New to reloading shotgun

[2A in the CA]

Hello, I have been reloading handgun cartridges since the mid 90's and I started loading rifle cartridges about 10 years ago. I have never attempted or even thought about relaoding shotgun shells. Now, that I am retired I have started skeet shooting on the regurlar and can see a need to start reloading shotgun shells. I remember years ago I was told reloading shotgun shells was a wash, you did not really save money, but you did not lose it either. I cannot help but wonder with prices today if its an advantage. I did watch a lot of videos yesterday on the process, and I think I would like to start.

My questions are this. I am a firm believer in starting any new type of reloading on a single stage press first, then move up to progessive later. I shoot 3 rounds of skeet twice a month, so I would need to reload about 75 shells every two weeks. Do I even need to get a progressive style press? Can you recommend a brand and model of a single stage you found that works well for that amount. Is it more cost effective now? Lastly, are their brands of shells that you do not bother reloading? That is just something I noticed the last time I went. Two people were picking up shells and only wanted certain brands.

Thank you,

Jay

 

[ButteFlyFisher]

I learned on a progressive, I would just start there with the volume you shoot. I bought a mec 8657n 12GA off eBay for ~$500 with all the accessories. I only reload AA hulls, but I believe you can load different hulls, just need different wads. AAs seem durable and have always reloaded without an issue.

 

[RustVendor]

Hello, I have been reloading handgun cartridges since the mid 90's and I started loading rifle cartridges about 10 years ago. I have never attempted or even thought about relaoding shotgun shells. Now, that I am retired I have started skeet shooting on the regurlar and can see a need to start reloading shotgun shells. I remember years ago I was told reloading shotgun shells was a wash, you did not really save money, but you did not lose it either. I cannot help but wonder with prices today if its an advantage. I did watch a lot of videos yesterday on the process, and I think I would like to start.

My questions are this. I am a firm believer in starting any new type of reloading on a single stage press first, then move up to progessive later. I shoot 3 rounds of skeet twice a month, so I would need to reload about 75 shells every two weeks. Do I even need to get a progressive style press? Can you recommend a brand and model of a single stage you found that works well for that amount. Is it more cost effective now? Lastly, are their brands of shells that you do not bother reloading? That is just something I noticed the last time I went. Two people were picking up shells and only wanted certain brands.

Thank you,

Jay

with shotgun reloading you have to use specific hull with a specific wad and powder weight. You don't mess with the recipe because the pressure doesn't act the same way as brass reloading. So it's all about published recipes, and some hulls are definitely better than others but it's also about what you can find. I reload but just for steel duck loads, I save a bit because duck loads are 25 bucks a box, but target loads are like 10. If you saved money it would be minimal, but if you want to do it for fun I do enjoy it. You don't need a progressive for that number, the MEC loaders are the best thing in the lower price range. I got a used on on ebay.

 

[2A in the CA]

I learned on a progressive, I would just start there with the volume you shoot. I bought a mec 8657n 12GA off eBay for ~$500 with all the accessories. I only reload AA hulls, but I believe you can load different hulls, just need different wads. AAs seem durable and have always reloaded without an issue.

Thank you for that information, I appreciate it. I believe the person at the range was looking for AA's also.

 

[2A in the CA]

with shotgun reloading you have to use specific hull with a specific wad and powder weight. You don't mess with the recipe because the pressure doesn't act the same way as brass reloading. So it's all about published recipes, and some hulls are definitely better than others but it's also about what you can find. I reload but just for steel duck loads, I save a bit because duck loads are 25 bucks a box, but target loads are like 10. If you saved money it would be minimal, but if you want to do it for fun I do enjoy it. You don't need a progressive for that number, the MEC loaders are the best thing in the lower price range. I got a used on on ebay.

That is also part of the reason, I am hoping to do it for fun also. Give me something to do and keep me occupied.

 

[recpark99]

Have reloaded shotgun for many years and most of what you do will depend on availability of components. Once you've secured what you need to move forward, you can then continue to replenish your stuff or find comparable components as long as the published recipes allow for them. I started on a Lee Load-All and eventually moved on to a Mec 600 Jr. Both are great and really get you involved in each step of the process. I have found Winchester AA hulls to be pretty good and Remington gun club hulls are fantastic and available. 800X is a great powder so I had stocked up on it, however, I believe it's no longer available. Get the Lyman reloading manual and find some recipes that work with multiple components and you're good to go. Good luck

 

[phred]

For me another upside would be not having to pay the CA excise tax and background check fee every time you need a box of ammo. I reload 9mm and don't think I really save much, if any, money, but I don't have to deal with the BS and get a load that I like.

 

[RustyIron]

My questions are this. I am a firm believer in starting any new type of reloading on a single stage press first, then move up to progessive later.

You might want to reconsider your position on Single Stage press. Back when I was into it, I'd shoot around ten rounds of trap a week. If you leave your gear set up, you can knock it out pretty quickly whenever you have a few spare minutes. With a single stage, the task would be long and tedious.

You'll need to settle on a brand of hulls and stick with that, because they all crimp a little differently. If you're unsure, maybe find someone in your area with used equipment for sale. With the volume you're shooting, you don't need super-fancy equipment.

 

[Warpspeed]

Unless you are loading for hunting, get a progressive. Most of them have the ability to disable the progressive mechanism so you can learn in single stage mode.

The MEC machines are popular for a reason - they work really well. Come out to Covina and visit with Rick at Philips Wholesale - he has a tremendous amount of knowledge and is willing to share it.

 

[BIGOX]

I highly recommend a Mec 600 jr single stage. A used complete press should be around $100-120 in very good condition. Well used missing parts maybe $75. For hulls I recommend sticking with waa, gun club, sts or nitros. Buy old stock powder in bulk and if your ok with reclaimed shot then you can really save.

 

[Chukarman78]

I also was loading rifle and pistol before and just got into shotgun shells about 2 years ago. Started shooting trap regularly and bought a used MEC 600 for $150.

I can load 3 boxes in a hour taking my time to make pretty shells. Single stage shotgun is nowhere near as slow as single stage rifle. Your press stations are all setup and you just have to move the shell to every spot.

I prefer gun club shells but also use AA. Got lots of buckets saved. You can get at least 10 loads out of a shell on light target loads. Maybe save $1 on a box, but hunting loads can save more. Now I use AA for my 3 gun loads and gun club for my trap loads. Hodgdon powder has good recipes online.

A good friend of mine just bought a mec 9000 and he can really crank out the rounds fast but him and his son shoot more than I do. If I really try hard I can make 100 an hour on the 650 jr.

 

[Chukarman78]

Not sure where your from, but some trap ranges sell reclaimed shot that is almost half price of new magnum lead. That’s how you can save more $….

 

[Mannyy]

Make us some spicy 000 or 0000 Buck 3" shells

 

[skb720]

Got into shotshell reloading earlier this year. Lead is Expensive, that was a shocker more than the price of powder or primers.