up on that offer. I'll pm you sometime today about that. Do you still have the bushings and all the parts with the mec Jr? The rust doesnt bother me. Function is all i need. My father is a commercial press mechanic. If anything Im sure he could help spruce it up alittle bit if need be.

500 shells a week?

Howz' the rotator cuff?

Haha shoulder is just fine. All the time i spent in the gym through college seems to be paying off i guess. I actually feel more soreness through the pec area towards the end of the week if i make my way through the end of the second case. Although my first week or so shooting through a case was alitte more noticeable.

I reload 12ga, and yes as most have said the savings are miniscule when you are talking about target shells at Walmart. The most expensive part is the lead shot, as shotshell primers are cheaper than centerfire primers (and usually in stock) and the hulls are free. Shotgun powder (mostly) is also usually in stock except for those that are used in pistols (Clays, etc...)

However, I like my personal load, as I load it a bit higher velocity so the trajectory is a bit flatter and the pattern a bit tighter when compared to factory shells.

But the biggest reason I reload 12ga.....I enjoy it. Its another factor for my hobby that is not reliant on what Walmart has in stock the day I decide to go shooting. As long as you buy in bulk, you will never lose money.

For those who assign a monetary value to every minute of their spare time, shotshell reloading (esp 12 or 20ga) is not for you. 410 and 28 ga the savings are much higher.

Also, that is a great deal for a Mec 600 Jr for 12ga. If I didn't already have one I would buy that in a heartbeat. Great press.

Exactly. A personal load for slightly less money seems like a great deal. I usually order from cabellas. Because i hate depending on bass pro and barts to have what i need. I don't mind spending the time reloading i need something tactile to do while i watch tv or whatever after work anyway. Haha Ive been saving hulls for almost 2 months because i had planned on attempting a 12gauge reload soon.

 

[alucard0822]

WOW!!!! - Where / What is Trop? That is a great price for shells!!!

www.tropgun.com


709 Cloverleaf Road
Elizabethtown, PA 17022

, although new address is
910 N Hanover St Elizabethtown, PA 17022
(717) 367-5585

PA is a magical place, they just opened the new larger shop, plenty of ammo and reloading components in stock, yes those are bricks of 22 on sale

 

[Bronsononson]

PA is a magical place, they just opened the new larger shop, plenty of ammo and reloading components in stock, yes those are bricks of 22 on sale

View attachment 98921 View attachment 98922

View attachment 98923

Pretty sure I just blew my "load"

 

[SOMDSHOOT]

Pretty sure I just blew my "load"

Look out for the GSR everyone...

 

[SOMDSHOOT]

I may just take you up on that offer. I'll pm you sometime today about that. Do you still have the bushings and all the parts with the mec Jr? The rust doesnt bother me. Function is all i need. My father is a commercial press mechanic. If anything Im sure he could help spruce it up alittle bit if need be.



Haha shoulder is just fine. All the time i spent in the gym through college seems to be paying off i guess. I actually feel more soreness through the pec area towards the end of the week if i make my way through the end of the second case. Although my first week or so shooting through a case was alitte more noticeable.



Exactly. A personal load for slightly less money seems like a great deal. I usually order from cabellas. Because i hate depending on bass pro and barts to have what i need. I don't mind spending the time reloading i need something tactile to do while i watch tv or whatever after work anyway. Haha Ive been saving hulls for almost 2 months because i had planned on attempting a 12gauge reload soon.[/QUOTE]

If you need some 12 gauge hulls let me know. I get them from the local range and I just grab them by the milk crate fulls when I go, I have hundreds of low brass clay target hulls and a few hundred Winchester AA and Remington Gold hulls. I only reload high brass with shot and slugs, so, I have a stock pile if you want them. Come pick them up or pay the shipping.

I'll never in my lifetime use all the hulls I collect, but, they are excellent OF hulls and when I get them clean and shot the day before I don't hesitate to collect them for the next guy who might be able to use them. I don't keep dented, rusted hulls and each one I bring back gets sorted and trash is thrown out. Here's some of my 12 gauge reloads and some of the hulls I mentioned I have. I have another USPS flat rate box filled with 12 gauge gun club and other assorted brands.

Be sure to keep your empty shotshell boxes and invert them for your reloads. Put your own labels on them and that way you don't get them confused with factory shotshells.

 

[platoonDaddy]

I may just take you up on that offer. I'll pm you sometime today about that.

You are too late, sold pending funds. Yes, everything is there to start loading .12ga 1 1/8 oz loads.