Everyone was laughing at me when I was handloading shells when you could get them for $5 per box... Well I'm handloading them for that much right now. I'm the one laughing now! 😂
Welcome to the club! Whether you save money or not, it’s a great hobby. When the weather gets crappy, make yourself a big cup of coffee, sit down and relax. Have fun with it man. I sure do.
You're doing fine keep it up. Let me recommend the Lyman 5th Edition shotshell reloading handbook. I will not load without it. it can keep you doing it right and keep things safe for you.
Great video , reloaded shotshells 45 years ago then got out of it in the 1990's Back into it with 410 and 12 gauge. 410 was the main reason. a good roll crimp on 410 work great , cutting down 3 inch to 21/2 is a great idea. I use ww296 for 410 same powder as H 110.
the ammo manufacturers keep telling us ammo has been going up because the materials cost so much. if that is true, why do 410 shells cost so much more than 12 and 20. less raw materials should equal lower prices. you might want to look for some Bluedot powder. it is very versatile. get the Lyman 5th Edition reloading manual too. it is very important to follow the data in that manual. just remember. we are talking about things that go boom. don't take chances.
Supply and demand of the shells too- far fewer people buy .410 than the others and miniaturization often costs more to manufacture. I work for a manufacturer and the smallest products we sell always cost more- not as many people buy them, so the cost of each piece to make them is more money. It’s not just about raw materials- .410 has always been more expensive than other variants
primers should be left in factory packaging. they are more dangerous than powder. suggest you get the old lyman #3 shotgun reloading manual. has plenty of good loads. i have valves and guides for a waukesha engine that are near lee loader sizes. just have not worked with these as i have a mec. take care. reloading is enjoyment to me. i do not reload for others. and it is against the law to sell your reloads. and if they have a accident they will blame you.
All great info to know! I still have the gray from the primers, it’s just a huge flat tray, takes up a lot of room, but safety is better than room. I have a Mec 600 jr in 12 gauge coming, and one in 20 gauge as well.
Great video. I like the self sufficiency. I go down that road as well. Even if it is less practical in ways at the moment, it could be a solution in a future situation. I already reload brass case cartridges, just getting into 12ga now.
Thanks for dropping by. Yeah, I like being able to do whatever I can, still grabbing a bottle of powder, some wads or shot as I find it. Primers are still outrageous but I buy 1000 as I can…
@@crankygunreviews Tell me about it. Right before everything went to hell (early 2020) I was buying rifle and pistol primers for ~$23-25/1000 at sportsmans warehouse. It was like they were on sale even compared to prices at the time. It is crazy how ammo is coming back down but primer prices are still so high. Basically at max price still but more available. Fortunately I had bought some 209 primers despite not loading shotshells yet, so that is one less thing I have to get.
@@flycrew best prices I found on primers was $75 for 1000 209’s and pistol primers are like $88 for 1000 but I have to pay $30 in hazard fees when I buy them online. Can’t find them anywhere localy
Congratulations! Welcome to the club 👍 Before you know it, you'll be taking long walks in the evening to pick up wheel weights on the side of the road 😂 I do the same thing with 3in 410s & use diy shot cards to cut down the shells to fit 2&1/2 (I use the Lee 36cal RB 000 buck mould for both 410 & 12ga. Saves me tons of $$$)
Nothing at first, but I recently bought a gasket punch set, and I have been punching shot cards out of craft foam, as I saw on TH-cam from The X Ring USA. I may switch to making them out of cereal boxes as I feel the rigid cardboard may work better.
G'Day From Australia, Here in OZ .410 cartridges are around $30 for a box of 25. Sometimes you come across cheaper rounds at about $20 but the Winchester, Remington and Eley cartridges are the most common. My preference is for the Eley Fourlong and Extralong's. 12 gauge ammo ranges from $20 to close to $30. Slugs are fairly expensive as there is a very low demand for them here. I only recently bought a single shot Boito .410 shotgun after 50 years of lugging around 12 gauges. A pleasure to carry and shoot. When I've fired enough rounds, I intend reloading the shells with black powder and #6 shot---maybe even light buckshot loads and slugs or round .36 cal balls. These are leftovers from when I regularly shot muzzleloaders around 30 years ago. Your video has prompted me to seriously consider reloading. Thanks and Cheers, Steve
That is about the cost I am seeing when they are available. $20-30 a box for Target birdshot, and way more for tungsten loads. Like $35-50 for a box of 5 3" shells. Reloading .410 saves so much money.
You’re right about 410 being insanely overpriced and scarce. I used to love that caliber because of its light recoil and lighter shotgun size, but I got so frustrated from not being able to find ammo and when I did find some once in a blue moon, it was 4 or 5 times what 12 gauge costs I sold all my 410 gear and now only use 12 and 20.
