...or we've realized that reloading a box of 12 gauge shotshells will cost us ~$6.08 while acceptable shells can usually be had for just under $5...
it's $20 for 100 shells at my walmart, both federal and winchester. that's $5 a box, you're right.
However, if you shoot reclaimed shot (or just don't buy your shot from the big guys, buy it from a small guy) you can shoot for less than $1 per lb, at 1oz, that's about 6.25 cents for the lead. Primers are about 2 cents each, powder is about, oh we'll say 3 cents but probably less. Wads, well, I haven't bought any in so long... Not sure, but they were so cheap that I figured I'd get my fill of them and not have to worry about it again. I'm going to say 2 cents a piece just to go high.
so, 6.25+2+3+2 = 13.25 cents each... or $13.25 for 100. Buying in quantity is the key, and I don't include shipping charges, and I never, ever buy anything from gander mountain. Geesh. it's like neiman marcus of firearms.
If you make your own shot, lead can be had for dirt cheap (free if wheel weights) or at most 75 cents per pound at a scrap yard. all you need is a bottom pour furnace, a spoon with a small hole and a little trial and error with some anti-freeze. I haven't done it, but I seen it a few times...he's so good at making it that I just trade him some components for some of his 7-8 size shot he makes in his garage.
value pack shotshells haven't seen the price increase like other ammo has, this is true. But, there's still nothing better than doing it yourself and it will still save you some money. You don't pay someone to mow your grass? why pay someone to make your ammo?
"Yeah, I'd love for components to come down, because I am itching to reload my shotshells but it is vastly not cost effective to spend a couple of hundred bucks on equipment so that I can turn out shells for only slightly more than I pay for mid-grade factory shells. "
A lee load all is about $40, brand new.
www.midwayusa.com
