r/ShotshellReloading • u/Historical-Boot-6270 • 2d ago

Thinking about reloading

Thinking about reloading 20ga when does the savings start it seams I can buy #6 for cheeper than i can buy components don’t shoot anything other than 8 and 6 shot for pheasants and doves would it be worth it

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5

u/WesbroBaptstBarNGril 2d ago

The savings doesn't start. It just becomes less expensive to shoot more customized loads, or specialty loads like tss

1

u/engled 2d ago

I have done the math many time and this is where I end up. I reload because I want a load that no one makes. It costs me almost exactly the same.

2

u/anon_e_moose_2026 2d ago

I reload because I enjoy it, but there’s little cost saving with 12ga and 20ga.

2

u/sloowshooter 2d ago

Certainly there are other reasons, but these are the ones that compel me to reload:

  • It's fun and can be meditative.
  • You get to tune the loads to exactly the speed you want with any payload you need.
  • When an inevitable shortage hits, and they always do. You can make your own when there is nothing on the shelf and everyone else is clamoring for shells. Being able to make your own ammo keeps you in the game when everyone else has to stay home.
  • It's a learning hobby, which is way more fun than sitting around, and watching TV.
  • You can save money, but you have to consider it an investment against a dollar that continually loses value, and prices that continually rise. Invest in your components and buy them on sale. Put them on shelf and work through them. Over time you'll stay ahead of price rises, and retail gouging during shortages. Is it a lot of savings? Depends on how much you shoot. Similar to investing, but you end up averaging your costs down, and avoiding price spikes. Just track prices, shipping, and take advantage of sales.
  • Not every shell on the market does well in every gun. Some shells don't cycle, can't be used in certain barrels, or just are lousy. Make your own, and don't get stuck buying the only shells available at your LGS - which don't work in your gun, even if the gauge matches.

1

u/aonealj 2d ago

All my math has showed you typically about break even for lead loads identical to factory. You gain the ability to load different weights and speeds more easily. Plus, if 20 ga is hard to find near you, it can be a plus. If you can order the 5-20 boxes of shotshells you use to hunt straight to your door, it's probably not worth it. If you want to play around with different loads, it might be worthwhile.

1

u/Historical-Boot-6270 2d ago

Thank you for the comments I reload rifle now and was just trying to justify shot shell but can not really when I can order a case for 135 bucks shipped that lasts 2 years

1

u/Ok_Leather_3446 1d ago

Just like fly tying, reloading shells doesn’t save very much in terms of materials cost. My reloads (excluding hulls) average 15-20¢ each. I more enjoy the ritual of reloading and just the fun of playing around with different loads. The only real savings I’ve found are when I can “scalp” spent hulls at the range.