There a couple ways for the .410.... Get all brass and load bp loads...hand lee loader or make tools to load and use a roll crimp....the thing about handloading is you can load what factory can't. There are blogs on loading .38 and .40 cal pistol bullets....but you have to use common sense. I load special loads,but at trap pressures or charges ,not maximizing . It's your gun,hands,and face...so read and think about what you are doing.
@daleharvey3278 I have books and keep my loads within spec. I made some cool double 000 bucks and one 9mm slug rounds. Also lots of regular shot shells
Yeah shotshell prices have shot up an insane amount, also availability is very low right now. The Winchester white box and federal red 100rd 12/20g used to be 23$ and it's now 40$ and I don't own a .410 but I haven't even seen a single box of that in a long time. This sucks because shotguns were my main source of practice, besides 22lr and third my .177 1200fps air rifle that I built a little range for
European 209's are, indeed, a tiny bit larger than American made 209's. (Probably something to do with metric to standard conversion). As long as you use the same brand, there's no issues. If you have to switch back to American made primers, all is not lost. A "primer pocket uniformer" will reset the primer pocket. BB's work fine as shot. Just want to make sure the wads are rated for steel shot. "TheXringusa" sells a "survival loader" kit for 410, 20, 12 guage. Fits in a 5x5 box.
I have done a few updates since this- I now have 3 mec 600 Jr loaders, 12, 20, and .410, steel wads, and a bunch of shot and slugs, buckshot etc. you can swage the primer pockets with a 3/8 Ratchet extension too- Manny CA used to have a ton of good videos on reloading, I need to remake some of them as all his videos are gone.
Congratulations on being self sufficient. We have all started reloading for one reason or another. I have the Lee Load All 2 and have reloaded many 12 gauge shells with it. I also have the 20 gauge conversion kit for the Lee. There is a guy on TH-cam that makes and sells 3D printed equipment for reloading .410 using the Lee Load All 2 and I have just received my kit. It is by far not the fastest way to reload .410, but it does get the job done and it can be used with both the 3 inch and 2 1/2 inch shells. I also have a MEC 600 Jr. for 20 gauge and the MEC 761 Grabber for 12 gauge that were both garage sale finds and have less than $75.00 in both the MEC's. Have fun, take your time, get the components when you can and I also double down on the no distractions. You have a very good start and do not be afraid to ask questions as we were all new once also. Take care and enjoy the new hobby.
@@crankygunreviews My thoughts exactly. My reloading/gunsmithing room is where I go when I need to relax and checkout on the day to day weirdness. I also heard the same thing when it comes to Cheddite primers, that they are a smidgeon bigger than the others. I can not attest to that as I have and can still get the other primers periodically.
@@Army4Life8892 Cheddite used to be bigger. I have some they’re the same as Winchester, but Nobel sport are definitely bigger- I have a lot of Nobel sport- they’re good to prolong your hulls if the primer pockets open up
Haha. Not sure its cheaper with the price of primers. I have a Lee LoadAll for my 20 gauges since it is a gauge specific press and have used it for years. Some folks load their shot shells with no loader at all and do it by hand. Shot, wads, primers, hulls, and powder. I have more factory .410 shells than factory 20 gauge shells but I can reload my 20s, not my .410. Remember you are using dram weights for shot shells, not grain weights for metallic cartridges. There is a difference in weights. I like to use Unique powder or similar powders that double for both shot shells and pistol cartridges. Typically I like medium burn rates for shotguns and pistols. Different story for rifles, some fast and some slow. However I am looking into getting some IMR 4064 as a medium burn rate versatile rifle powder over my others. Best of luck with it. I have a loading bench with my Lee turret press for metallic cartridges and Lee LoadAll. A few other reloading bench tools on it also. A word of advice for reloading, no distractions. If you are going to reload then reload. No TV or other distractions. If a distraction comes up then stop and come back later. Stereo music is okay but don't let it distract you. Trust me, no distractions. Keep your mind on loading when reloading. That way you stay safer both while reloading and the finished product.
@@crankygunreviews Its safe advice. Your distraction could cost you dearly. I have been reloading since the late 1980s and I am still here so I must be doing something right.
One thing, reloading for someone (even though they are a good friend), all it take's is one real bad mishap and you could be sued for injury or wrongful death. reloading for someone is great and something nice to do, however, we live in a world of liability and that would put you out on the hook. My advice is to still be a good friend and have them over for a reloading session with some coffee, where they are operating the press as you watch, get the book out to look up what the manual says about a particular loading with them and share what it is all about. you are off the hook and maybe they will start reloading themselves because it's relaxing, rewarding and you might have fun doing it if you don't make it into work. Peace out dude. - Dave
Good video and good for you. I have been loading for a long time now, here in CA we are forced to use lead free for everything.....ground squirrels, predators, game and game birds. A few years ago I finally got ramped up for shotgun. I was irritated by the price of 12g steel and then 2 years ago you could not even find steel dove 20g here. I got fully spooled up to load 20g on a Lee load all. It was a really good decision, I can load steel dove loads for about 10 bucks a box and am set up for a very long time.
having reloading experience progressive reloading rig and powder scale is the way to go especialy if your going to reload for friends or any fun or competitive shooting
If you think the US is expensive for shooting supplies and firearms, you should come to the UK and check the prices, you all still pay half of what we do here, perspective!
