Shotshell reloading- beginners questions.

[CLP]

I would like to start reloading specifically 12ga 2 3/4 00buckshot shells. I don't need precision loading here, just something for practice with a home defense shotgun.

I have several hundred once-fired shells I've saved over the years.

I'm thinking of getting the Lee Load-All 2 shotshell press guage for 12ga, 2 3/4" and 3".

Here are my questions- I have several since I'm new to shotshell reloading and my books only cover rifle/handgun reloading.

1. What's the average number of times a shot shell (plastic) can be reloaded?

2. Re: the Lee Load-All, aside from components, what equipment is lacking? I have power measures, scales, and cartridge reloading equipment already. Do I need to buy any dies?

3. Is the Lee Load-All adequate for loading roughly 100 shells every couple of weeks? Any known problems with this model? I understand that I'll have to count by hand the number of buckshot pellets- or at the very least that I can't use them through the hopper.

4. Re: components- Since I have the hulls, all I think I'll need to get are powder, primers, and wads. Is that correct or are there any additional components?

5. Any tips/advice?

Thanks

 

[oneounceload]

1. What's the average number of times a shot shell (plastic) can be reloaded?

depending on the hull, you can get over 10 - target hulls from Remington or Winchester (NOT the promo ones) are the best

2. Re: the Lee Load-All, aside from components, what equipment is lacking? I have power measures, scales, and cartridge reloading equipment already. Do I need to buy any dies?

They do not use dies, the Load-All is really a poor reloader - a MEC Jr., even used, would be a better choice - you cannot think in terms of metallic reloading

3. Is the Lee Load-All adequate for loading roughly 100 shells every couple of weeks? Any known problems with this model? I understand that I'll have to count by hand the number of buckshot pellets- or at the very least that I can't use them through the hopper.

you are correct about both the Lee and hand counting the pellets

4. Re: components- Since I have the hulls, all I think I'll need to get are powder, primers, and wads. Is that correct or are there any additional components?

I'll assume you have a scale- at this point you REALLY need to get yourself a manual like the Lyman for shotgun shells - shotshells are loaded to specific recipes involving specific components - many of which, especially the hulls are NOT interchangeable like using range brass

5. Any tips/advice?

Get the Lyman book, go to the powder maker websites, do NOT use cheap promo hulls from any maker, and follow the recipes to be safe