Shotgun Reloading Questions

[bassjam]

Like many I got caught with my pants down in 2020 with birdshot disappearing off shelves when I didn't expect it to, and I'm considering starting to reload 12 and 20 ga in the next year or so after components show back up so I have an additional buffer after I run out of factory ammo.

I've been reloading handgun and rifle for several years now, and I know that I can reload cheaply and be a tad more accurate than normal factory range fodder, or if I spend a little more on better components (and taking my time) I can make ammo that's equally as accurate or more accurate than factory target loads, and again do it cheaper.

Does the same translate into shotguns? Right now I mostly shoot cheap Remington Game loads or the 100 packs of Federal/winchester you'd find at Walmart, using them for informal clay shooting and small game hunting. If I buy cheap components could my reloads be a step above cheap factory loads in regards to shot patterns, velocity deviation, etc? Are there better components (harder lead shot and better wads) available to match or exceed AA's, STS, Gold Metal?

 

[FROGO207]

I find if you are going for buckshot or slugs then there is some savings to be had. As of late the situation with shot costing so much, a round of the Promo ammo in 12 or 20 is at least 20% cheaper than buying components and rolling your own. Even #4 hunting loads are a wash. If you can get reclaimed shot then it might be worth it, don't know at current costs though. I already have MEC 600's and wads, hulls, and primers. The expense is in the shot. I was buying the 12 GA promo ammo and breaking it down to load 410 ammo for shooting games, that made sense before this last go round.

 

[twistytorn]

Even before the shortages and price increases, it was hard to beat the price of the promo rounds in 12/20 gauge loads. For target loads, you can load equivalent quality for about the same price (hard shot, factory or clone wads) or just a little cheaper than the premium factory loads.

There are many reloading calculators out there on the internet, you should plug in the costs from the components that you can find today and see if it makes sense for you. I doubt you'll find it makes sense on a cost basis, but if availability is a driver for you, you might find a level that you can live with.

 

[Encoreman]

I concur with other posters, unless you are reloading with buckshot or slugs you are better off buying factory. However if you run across some reasonable components and always want the confidence to shoot when you want to I would do it. I just checked at a local store and I am pretty sure a 25 lb. bag of shot 7.5 or 8 was $75. You can load about 320 or so 1.25 ounce loads. If you have access get all the STS hulls you can find, they are nice to reload. Also a consideration is how many boxes of shotshells do you normally shoot in a year? There is a place Recobs target shop in Wisconsin, that sort of caters to shotgun reloaders and sell factory ammo also.

 

[cfullgraf]

Currently, primers are the big limiter. They are difficult to find these days. Powder would be next.

As others have said, even if components were available, it would be difficult load shells less expensive than the game or club factory ammunition.

Where you can get savings is loading shells that are not main stream shotshell loads. Loads such as 12 ga. 7/8 oz or 3/4 oz loads can be loaded for a savings over factory.

Also, 28 ga and .410 bore can be loaded for a savings.

When I buy factory target ammunition, I buy quality hulls such as Winchester AA or Remington STS hulls. They last the longest when reloaded.

Also, I enjoy reloading so I’d rather make my own than buy cheap factory ammo.

Just some things to think about.

 

[IMtheNRA]

It costs me a little more to make ammo than I can buy 100-packs of cheap Walmart ammo. However, my loads mimick the performance of my favorite factory ammo, the significantly more expensive Remington STS as well as some other high velocity loads. in addition to that, I get to enjoy making my own ammo as reloading is a fun and satisfying extension of my shooting hobby.

 

[bassjam]

And this isn't about saving money for me. It's more a question of if I can make my own "better than promo loads" for about the same money.

And also about just being self sufficient. I'm already loading 9mm, .38 special, and .223 and it's not really to save money because those can (pre covid) be found pretty cheap buying factory loads in bulk. I just enjoy the process and like having primers, projectiles and powder on hand so I can more easily ride out these shortages that seem to be more and more regular, and I'm certainly not buying any components until costs normalize again.