I got serious about shotgun shells when i had to use worthless steel loads...went to hevi shot or progress to tss,use good wads,mylar wraps and pattern loads. No reason in the world to use 3-3 1/2 in as it requires more spacers etc. Ballistic products is a good place to start.
This is October 2023 and now for the price and the availability of primers and powder. Reloading 12ga is a break even and with some materials a loss. I have seen a lot of used reload press dump on the market. To Re Load 12ga is $ 0.71 each. Winchester AA 12 Gauge 2-3/4in #7.5 1-1/8oz Target Shotshells $0.56 each
I don't know where your buying shotshells for less than $10 A BOX OF 25... @@kenf2662 if you have to buy a press and everything to get started, yes it is more expensive, But once you have a press, and empty hulls (which I get free), the powder, primers, wads, and shot can be bought and will cost less per shell over what you can but from the factory. reloading isn't for everyone, and for me it's not just about the cost, it is about self reliance. I can load shot shells with rocks or steel bb's or just about anything if I needed to. All you really need is primers and powder, the rest you can improvise if need be.
I was given a loading setup 2 years ago. It was right when shotshell prices started up. If I had not been given so many components and a press I would not be able to load cheaper than buying. If a person had to guy buy everything now they would just be just as well of buying shells. Walmart loads at 35 cents each. A person would be hard pressed to load cheaper than that with $13-15 dollar wads, 6-10 cent primers, $60 dollar for 25 lbs of shot, and if you buy the cheapest shotshell powder right now you are looking at $35 and Alliant is crazy at $45-60. With that said I am sticking to loading because we will see hard times at some point in the future. If prices drop on factory ammo I will just shot more factory while it’s cheap.
Al arts near me are charging like $10.00-10.50 a box for shells- a little over $0.40-0.42 a round. I can load for much cheaper, but yes if someone is just starting out, it is pretty expensive to get components and presses to get started. I bought a bunch of 12 gauge stuff, powder, about 1400 hulls, shot, slug mold, wads, 1400 primers, press from a buddy for $300 - adding a $80 20 gauge press, and a 3rd press set up for .410 now I can reload all that I shoot
Have you considered using brass hulls? They use large pistol primers. I don’t know how many reloads you can get from plastic hulls but l’m sure brass is good for many times. I’m trying 12 gauge brass for the first time soon. If you have a drill press, it works fine for shot shells.
@@crankygunreviews , Ballistic Products Inc. has them plus the correct size cards and wads. I put a dowel inside the brass hull, set it on the drill press table and press in the primer. Using a mallet like some do would make me a bit nervous. I’m trying the brass shells because the crimp on plastic shells tends to hang up in the ejection port on my 1897 Winchester.
With the price of powder, primers and especially shot it just not worth loading shotshells.the exeption here would be 410 as it is crazy expensive for what it is.
If you have the equipment it’s still worth it, 25 rounds of birdshot in 12 or 20 gauge on average is $10.50-11.50 a box, I can reload for much less than that, and it’s more about self reliance and being ready in case there’s another shortage in the future. Plus it’s therapeutic to me to reload. $8.00 a box is typical for me on 12 or 20 gauge reloads, .410 is more like $6.00 when factory loads are about $17 a box and up
@@crankygunreviews I understand the environmental aspect of banning lead on shooting ranges and in wetlands. But quadrupling the price of shots seems completely counterintuitive. None of the ammunition manufacturers in England or Norway were prepared for such a ban that applies to all hunting, which meant that bismuth shot only became available two days before the hunt started last autumn.
It's control...they can't ban guns so price it beyond the average person...but...there are those who thought ahead, add a traditional bow,a good air rifle,and a flintlock.
It’s quite a bit cheaper to reload if you have a ton of free hulls. But only once you have all the equipment. If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll spend $300-500 just to get started even buying used gear
@@crankygunreviews I have the same press and free hulls but the price of the lead shot primers powder and wads is high enough at least from what I found that it's the same price or more loading as buying shells at my local Walmart just like I spend more loading rifle rounds than I can buy premium match ammo for but they have a purpose so I can still justify them but I doubt I can make a shot shell shoot any better than federal can. a bag of shot is 70 bucks+ shipping that's the biggest problem then primers are almost 100 bucks at least by me and powder is 40-50 a lb I don't remember how much wads were but I can buy 300 1 1/8 Oz shells for 100 +tax maybe I did the math wrong
I bought steel wants or steel, BBs, and yes, I know not to load them above the water. However, it would take a lot of shots of steel BBs to hurt the barrel. But you are right, it’s not a good practice to have steel on steel.
