Do you Reload for your Shotguns ?

BigJimP · January 12, 2009, 05:41 PM

How many of you guys reload ? ( for me, yes ).

What gagues do you reload for ? ( for me, 12, 20, 28ga and .410 ).

What kind of press / equipment do you load with ?
(for me, MEC 9000 HN - hydraulic /one for each gauge and the .410 ).

crowbeaner · January 12, 2009, 05:49 PM

I reload for the 12 gauge; it's all we shoot. I have 3 Mecs; Sizemaster, Versamec, and 600 JR. I load everything from 1 oz. mousefart trap loads to 1 1/2 oz. baby mags and slugs.

.357 mag · January 12, 2009, 05:57 PM

I don't. Is it worth it? I've tried you add it all up, and I've come up with higher numbers. ( 1 1/8 loads and under). What do you guys think?

oneounceload · January 12, 2009, 06:06 PM

sold the 12 gauge reloader waaaaaay back when flats were $25/each....still reload 20 and 28..........

dalecooper51 · January 12, 2009, 07:28 PM

I've been reloading 20ga on a MEC 600 Jr. Most of the time they are 3/4 oz loads about 1150 fps.

I also just picked up an old used 12ga Sizemaster for $30. I haven't used it yet, but it was all there. Need to order a new charge bar for it as it came with a 1 1/4 oz shot drop.

zippy13 · January 12, 2009, 07:47 PM

Four gauges and four MECs.

Started with a MEC 650 12-Ga in 1968 (Nope, MEC didn't send me a 40-year pin last year). Now, I've got Grabbers dating from the late 80's. No juice power assist nor auto-indexing for me (gotta get some exercise for these old bones), but I've up-graded to the larger wooden handles. Pulling the lever and advancing the plate are cheap therapy.

BigJimP · January 12, 2009, 08:09 PM

Cost is probably better left to a discussion in the reloading bulletin board / but in general, I can reload a premium 12ga shell for $ 3.50 - $4 a box / compared to $ 7.50 a box for premium shells like Remington STS.

Even cheap shells ( Rio, Estate, etc are over $5 a box now ).

But its therapy / and fun to reload and shoot your own shells in my opinon. ( I have to send away for one of those 40 year pins too Zippy ...) . I think I started in late 60's but who remembers that far back ..

ArizonaRick · January 12, 2009, 09:58 PM

I have been reloading shot-shells for 30 years. I enjoy and see the may values in reloading. Especially if you desire to customize your loads for the intended purpose. I buy and stock pile shot to help with the high variation in metal prices, especially in the last 2-3 years. I am very happy that lead is plumeting and I am looking forward to $12 a bag shot, and $2.00-2.50 a box price, for reloades. I use reclaimed shot ($8.50 a bag) to compliment my close range and less formal shooting needs. I completely respect those who choose to buy factory ammo - and I am looking forward to the days of $2.99-3.49 a box for factory shotshells so everyone can shoot more. I reload slugs, single ball, buckshot, lite target through heavy goose loads. Most of all, I enjoy shooting what I make, then making it all over again.
Shoot as often as you can - you won't regret it!

Dave McC · January 12, 2009, 11:12 PM

Yes.

12.

MEC.

mwar410 · January 13, 2009, 08:19 AM

I load 20, 28, .410
I don't shoot 12 ga. unless I'm messing around w/ trap. Sometimes with SC. When you can buy it for $50 a flat it doesn't seem to make sense. I load 20 because I like my reloads, and it is my primary ga.

.45 COLT · January 13, 2009, 09:06 AM

Yes

12, 16, 20, .410

MEC, LEE, MEC, MEC

I load 12 because I can't buy the loads I want, 16 & .410 because of cost and 20 because I like to.

DC

bobn · January 13, 2009, 09:47 AM

occasionally, lee 12 and 20. one lee hand pounder for 410. bobn

hogdogs · January 13, 2009, 09:51 AM

I ALWAYS reload my shotguns! If you don't re-load they just go CLICK CLICK CLICK

I reload all my guns after firing them!
Brent

GE-Minigun · January 13, 2009, 10:14 AM

Reload all and use a Dillon SL-900 for everything but the 410 and for that I us a Hornady 366. To me for the money it’s not worth my time to reload 12 or 20…I don’t shoot more than a flat of either a year. I shoot in a skeet league all year, for practice I use the 410 and during the league I use the 28. If you look at the prices of both of those you can see the reason for reloading them.

rantingredneck · January 13, 2009, 10:40 AM

Not at present but hope to start soon.

When I start it'll just be 12 ga. Don't own 16/20/28/etc. Don't shoot enough .410 to bother.

Scattergun Bob · January 13, 2009, 11:47 AM

No Jim, not at present, I do have a cheap MEC re loader but it is still in packing box from the move up here. I use to have what seemed like a endless supply of buck and ball, after retirement the stream dried up and now I see the shelf emptying a bit.