 

[CJ8281]

I like what bassjam said about being self sufficient and it doesn't always have to be about saving money.
Buying the cheap walmart packs is what most people compare when looking at reloading shotshells. Having gone through a couple of component shortages I learned to stock up when items were available. Several years ago I found an old Lyman reloader sitting along the road with some old lamps and other remnants of a yard sale. I picked up some primers and a couple bags of wads. Later I found some partial bags of shot at a yard sale and added that to my "stash". A lot of pistol powders can be used in shotshell reloading. When all of the shotshells were sold out in the stores I knew that I didn't have to worry as I can make my own. Even if it cost more to reload than to buy the new shells, if they aren't available to buy then the cost really doesn't matter. The other bonus is you can make hunting shells or self defense shells. Over the years, I have also picked up loaders for 20 gauge and the .410. The .410 was a money saver from the get go.
Where I live, the local Sportsman's has always had a couple of bags of shot. They range from $42 to $45 a bag. At 1 1/8 ounce loads, that is 355 loads so that works out to just over 12½¢ per load for shot. Even at $75 a bag as someone else stated, that is just over 21¢ per load for shot. Back before all this craziness started, you could find unwanted loaders from $25 to $150 used. Right now (9/10/21) you can get the Lee Loadall new from Midway on sale for $63 and that is shipped to you. It comes with all the bushings and is available in 12 ga, 20 ga and 16 ga. Also as others have said, right now the biggest hurdle is finding primers.

 

[243winxb]

If I buy cheap components could my reloads be a step above cheap factory loads in regards to shot patterns, velocity deviation, etc?

The pattern board will answer the question.

Magnum or plated shot can improve patterns.

Premium hunting shells may have a plastic shot buffer to make tighter patterns for longer distances, like the turkeys head/neck area. Geese may require tight patterns also. https://www.ballisticproducts.com/Buffers-Mica-Wad-Slick/products/72/

Unslit wads can tighten patterns when used with buffer. https://www.ballisticproducts.com/LBC-30mm-12ga-wad-unslit-250_bag/productinfo/0729030/

Patterns can be 100% @ 40 yards if needed. Bigger shot size, tighter patterns. Infact, its easy to miss at 50 yards , if not aiming correctly.

For trap, skeet & sporting clays, i used cheapest. But the 410 always got the best, hard shot & all Winchester components.

 

[Cliff6]

Quote : "Magnum or plated shot can improve patterns."

This is due to the fact that magnum and plated shot are harder and deform less when fired. Round shot travels straighter than flattened shot.

 

[MEHavey]

Win AA's, Remington Gun Club, and STS hulls load (effectively) identically -- same powders/charges/wads.
Scrounge around trash cans at your local skeet ranges -- 1,000s of hulls of this type thrown way -- free pickup.
I do use Fiochi & Rio primers as they fit everything by default.

Shot can be had at $45/25-lbs locally still.
And I load down to 3/4 oz for fun, economy, and to keep from beating up the kids.

As to cheaper?
I regard my old MEC 600 as therapy

 

[Seedy Character]

What they said

Scrounge good hulls
When you buy, buy good hulls

Savings? Little, if any
Better than promo? Most likely
Advantage? You tailor YOUR load to YOUR need.
Select the wad YOU want, it does make a difference.
Make the load YOU want. Building a high velocity, heavy turkey load of 5s IS cheaper than factory, IF you can even find them.
Loading 16, 28 or .410 saves $$$ and may be the only way to get shells.

When my son was 9yo, bought a 870 20ga 3".
Found a 20ga load that mimics a 28ga skeet load. Extremely light recoil and excellent pattern. First trip to skeet range and he was soon making consistent hits. Come duck season, heavy clothes, confidence, and excitement; 3" heavy loads were no problem and ducks were dropping.

Plus, I enjoy reloading.

 

[MEHavey]

Just did the math on the primers/shot/powder combo op cit above:
About $5.60/box 12ga (3/4oz)

Have a 410 running at 1/2 oz
12 ga the runs from 3/4, 7/8, 1.0, 1-1/8, 1-1/4, up to 1-1/2oz
Full spectrum for all seasons -- if you reload

 

[Seedy Character]

Just did the math on the primers/shot/powder combo op cit above:
About $5.60/box 12ga (3/4oz)

Have a 410 running at 1/2 oz
12 ga the runs from 3/4, 7/8, 1.0, 1-1/8, 1-1/4, up to 1-1/2oz
Full spectrum for all seasons -- if you reload

Academy has 100 round promo for $32
Dove and quail 8s for $8 and $9