Same way you do on all other shells. I have a Mec 600jr press. I also did a video about reloading .410 without a press if you search for it, I show how to do it with random stuff I found around my garage
I just stocked up before the prices go up. Most box stores sell it at whatever they paid for it, and only raise prices once they run out and re-order. Small shops can charge whatever they want though.
@@crankygunreviews I'm just starting out and wow it's expensive... lead #5 shot. 25lb bag 70 dollars. insane but I can't find any of my regular hunting loads so I'll learn to make my own
I can load 25-30 rounds in less than an hour… once you get good at it, it’s pretty fast. Doing it methodically I think I can load a 12 gauge in under a minute, but sometimes you run into hiccups and have to stop and go back and start over or sometimes you have a stubborn shell that won’t come of the resized die.
Somebody called me and asked me if I wanted shotgun hulls. For free. I guess his son was going to get into reloading but never did. He wanted them gone. He had garbage bags of once fired Remington premier hulls. Thousands of them. I told him I guess I could take them off his hands. I drove home a happy guy.
😮😮😮 yeah I often pick through the bins after trap night at my club. Even the Winchester universals are decent for reloading, and no one cares about those. I get any 20 gauge or 410 hulls I can get my hands on as long as they’re not rusty, split, or crushed from people stepping on them.
Everyone was laughing at me when I was handloading shells when you could get them for $5 per box... Well I'm handloading them for that much right now. I'm the one laughing now! 😂
Yep! I hear that. Best time to start was yesterday, second best is today 👍
Remingoto sp 410 500
Welcome to the club! Whether you save money or not, it’s a great hobby. When the weather gets crappy, make yourself a big cup of coffee, sit down and relax. Have fun with it man. I sure do.
Ps, I have been finding some hodgdon tite wad at my local store. If you see any, get it. Perfect for just about any game loads
It’s been really fun so far!
I have some tight wad, some Long shot, and a couple Winchester powders too.
If you're not saving money, then it's pointless.
You're doing fine keep it up. Let me recommend the Lyman 5th Edition shotshell reloading handbook. I will not load without it. it can keep you doing it right and keep things safe for you.
Thanks for the tip! I have an older book, and a few of the “loadbooks” as well,
Definitely good advice. It’s a must have. Always refer to a proper reloading manual. Cheers!
@sherlock1895 completely agree
Great video , reloaded shotshells 45 years ago then got out of it in the 1990's Back into it with 410 and 12 gauge. 410 was the main reason. a good roll crimp on 410 work great , cutting down 3 inch to 21/2 is a great idea. I use ww296 for 410 same powder as H 110.
Yeah, I have 296, H110, and lil gun now for .410
the ammo manufacturers keep telling us ammo has been going up because the materials cost so much. if that is true, why do 410 shells cost so much more than 12 and 20. less raw materials should equal lower prices. you might want to look for some Bluedot powder. it is very versatile. get the Lyman 5th Edition reloading manual too. it is very important to follow the data in that manual. just remember. we are talking about things that go boom. don't take chances.
Supply and demand of the shells too- far fewer people buy .410 than the others and miniaturization often costs more to manufacture. I work for a manufacturer and the smallest products we sell always cost more- not as many people buy them, so the cost of each piece to make them is more money. It’s not just about raw materials- .410 has always been more expensive than other variants
@@crankygunreviews supply and demand is BS, they also charge more when things are too popular. Companies just rip us off, that's the real issue.
primers should be left in factory packaging. they are more dangerous than powder. suggest you get the old lyman #3 shotgun reloading manual. has plenty of good loads. i have valves and guides for a waukesha engine that are near lee loader sizes. just have not worked with these as i have a mec. take care. reloading is enjoyment to me. i do not reload for others. and it is against the law to sell your reloads. and if they have a accident they will blame you.
All great info to know! I still have the gray from the primers, it’s just a huge flat tray, takes up a lot of room, but safety is better than room.
I have a Mec 600 jr in 12 gauge coming, and one in 20 gauge as well.
Great video. I like the self sufficiency. I go down that road as well. Even if it is less practical in ways at the moment, it could be a solution in a future situation.
I already reload brass case cartridges, just getting into 12ga now.
