Cost of 12 gauge reloading

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Joined
Dec 25, 2007
Messages
10,084
Location
missouri
I quit loading shotgun shells when I quit bird hunting. Have 2 Mecs [ 650 and a 600(?)] and a fair supply (albeit aged) of primers/wads/shot/AA cases. Grandson has been shooting on the FFA trap team and Son asked about putting together some trap loads. I pointed out the presses and supplies and told him HE/THEY had to load the shells since my shoulder would not tolerate that sort of activity. Apparently, Son has too much to do and Gson can't stay focused on anything long enough to load shells. Last week Son was in eastern South Dakota/southern Minnesota on a work trip and bought another case of Federal TopGun shells to finish out the season.
FWIW: I wouldn't even consider loading slugs.
 

dannyd

Hunter
Joined
Aug 10, 2016
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2,039
Location
Florida
Making your own slugs and buckshot is fun, but the Rifle part gets interesting. I even cast my own slugs. I have not loaded any shotgun in about a year, but so far have loaded 11,561 rounds of birdshot, slugs and buckshot.
 
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dannyd

Hunter
Joined
Aug 10, 2016
Messages
2,039
Location
Florida
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?
There are two kinds of slug barrels; Rifle smooth bore just has rifle sights and then there's a rifled slug barrel. Which one do you have?
 

Ka6otm

Blackhawk
Joined
Dec 21, 2002
Messages
753
I reload 20 gauge and .410 bore on a weekly basis and I'm saving a fortune.

OTOH, I bought all my components long before the current shortage started so it's cheap for me.
 

dannyd

Hunter
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Aug 10, 2016
Messages
2,039
Location
Florida
I reload 20 gauge and .410 bore on a weekly basis and I'm saving a fortune.

OTOH, I bought all my components long before the current shortage started so it's cheap for me.
Those two gauges are still cheaper to reload than buy most of the time even with prices now.
 

langenc

Single-Sixer
Joined
Aug 22, 2007
Messages
471
Location
Lewiston, MI USA
Looks like primers are up to about $150/1000 if you can find em. That takes a big bit out of the savings, but factory aint getting cheaper, either.
 

XP100

Blackhawk
Joined
Aug 28, 2003
Messages
811
Location
Florida
Looks like primers are up to about $150/1000 if you can find em. That takes a big bit out of the savings, but factory aint getting cheaper, either.
BPI has Cheddite 209 size primers for less than 59.00/1000. Limit 20,000 + haz Mat Tax and shipping. They usually have a deal on Haz Mat or shipping over a certain amount spent.
 
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