Cost of 12 gauge reloading

What's it cost to reload 12 gauge target loads these days?

I have been reloading 12ga for over ten years now and have a fairly good stock of components on hand. So now at the current prices it's cost effective to reload. Before not so much but for now I'm saving money.

In general,, average store bought target loads can be had for similar prices, if not cheaper than reloading components. Thanks to the increase in component prices.
But if you have a load your gun prefers,, or are loading buckshot or slugs,, or even turkey loads,, it's sometimes cheaper to handload.

The Wally World 4 pack is cheaper, but, its definitely cheaper to limit out on the dove field with my reloads. My shot to bird on the grill ratio goes up about %500 with the reloads.

With the cost of components going up, this year I'll have about $5.50 per box in the reloads. WW 4 pack is $23 for 12 & 20ga. 16 ga is $12-15 per box, I shoot a 16, so it depends on what you shoot as to what you save.

Depends on what your loading for. I load 3/4 oz for clays those are hard to find and it saves what's left of my shoulder.

Thanks guys. I found this calculator for shotshells costs.
I priced components last night, really did not try to find the cheapest. Cost 38 cents a shell if you already had hulls. Got a buddy considering reloading or buying. Looks like buying is best for him.

I reload for enjoyment! Relaxing to me! Part 2 is the best
shooting it up lol. Began loading shell in the mid 70's never looked back! ps

Shotshells are not created equal. IME, I can build premium loads tailored to my needs for about the cost of the bargain basement Wally World stuff.

I don't know if I actually save money, but I have always been able to reload cheaper than buy factory. Reloading is relaxing and can be frustrating at the same time, it does get you to think, and where else can you get 5/8 oz. 20 and 16 gauge shotshells without paying a premium?, or 7.5 buffered shotshells for long yardage clay birds as on some Sporting Clay courses?

I have a friend who wants to put in a nice electric thrower and was wondering if it will pay to reload. I don't reload shotshells but I do reload metallic shells. I agree that I can get light loads, oddball calibers, etc. Not sure I am saving money. Cost per shell is less, but I need to shoot 100 rounds a day till the end of time to make it pay. I do enjoy it, get better ammo, sometimes lighter ammo, can shoot all I want. Bought most of my components on sale. I found an old Pacific DL 266 shotshell press in the basement I am cleaning up for him to try. Looks like primers are the wild card right now.

Hornaday was nice today. They bought Pacific and built this press for a while maybe. It needs some seals in the charge bar. Tried o rings then emailed Hornaday for availability and price. They just replied they would send me some. Did not mention payment. Great service.

I think shotgun reloading is more about having fun and trying to control the old vs the cost in my perspective

If you are near a trap/clays club and can buy reclaimed shot for cheap, "knockaround" shotshells can be loaded for very little $$. Buying new shot will run the cost up to the point where you can often buy promotional loads for less. Once you start loading specialty ammo (featherlights, heavy field, handicap, etc.) you can load far more reasonably than factory money. Now I speak only of component costs with used hulls. A Lee Loadall II can get one into the game for very little outlay and the expense is soon amortized, but if you want a nicer loader like a MEC, it will take a whole lot more reloads to begin seeing a savings.

I have 2 presses I can provide him. A lee Loadall never used and the Pacific, which seems like a pretty fair press. Just no components in sight.

For Trap n Skeet loads you can buy it cheaper than making it this day and age. Used to be the other way around, but not anymore. I can still find good deals at Wally World & other places when they have sales etc. Could not reload for same cost given the high cost of components any more IMHO.

Simmonsburg said:

I have been reloading 12ga for over ten years now and have a fairly good stock of components on hand. So now at the current prices it's cost effective to reload. Before not so much but for now I'm saving money.

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Agreed, 10 years ago I could buy Federal 7.5 shot field loads for $4.00 a box of 25 in case lots. As I have stocked up on shot, primers and powder over the years and reuse the hulls, reloads still cost me about $5.00 a box of 25. You can't buy new ones today for anywhere near that.

I do not know what it would cost now. But I do know that starting from scratch you will be darn lucky to even find a place to buy all the components. Prices I have seen on the few components available for very short windows of time., About $250 for 8 lbs of power. About $80 for 1000 primers. Separate hazmat fee on each purchase due to store policy. Shot well past $50.

Woodperson has current prices pretty well pegged. You can save money reloading 28 & 410 even at those prices.

I just got a 12 ga shotgun with a rifled barrel. Cheapest sabot unrifled slug factory ammo I've seen is $18/box of 5. I've ordered a press, but know next to nothing about reloading slugs (I do reload for pistol and rifle). Anyone have advice on which components I need and places to obtain them?

NC FNS said:

I just got a 12 ga shotgun with a rifled barrel. Cheapest sabot unrifled slug factory ammo I've seen is $18/box of 5. I've ordered a press, but know next to nothing about reloading slugs (I do reload for pistol and rifle). Anyone have advice on which components I need and places to obtain them?

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I do slugs for smooth bore with no problems; rifle bore is hole different animal. Read up on how to load and be careful; with smooth bore if you push the wad with a slug down the barrel with less than 10 pounds of pressure your going to be okay. But on the Rifle barrel that test doesn't work, so really do some checking. This book my help.