Thanks for dropping by. Yeah, I like being able to do whatever I can, still grabbing a bottle of powder, some wads or shot as I find it. Primers are still outrageous but I buy 1000 as I can…
@@crankygunreviews Tell me about it. Right before everything went to hell (early 2020) I was buying rifle and pistol primers for ~$23-25/1000 at sportsmans warehouse. It was like they were on sale even compared to prices at the time. It is crazy how ammo is coming back down but primer prices are still so high. Basically at max price still but more available.
Fortunately I had bought some 209 primers despite not loading shotshells yet, so that is one less thing I have to get.
@@flycrew best prices I found on primers was $75 for 1000 209’s and pistol primers are like $88 for 1000 but I have to pay $30 in hazard fees when I buy them online. Can’t find them anywhere localy
I'm a big reloader for rifle, and just dipping my toes into SG. Your video shows why I'm doing it!
And things haven’t gotten much better lol. Powder stabilized for a while but may go up again, shot was really expensive for a while…
Congratulations! Welcome to the club 👍 Before you know it, you'll be taking long walks in the evening to pick up wheel weights on the side of the road 😂
I do the same thing with 3in 410s & use diy shot cards to cut down the shells to fit 2&1/2 (I use the Lee 36cal RB 000 buck mould for both 410 & 12ga. Saves me tons of $$$)
I was thinking of getting mold at some point- for now I have some shot and some bbs I’ll try first
What do you use for shot cards for the 410?
Nothing at first, but I recently bought a gasket punch set, and I have been punching shot cards out of craft foam, as I saw on TH-cam from The X Ring USA. I may switch to making them out of cereal boxes as I feel the rigid cardboard may work better.
I was crimping mine though, so overshot cards were mostly not needed, and I use a 410 clay buster wad over the powder.
Most of the weights I find anymore are not lead.
I’ve been into reloading for a few years now. I’m like you and really need to get into shotgun reloading.
Shotgun just seems easiest
The most economical reloads are 28ga 3/4oz 21 reloads per #, and only 14Gr of green dot.
Yeah, they may be, but I don't have a 28 gauge
@@crankygunreviews ATI calvery about $350, best excuse when you miss, bragging rights when you hit.😊
G'Day From Australia,
Here in OZ .410 cartridges are around $30 for a box of 25. Sometimes you come across cheaper rounds at about $20 but the Winchester, Remington and Eley cartridges are the most common. My preference is for the Eley Fourlong and Extralong's. 12 gauge ammo ranges from $20 to close to $30. Slugs are fairly expensive as there is a very low demand for them here.
I only recently bought a single shot Boito .410 shotgun after 50 years of lugging around 12 gauges. A pleasure to carry and shoot. When I've fired enough rounds, I intend reloading the shells with black powder and #6 shot---maybe even light buckshot loads and slugs or round .36 cal balls. These are leftovers from when I regularly shot muzzleloaders around 30 years ago.
Your video has prompted me to seriously consider reloading.
Thanks and Cheers,
Steve
That is about the cost I am seeing when they are available. $20-30 a box for Target birdshot, and way more for tungsten loads. Like $35-50 for a box of 5 3" shells. Reloading .410 saves so much money.
You’re right about 410 being insanely overpriced and scarce. I used to love that caliber because of its light recoil and lighter shotgun size, but I got so frustrated from not being able to find ammo and when I did find some once in a blue moon, it was 4 or 5 times what 12 gauge costs I sold all my 410 gear and now only use 12 and 20.
Yeah it’s definitely expensive
There a couple ways for the .410.... Get all brass and load bp loads...hand lee loader or make tools to load and use a roll crimp....the thing about handloading is you can load what factory can't. There are blogs on loading .38 and .40 cal pistol bullets....but you have to use common sense. I load special loads,but at trap pressures or charges ,not maximizing .
It's your gun,hands,and face...so read and think about what you are doing.
@daleharvey3278 I have books and keep my loads within spec. I made some cool double 000 bucks and one 9mm slug rounds. Also lots of regular shot shells
296 powder does .410 pretty good.
Yeah shotshell prices have shot up an insane amount, also availability is very low right now. The Winchester white box and federal red 100rd 12/20g used to be 23$ and it's now 40$ and I don't own a .410 but I haven't even seen a single box of that in a long time. This sucks because shotguns were my main source of practice, besides 22lr and third my .177 1200fps air rifle that I built a little range for
Prices are up 50-60% in my area. And you’re right- it’s rare I find .410, but when I do it’s pricey and I rarely want to buy it
This is a good video so thanks very much
@@dragonshadow3707 👍👍
European 209's are, indeed, a tiny bit larger than American made 209's. (Probably something to do with metric to standard conversion). As long as you use the same brand, there's no issues. If you have to switch back to American made primers, all is not lost. A "primer pocket uniformer" will reset the primer pocket.
BB's work fine as shot. Just want to make sure the wads are rated for steel shot.