It is one of the reasons I go to the Skeet fields so infrequently, my 20 ga supply for what I consider my "skeet" gun is dwindling! Maybe at my new job I can catch a deal

So, 45 AR, 45 ACP, 9MM and .244 / 223 is enough flavors to reload. Might have to change my mind this year and break out the MEC

Good Luck & Be Safe

BigJimP · January 13, 2009, 11:54 AM

The other reason to reload 12ga is to customize your load to whatever you want - personally I like a load of 1 oz , 8's , at about 1225 fps ( and I shoot it for 16 yard Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clays. But I mix in a few boxes of 1 1/8 oz , 7 1/2's at 1300 fps / even a few 7/8 oz loads at around 1200 fps.

Reloading gives you all those options - its not just about saving money.

Time isn't a factor to me really, MEC 9000 HN will easily crank out 15 boxes an hour.

Interesting mix of equipment used. I hope more guys chime in here.

Oilburner350 · January 13, 2009, 01:51 PM

I reload for my shotguns

I reload 10, 12, 16, and 20.

I have MEC 600 Jr Mark V in 10, 16, and 20

I have a sizemaster in 12.

I would reload if cost per shell were equal. I like being able to customize my reloads to my gun and my needs. That and it gives me a reason to grab everyone else's trash (not many people I know reload shotgun shells).

USA123456789 · January 13, 2009, 05:49 PM

Mec 9000 hydraulic reloader and 12 20 and 28 gauge reloader made by Lee. And I have 2 PW's. And something my grandfather gave to my father which he gave to me and I couldn't tell you what gauge or make it is.
.223, .480, 30-06, 243, 308, 44 and now 45 and etc...

.357 mag · January 13, 2009, 08:30 PM

I've been reloading pistol for about 6 years now. I love it. However, I shoot cheap walmart shells for messing around(skeet,trap,and clays) and I shoot better stuff for hunting(which I don't hunt enough I care about reloading.) Time Isn't an issue for me if I could save a little money. But, for the saving I added up, time for my family is the better choice for me. I hope that prices on shot goes down, they I might get my feet wet.

zippy13 · January 13, 2009, 09:28 PM

Sorry, misclicked.

January 12, 2009, 05:41 PM	#1
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Do you Reload for your Shotguns ? How many of you guys reload ? ( for me, yes ). What gagues do you reload for ? ( for me, 12, 20, 28ga and .410 ). What kind of press / equipment do you load with ? (for me, MEC 9000 HN - hydraulic /one for each gauge and the .410 ).

January 12, 2009, 05:49 PM	#2
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	I reload for the 12 gauge; it's all we shoot. I have 3 Mecs; Sizemaster, Versamec, and 600 JR. I load everything from 1 oz. mousefart trap loads to 1 1/2 oz. baby mags and slugs. __________________ If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk. Beware the man that only owns one gun; he probably knows how to use it. I just hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.

January 12, 2009, 09:58 PM	#8
ArizonaRick Member Join Date: November 1, 2006 Location: Southern Missouri - Ozarks Posts: 89	I respect both sides I have been reloading shot-shells for 30 years. I enjoy and see the may values in reloading. Especially if you desire to customize your loads for the intended purpose. I buy and stock pile shot to help with the high variation in metal prices, especially in the last 2-3 years. I am very happy that lead is plumeting and I am looking forward to $12 a bag shot, and $2.00-2.50 a box price, for reloades. I use reclaimed shot ($8.50 a bag) to compliment my close range and less formal shooting needs. I completely respect those who choose to buy factory ammo - and I am looking forward to the days of $2.99-3.49 a box for factory shotshells so everyone can shoot more. I reload slugs, single ball, buckshot, lite target through heavy goose loads. Most of all, I enjoy shooting what I make, then making it all over again. Shoot as often as you can - you won't regret it!

January 13, 2009, 10:40 AM	#15
rantingredneck Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,728	Not at present but hope to start soon. When I start it'll just be 12 ga. Don't own 16/20/28/etc. Don't shoot enough .410 to bother. __________________ NRA Member NC Hunter's Education Instructor PCCA Member (What's PCCA you ask? <- Check the link)

January 13, 2009, 11:47 AM	#16
Scattergun Bob Senior Member Join Date: February 29, 2008 Location: Nine Mile Falls, Washington Posts: 1,186	No Jim, not at present, I do have a cheap MEC re loader but it is still in packing box from the move up here. I use to have what seemed like a endless supply of buck and ball, after retirement the stream dried up and now I see the shelf emptying a bit. It is one of the reasons I go to the Skeet fields so infrequently, my 20 ga supply for what I consider my "skeet" gun is dwindling! Maybe at my new job I can catch a deal So, 45 AR, 45 ACP, 9MM and .244 / 223 is enough flavors to reload. Might have to change my mind this year and break out the MEC Good Luck & Be Safe __________________ First, with the most, WINS! Regards, Scattergun Bob

January 12, 2009, 05:57 PM	#3
.357 mag Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2008 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 193	I don't. Is it worth it? I've tried you add it all up, and I've come up with higher numbers. ( 1 1/8 loads and under). What do you guys think?

January 12, 2009, 06:06 PM	#4
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	sold the 12 gauge reloader waaaaaay back when flats were $25/each....still reload 20 and 28..........

