Suggestions for a cheaper shotshell load

Status
Not open for further replies.
The major cost in reloading in order of expense for shot shells is the shot, the case, the primer and the wad. Since you have everything except the primer you're current cost is 3 to 4 cents a shell for the primer. When you run out of the more expensive stuff like shot and powder then you can re-asses the benefits of hand loading.

I think you can still beat inexpensive factory shells by a buck or two if you shop around for price. Check the local gun clubs and see if they have any cost savings with group buys.
 
1. Don't buy from Midway. They're usually the highest and they REALLY pad their shipping.

2. Buy primers and powder locally so you don't pay HazMat.

3. If you're loading magnum shot, you're shells will essentially be the same quality as AA's or STX's, so don't compare the price of your handloads to el cheapo store brand shells.

Wanna really save money by loading shotshells? Start shooting/loading .410!:D
 
Find a source for reclaimed lead. 25 bucks a bag. 7/8ths ounce of lead, Claybuster wad, Cheddite primer and 17 grains of Promo. You're just slinging clays and this will smoke them. As a matter of fact with a full choke you can shoot this back to the 27 yards line. Granted, you won't smoke them and you may want to put 19 grains to give it a little more zoom. Still kicks 1/2 of what a factory shell does.
 
Is a semi auto going to cycle 3/4 oz loads? Dunno if these comments about using 3/4 oz loads are from people not using semi autos. Never shot 3/4 oz loads in my Stoeger M3000. Last time I shot I was shooting mixed 1 oz, 1 1/8 oz and 7/8 oz and it cycled them all fine.
 
I also did some rough calculations and I came up with well over $5 a box and that didn't even include buying powder since I already have some. That's getting everything online since I'm not one of those lucky guys who lives where I can get everything local. There are a few local ones in my area but they gouge and have very limited supplies that I can get cheaper online. Hell the local guys around here sell primers in 100s instead of 1000s (yeah I know, you guys are probably shaking your head and saying "poor bastard"). The local range I shoot isn't big enough to get into reclaimed shot. California sucks!
 
Where in Cali are you? SoCal, if so, shoot me a pm and I can give you some info.
 
My daughters Beretta 390 12 ga cycled perfectly with 3/4 oz loads. I was loading with REX-1 at that time. She grew up and moved to the big city. Took her gun with her. I would like to try agian loading with Promo.
 
Last edited:
I reload shot shells for the custom factor. I use 1 oz of shot 15.7 grs of Clays a white claybuster and Win 209 primer in a AA hull. These are a decent speed and very light recoild and will cycle all the autos I have. They are extremely pleasant to shoot and shooting 200 rnds in a day doesn't leave me sore at all.

Where you will save your money is when you start loading hunting rnds for like pheasant. The cost still stays around $5.00 a box to load but will cost at least $8.00 to buy.
 
$8 for a Pheasant load, wish I seen that price around here for hunting loads. Heck #4 shot Fiocchi Golden Pheasants are $16 around here, as are a lot of others over the $10 mark.

This last year alone in a four month timespan I almost paid for a DL-366 progressive press setup completely just from what I saved by loading my own pheasant, dove, and clay loads.
 
This last year alone in a four month timespan I almost paid for a DL-366 progressive press setup completely just from what I saved by loading my own pheasant, dove, and clay loads.
Click to expand...

Been putting that press to good use I see!
 
It's very hard to do well on 12 and even 20 gauge as compared to economy loads. Sub-gauge (28, .410) is much easier to make the $ work out.

Powder can be ordered up to 4 8lb jugs or 20,000 primers or some combo of that on a single hazmat. Powder Valley or Connies Components are typically much better than Midway on pricing. Connies used to ship lead in 50 lb flat rate boxes - I'm not sure if they still do.

mail order/online lead is tough. Shipping is pretty much a killer. Find a trap and skeet club - someone there will have a source of reclaimed or redropped shot. We mine our club every 4 years or so. The clubs share of the mining is sent off to northwest shot for redropping and then sold back to the members. Hard to buy a 4 year supply - but it helps. Most retail outfits (cabelas, sportsmans warehouse, etc) seem to want to sell lead at nearly 2x the commodity price. If you are going to load in any quantity you have to find a better source than retail stores. Start with your local trap and skeet club - There are bound to be some high volume shooters there that will have sources.

Before the market went nuts a few years ago our club used to have an annual component order that had pretty good pricing. Unfortunately it was nearly impossible for the vendor we used to lock down pricing for the 2 months or so it took to accumulate everyones orders and get the order placed. That and it was hard to find someone that wanted to deal with coordinating the order.
 
There is just something special about taking game, shooting tiny groups or smashing clay targets with ammo you built yourself.

Reloading can save money, more often, you shoot more for the same dollars.

For me, reloading has become a very enjoyable hobby. I can build ammunition that is nearly impossible to buy. 3/4 oz 12 gauge, cast bullet 308 or 30-30, multi-ball, shot or ball and shot handgun loads, sub-sonic rifle ammo. Bullet casting is a blast. Always searching for the "score", bargain priced or free components.

I am that guy, the dumpster diving hull whore. And I love every minute of it.

Charter Member Reloadaholics Anonymous
 
kostyanj- try other gun clubs. If you are near FL, there are two I know of that sell reclaimed - on the order of $26/25# give or take. The same goes for powder and primers - if the club doesn't have a deal going on, there is usually a group that will put together a huge group buy to get costs down.

Folks keep mentioning Midway, but their costs are full retail price (they ARE a retail outlet after all), but better pricing and shipping terms can be found elsewhere
 
Fordfan, Yes IF you have a supply or source of cheap lead, the time to do it and the cash on hand for a shot maker. I have/had all 3 and can churn out about 200 pounds of #8's in an afternoon. My 6+ ton supply of wheelweight ingots is most likely a lifetime supply of cast pistol boolits and lead shot for me and a couple close friends.
 
Well I have a friend who has one not sure what the name brand of it is but said I could borrow it anytime. So i figure i could spare 200 lbs and turn it into shot and that should get me started. Thanks for the replies, so all i need now is wad, primers and powder.
 
Bruno, if you'd be willing to I'd gladly pay shipping costs if the price of lead is right. Pm me details please.
 
It's dang hard to make reloading shotshells pay with today's prices. Back in the 90's I could load a box for $2.10 when new AA's or STS were $5 a box. A group of us that shot trap would go together and buy Lawrence Magnum shot 10 tons at a time....normally at $11 to $12 a bag. With today's shot prices north of $40 a bag it's not worth the time when locally I can buy Federal Top Gun's for $55 to $60 a case.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

01KLR650
  • Locked
Thinking about reloading shotshells
2
Replies
38
Views
1K
Fishtales
F
ArchAngelCD
  • Locked
Shotgun Hulls
Replies
21
Views
7K
fecmech
F
MtnCreek
  • Locked
Shotshell Reloading
Replies
17
Views
945
George P
George P
larryw
  • Locked
Shotshell disassembly
Replies
11
Views
3K
45auto
4
J
  • Locked
Disassembling Walmart Promo Shotshell Loads
2
Replies
27
Views
2K
jcwit
J
Back
Top