"TheXringusa" sells a "survival loader" kit for 410, 20, 12 guage. Fits in a 5x5 box.
I have done a few updates since this- I now have 3 mec 600 Jr loaders, 12, 20, and .410, steel wads, and a bunch of shot and slugs, buckshot etc. you can swage the primer pockets with a 3/8
Ratchet extension too- Manny CA used to have a ton of good videos on reloading, I need to remake some of them as all his videos are gone.
Congratulations on being self sufficient. We have all started reloading for one reason or another. I have the Lee Load All 2 and have reloaded many 12 gauge shells with it. I also have the 20 gauge conversion kit for the Lee. There is a guy on TH-cam that makes and sells 3D printed equipment for reloading .410 using the Lee Load All 2 and I have just received my kit. It is by far not the fastest way to reload .410, but it does get the job done and it can be used with both the 3 inch and 2 1/2 inch shells. I also have a MEC 600 Jr. for 20 gauge and the MEC 761 Grabber for 12 gauge that were both garage sale finds and have less than $75.00 in both the MEC's. Have fun, take your time, get the components when you can and I also double down on the no distractions. You have a very good start and do not be afraid to ask questions as we were all new once also. Take care and enjoy the new hobby.
Thanks! Really do enjoy, it’s kind of therepeutic
@@crankygunreviews My thoughts exactly. My reloading/gunsmithing room is where I go when I need to relax and checkout on the day to day weirdness. I also heard the same thing when it comes to Cheddite primers, that they are a smidgeon bigger than the others. I can not attest to that as I have and can still get the other primers periodically.
@@Army4Life8892 Cheddite used to be bigger. I have some they’re the same as Winchester, but Nobel sport are definitely bigger- I have a lot of Nobel sport- they’re good to prolong your hulls if the primer pockets open up
Haha. Not sure its cheaper with the price of primers. I have a Lee LoadAll for my 20 gauges since it is a gauge specific press and have used it for years. Some folks load their shot shells with no loader at all and do it by hand. Shot, wads, primers, hulls, and powder. I have more factory .410 shells than factory 20 gauge shells but I can reload my 20s, not my .410. Remember you are using dram weights for shot shells, not grain weights for metallic cartridges. There is a difference in weights. I like to use Unique powder or similar powders that double for both shot shells and pistol cartridges. Typically I like medium burn rates for shotguns and pistols. Different story for rifles, some fast and some slow. However I am looking into getting some IMR 4064 as a medium burn rate versatile rifle powder over my others. Best of luck with it.
I have a loading bench with my Lee turret press for metallic cartridges and Lee LoadAll. A few other reloading bench tools on it also. A word of advice for reloading, no distractions. If you are going to reload then reload. No TV or other distractions. If a distraction comes up then stop and come back later. Stereo music is okay but don't let it distract you. Trust me, no distractions. Keep your mind on loading when reloading. That way you stay safer both while reloading and the finished product.
I got primers for 7.5 cents each. That doesn’t seem too bad to me. I know they used to be a lot cheaper, but everything used to be cheaper
Good advice on no distractions
@@crankygunreviews Its safe advice. Your distraction could cost you dearly. I have been reloading since the late 1980s and I am still here so I must be doing something right.
Congrats!
Thanks
One thing, reloading for someone (even though they are a good friend), all it take's is one real bad mishap and you could be sued for injury or wrongful death. reloading for someone is great and something nice to do, however, we live in a world of liability and that would put you out on the hook. My advice is to still be a good friend and have them over for a reloading session with some coffee, where they are operating the press as you watch, get the book out to look up what the manual says about a particular loading with them and share what it is all about. you are off the hook and maybe they will start reloading themselves because it's relaxing, rewarding and you might have fun doing it if you don't make it into work. Peace out dude. - Dave
@@thorsaxe5881 good advice.
Good video and good for you. I have been loading for a long time now, here in CA we are forced to use lead free for everything.....ground squirrels, predators, game and game birds. A few years ago I finally got ramped up for shotgun. I was irritated by the price of 12g steel and then 2 years ago you could not even find steel dove 20g here. I got fully spooled up to load 20g on a Lee load all. It was a really good decision, I can load steel dove loads for about 10 bucks a box and am set up for a very long time.
I heard CA was all lead free, but if you load your own, you can make whatever weight/charge you want even with steel
No lead even on sporting clays ranges in California?! No way
having reloading experience progressive reloading rig and powder scale is the way to go especialy if your going to reload for friends or any fun or competitive shooting
Yeah, but this is cheaper, and it is therepeutic
If you think the US is expensive for shooting supplies and firearms, you should come to the UK and check the prices, you all still pay half of what we do here, perspective!
Yeah I’ve heard.
Yes!!! Protect our rights !