January 12, 2009, 07:28 PM	#5
dalecooper51 Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2007 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 318	I've been reloading 20ga on a MEC 600 Jr. Most of the time they are 3/4 oz loads about 1150 fps. I also just picked up an old used 12ga Sizemaster for $30. I haven't used it yet, but it was all there. Need to order a new charge bar for it as it came with a 1 1/4 oz shot drop.

January 12, 2009, 07:47 PM	#6
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	Four gauges and four MECs. Started with a MEC 650 12-Ga in 1968 (Nope, MEC didn't send me a 40-year pin last year). Now, I've got Grabbers dating from the late 80's. No juice power assist nor auto-indexing for me (gotta get some exercise for these old bones), but I've up-graded to the larger wooden handles. Pulling the lever and advancing the plate are cheap therapy.

January 12, 2009, 08:09 PM	#7
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Cost is probably better left to a discussion in the reloading bulletin board / but in general, I can reload a premium 12ga shell for $ 3.50 - $4 a box / compared to $ 7.50 a box for premium shells like Remington STS. Even cheap shells ( Rio, Estate, etc are over $5 a box now ). But its therapy / and fun to reload and shoot your own shells in my opinon. ( I have to send away for one of those 40 year pins too Zippy ...) . I think I started in late 60's but who remembers that far back ..

January 12, 2009, 11:12 PM	#9
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Yes. 12. MEC.

January 13, 2009, 08:19 AM	#10
mwar410 Senior Member Join Date: December 25, 2008 Location: maine Posts: 234	I load 20, 28, .410 I don't shoot 12 ga. unless I'm messing around w/ trap. Sometimes with SC. When you can buy it for $50 a flat it doesn't seem to make sense. I load 20 because I like my reloads, and it is my primary ga.

January 13, 2009, 09:06 AM	#11
.45 COLT Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Posts: 308	Yes 12, 16, 20, .410 MEC, LEE, MEC, MEC I load 12 because I can't buy the loads I want, 16 & .410 because of cost and 20 because I like to. DC

January 13, 2009, 09:47 AM	#12
bobn Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2006 Location: midwest Posts: 1,105	occasionally, lee 12 and 20. one lee hand pounder for 410. bobn

January 13, 2009, 09:51 AM	#13
hogdogs Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 11,069	I ALWAYS reload my shotguns! If you don't re-load they just go *CLICK CLICK CLICK* I reload all my guns after firing them! Brent

January 13, 2009, 10:14 AM	#14
GE-Minigun Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2008 Posts: 240	Reload all and use a Dillon SL-900 for everything but the 410 and for that I us a Hornady 366. To me for the money it’s not worth my time to reload 12 or 20…I don’t shoot more than a flat of either a year. I shoot in a skeet league all year, for practice I use the 410 and during the league I use the 28. If you look at the prices of both of those you can see the reason for reloading them.

January 13, 2009, 11:54 AM	#17
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	The other reason to reload 12ga is to customize your load to whatever you want - personally I like a load of 1 oz , 8's , at about 1225 fps ( and I shoot it for 16 yard Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clays. But I mix in a few boxes of 1 1/8 oz , 7 1/2's at 1300 fps / even a few 7/8 oz loads at around 1200 fps. Reloading gives you all those options - its not just about saving money. Time isn't a factor to me really, MEC 9000 HN will easily crank out 15 boxes an hour. Interesting mix of equipment used. I hope more guys chime in here. Last edited by BigJimP; January 13, 2009 at 01:57 PM.

January 13, 2009, 01:51 PM	#18
Oilburner350 Senior Member Join Date: February 29, 2008 Posts: 102	I reload for my shotguns I reload 10, 12, 16, and 20. I have MEC 600 Jr Mark V in 10, 16, and 20 I have a sizemaster in 12. I would reload if cost per shell were equal. I like being able to customize my reloads to my gun and my needs. That and it gives me a reason to grab everyone else's trash (not many people I know reload shotgun shells).

January 13, 2009, 05:49 PM	#19
USA123456789 Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2008 Location: Somewhere Posts: 123	Mec 9000 hydraulic reloader and 12 20 and 28 gauge reloader made by Lee. And I have 2 PW's. And something my grandfather gave to my father which he gave to me and I couldn't tell you what gauge or make it is. .223, .480, 30-06, 243, 308, 44 and now 45 and etc... __________________ You can never have to many hulls but, the man that dies with the most hulls wins USA USA USA USA

January 13, 2009, 08:30 PM	#20
.357 mag Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2008 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 193	I've been reloading pistol for about 6 years now. I love it. However, I shoot cheap walmart shells for messing around(skeet,trap,and clays) and I shoot better stuff for hunting(which I don't hunt enough I care about reloading.) Time Isn't an issue for me if I could save a little money. But, for the saving I added up, time for my family is the better choice for me. I hope that prices on shot goes down, they I might get my feet wet.

January 13, 2009, 09:28 PM	#21
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	Sorry, misclicked. Last edited by zippy13; January 14, 2009 at 02:05 PM. Reason: oops