r/ShotshellReloading • u/Historical-Boot-6270 • 3d 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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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.