‘Merica! 🇺🇸
I got serious about shotgun shells when i had to use worthless steel loads...went to hevi shot or progress to tss,use good wads,mylar wraps and pattern loads. No reason in the world to use 3-3 1/2 in as it requires more spacers etc. Ballistic products is a good place to start.
Yeah Ballistic products won’t ship to me. I can buy from precision le loading though
This is October 2023 and now for the price and the availability of primers and powder. Reloading 12ga is a break even and with some materials a loss. I have seen a lot of used reload press dump on the market. To Re Load 12ga is $ 0.71 each. Winchester AA 12 Gauge 2-3/4in #7.5 1-1/8oz Target Shotshells $0.56 each
Still cheaper to reload where I am- I can reload a box of 50 birdshot for about $8, and they’re $10.50-$12.00 just about everywhere.
@@crankygunreviews not
I don't know where your buying shotshells for less than $10 A BOX OF 25...
@@kenf2662 if you have to buy a press and everything to get started, yes it is more expensive, But once you have a press, and empty hulls (which I get free), the powder, primers, wads, and shot can be bought and will cost less per shell over what you can but from the factory. reloading isn't for everyone, and for me it's not just about the cost, it is about self reliance. I can load shot shells with rocks or steel bb's or just about anything if I needed to. All you really need is primers and powder, the rest you can improvise if need be.
Steel BB can scratch the bore even copper plate. BB is 0.177" #4 buckshot is 0.24". Steel shot uses thicker wads than lead.
I bought steel shot wads for 12 gauge.
I reload because i can't buy what i want of the shelf
That’s a great reason too!
In Kanada: 410 is 2$ cdn per round. Add taxes too!
@@johnbennett3714 yikes! It’s about half that here, bird shot is about $17 for 25 rounds
I was given a loading setup 2 years ago. It was right when shotshell prices started up. If I had not been given so many components and a press I would not be able to load cheaper than buying. If a person had to guy buy everything now they would just be just as well of buying shells. Walmart loads at 35 cents each. A person would be hard pressed to load cheaper than that with $13-15 dollar wads, 6-10 cent primers, $60 dollar for 25 lbs of shot, and if you buy the cheapest shotshell powder right now you are looking at $35 and Alliant is crazy at $45-60. With that said I am sticking to loading because we will see hard times at some point in the future. If prices drop on factory ammo I will just shot more factory while it’s cheap.
Al arts near me are charging like $10.00-10.50 a box for shells- a little over $0.40-0.42 a round. I can load for much cheaper, but yes if someone is just starting out, it is pretty expensive to get components and presses to get started. I bought a bunch of 12 gauge stuff, powder, about 1400 hulls, shot, slug mold, wads, 1400 primers, press from a buddy for $300 - adding a $80 20 gauge press, and a 3rd press set up for .410 now I can reload all that I shoot
BBs are shot size BB! They make some coyote loads with them.
Have you considered using brass hulls? They use large pistol primers. I don’t know how many reloads you can get from plastic hulls but l’m sure brass is good for many times. I’m trying 12 gauge brass for the first time soon.
If you have a drill press, it works fine for shot shells.
They’re harder to find, if I could get some I’d use them for the cool factor anyway
@@crankygunreviews , Ballistic Products Inc. has them plus the correct size cards and wads. I put a dowel inside the brass hull, set it on the drill press table and press in the primer. Using a mallet like some do would make me a bit nervous. I’m trying the brass shells because the crimp on plastic shells tends to hang up in the ejection port on my 1897 Winchester.
@@davidgardner863 Ballistic Products doesn't ship to my state.
@@crankygunreviews , Oh really? I live in California and it’s no problem here. What’s your state?
Massachusetts. I’ve emailed them a few times, the laws here aren’t clear, many places will ship if you provide a copy of your LTC, but not BP
Don't forget that painful HAZ MAT fee when ordering powder or primers!
Yeah I try to buy local- $30 on every order gets old fast
Get a cheap powder measure. Hand measuring each load will drive you nuts amazons got them for like 30 bucks
I did
Never reload over carpet and in a cool room is best like in a basement.
@@curtisdowling3773 I always reload in my basement
With the price of powder, primers and especially shot it just not worth loading shotshells.the exeption here would be 410 as it is crazy expensive for what it is.
If you have the equipment it’s still worth it, 25 rounds of birdshot in 12 or 20 gauge on average is $10.50-11.50 a box, I can reload for much less than that, and it’s more about self reliance and being ready in case there’s another shortage in the future. Plus it’s therapeutic to me to reload.
$8.00 a box is typical for me on 12 or 20 gauge reloads, .410 is more like $6.00 when factory loads are about $17 a box and up
I remember when my Daddy got mad when shot went up to $4.95 for a 25# bag.
Yeah it’s like $65 a bag
Of 25 lbs now
I found 3" #6 shot 410 shells for $20 for 25.
