cost of shotshell reloading, part 2
i looked at the the sporting clays article and i fault it on having flawed data. everything was fine, until he stuck in the cost of a BRAND NEW top of the line progresive speed loader. the calculation and whole outcome would change dramatically if one was to buy a mec 600jr, even better, buy a USED mec600 jr~! ive been using 6 seperate - 600jr's (ea ga) for over 20 years and i can tell you, they havent worn out yet! im averaging 2.42 to 2.88 on my reloads and throw away on the average 10 per 500 per ga due to age and worn crimps. word to the wise, those progresive loaders will eat hulls and waste resources if you daydream. thus, the mec600's are much more practical in my books. the closest thing to a progresive loader i own is a 650 mec and i only fire it up when im teaching skeet on a regular basis. otherwise, youd see me glued in front of a mec600jr!
former air operations officer SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2. former navy skeet team, former navy rifle/pistol team member. co-owner skeetmaster tubes inc.. owner/operator professional shooting instruction. NRA certified instructor.
former air operations officer SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2. former navy skeet team, former navy rifle/pistol team member. co-owner skeetmaster tubes inc.. owner/operator professional shooting instruction. NRA certified instructor.
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I agree with bobski, rmc, and the others who reload. Yeah you can buy the Wally World stuff, but get used to walking a little funny if you shoot more than 100 rounds at a time. These are usually loaded with a little, really nasty recoiling powder that sets your teeth on edge after about 20 rounds. That, and the hulls won't reload very well, if at all. I agree the progressives are nice if your burning thru a lot of rounds, but you have a lot of things to watch/go wrong too. By all measures, the 600jr MEC is tought to beat for shell quality and economy. Just a little slower. A used 600jr 12 ga. can be found for $30 to $40. The black Remington hull (the game load) are also a great secret with a figure 8 Clay buster wad. Dang, now I won't get any of those, either.
Hey bobski, I see you moved. How do you keep those robes out of your way when shooting or reloading?0 -
nuns do the reloading! i just bless them.[:D] 0 -
I reload using a MEC Progressive and 600Jr for 12 and 20 ga. My cost using Winchester AA hulls,wads, primers and 700X powder runs right at 2.50/box. Pressure is low, very clean, and good pattern. I also use the 700X in pistol reloading. I have very rarely seen the AA trap or skeet below $4.00/box. 0 -
I started with a Mec 600 jr in 12 20 and 410. First grabber was in 28 since I shot that a lot. Have since picked up grabbers in 410 and 12. Still use that 20 Ga. Jr.have had it about 35 years only replacement parts I have needed are the fingers for wad guide. Add a primer feed to it and can crank out at least a 100 rounds an hour.
My last figures show about $3.00 a box. Buy in bulk at gun shows or your local skeet/trap range.
I load as a hobby very theraputic. Also you can tailor loads that Wally World and the 'Marts don't sell.
Just my opinion,not those of management.
Retired Air Force Msgt--NRA Life Member since 19710 -
bobski, is it worth it to reload shotgun ammo.. its so cheap. i can understand if you do it for slugs and heavy shot, but bird ammo and target loads are practically free. what is the purpose.. quality?
Martin Janczak0 -
martin, go back to the 1st reloading thread named 'cost of shotshell reloading' and read up. regards..... 0 -
Sir Martin
Ever price 12ga, 2 1/2dram, 1oz #9? Ever even see them?
How about 12ga, 2 3/4", 1 1/2oz #5 "baby magnums"?
Ever want a load that patterns better from your barrel?
Ever shoot a 18+ boxes of shells a week, every week? My wife and I did (plus my hunting loads[:D]). If the savings are only $1 a box that's $900 a year right there, not counting any other benifits.
A lot of skeet/trap clubs don't allow the use loads that exceed 3dram equiv, and a lot of the promo loads are 3 1/4dram.
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
As tailgunner says, those 3 1/4 dr really can hammer the snot out of you, too. As both he and bobski said, lighter loads, special purpose loads(spreaders can really serious money), but especially consistency. Those promo loads can very lot to lot, year to year, and generally, they are quite loud and some are really dirty, too. Some hull/wad combinations seem to pattern better as different powders and dr. load. You won't save a lot just on the money end, especially if you go get a bag of shot and a bag of wads. The lead, wads, primers, powder is best if bulk ordered thru a gun club, usually in late winter/early spring before leagues start. Lead and freight are the biggest cost factor, with wads and primers next.
Generally, when you find a load your gun patterns well with, doesn't hammer the crap out of you, and you get used to, unless they quit making the powder you use, your reloads will be as or more consistent in speed, spread and confidence compared to the cheaper loads.0 -
oh ok. thats not for somebody like me anyways then because i dont use that many shells and im not that serious about. but i see what you mean now. thanks 0
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