Yeah, that’s pricey- but the going rate now. They were like $14 just a couple years ago
I’m probably going to start reloading shot-shells since lead shots have become illegal to use in Europe. One bismuth shell cost 3$ 🤬
Yeah that stinks.., I can still buy leaf here, some areas require steel or bismuth for trap shooting or hunting, but most places allow lead
@@crankygunreviews I understand the environmental aspect of banning lead on shooting ranges and in wetlands. But quadrupling the price of shots seems completely counterintuitive. None of the ammunition manufacturers in England or Norway were prepared for such a ban that applies to all hunting, which meant that bismuth shot only became available two days before the hunt started last autumn.
@TrondOleJensen yeah some things don’t make sense
It's control...they can't ban guns so price it beyond the average person...but...there are those who thought ahead, add a traditional bow,a good air rifle,and a flintlock.
@@daleharvey3278 well, .410 is supply and demand too- though with the Henry lever guns, and AR’s in .410 maybe demand will go up
Buon pomeriggio scusami compagno come fare per acquistare borre TPS e wincester per il 410 grazie mille
Don’t know, I can only find the clay buster .410 wads
WTF they're very cheap. In India 1 shotgun birdshot is cost around 120 to 150 ₹ means 1 shel around 1 to 2 doller per round
Well, cheap is relative… I was spending $4.00-$5.50 for 25 rounds before COVID screwed everything up
Me too but unless I make the shot I can't make them cheaper than I can buy them unless I did my math wrong
It’s quite a bit cheaper to reload if you have a ton of free hulls. But only once you have all the equipment. If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll spend $300-500 just to get started even buying used gear
@@crankygunreviews
I have the same press and free hulls but the price of the lead shot primers powder and wads is high enough at least from what I found that it's the same price or more loading as buying shells at my local Walmart just like I spend more loading rifle rounds than I can buy premium match ammo for but they have a purpose so I can still justify them but I doubt I can make a shot shell shoot any better than federal can. a bag of shot is 70 bucks+ shipping that's the biggest problem then primers are almost 100 bucks at least by me and powder is 40-50 a lb I don't remember how much wads were but I can buy 300 1 1/8 Oz shells for 100 +tax maybe I did the math wrong
@@jordonvizer9638 I think I can reload for about 30 cents a round last time I checked, and it’s about 40 cents a round to but new
Make sure you don't load steel bbs above the wad, you will destroy your barrels
I bought steel wants or steel, BBs, and yes, I know not to load them above the water. However, it would take a lot of shots of steel BBs to hurt the barrel. But you are right, it’s not a good practice to have steel on steel.
but what about the cost of equipment too ?
Found a complete Mec 600 Jr for 20 gauge for $75, and I may be getting a 12 gauge Mec setup for free. The .410 reloader, I’m making
You'd have a heart attack to know that when I was a boy in 1975 I reloaded 20 gauge for $2 a box of 25.
@@ditpook I believe it
How do you seat primers on the .410?
Same way you do on all other shells. I have a Mec 600jr press. I also did a video about reloading .410 without a press if you search for it, I show how to do it with random stuff I found around my garage
You should never store primers like that. That jar is a hand grenade.
@@charlieberkson3771 ooh good to know
Ammo manufacturers are licensed to sell ammo!
Yep
powder and primer. more than double and triple now ☹️
I just stocked up before the prices go up. Most box stores sell it at whatever they paid for it, and only raise prices once they run out and re-order. Small shops can charge whatever they want though.
@@crankygunreviews I'm just starting out and wow it's expensive... lead #5 shot. 25lb bag 70 dollars. insane but I can't find any of my regular hunting loads so I'll learn to make my own
@@robert4027 yeah around me luckily lead has gone down to $60 for 25 lbs but that’s still expensive
From your description,you should be able to reload a BOX per WEEK,!
I can load 25-30 rounds in less than an hour… once you get good at it, it’s pretty fast. Doing it methodically I think I can load a 12 gauge in under a minute, but sometimes you run into hiccups and have to stop and go back and start over or sometimes you have a stubborn shell that won’t come of the resized die.
Somebody called me and asked me if I wanted shotgun hulls. For free. I guess his son was going to get into reloading but never did. He wanted them gone. He had garbage bags of once fired Remington premier hulls. Thousands of them. I told him I guess I could take them off his hands. I drove home a happy guy.
😮😮😮 yeah I often pick through the bins after trap night at my club. Even the Winchester universals are decent for reloading, and no one cares about those. I get any 20 gauge or 410 hulls I can get my hands on as long as they’re not rusty, split, or crushed from people stepping on them.
Wincester pezzi 500 Remingoto sp 410 500 tps 500 si puo spedire in Italia tutti per calibro 410 grazie mille
👍