Buying bulk shotshells with an eye towards eventually reloading them?

[Lester Polfus]

We aren't huge consumers of shotshells. Typically I've bought a couple hundred a year of whatever was cheap and discarded the hulls when we were done.

However, two things are working their way up my Competent Man Checklist:

1) Become a better wing shot and take advantage of the mourning doves, band tails and occasional grouse that frequent my property.

2) Buy a rudimentary shotshell reloading rig and learn how to use it.

So any advice on what brand of #6 and #7.5 shotshells to buy, with an eye towards retaining the hulls and someday learning to reload them?

Also, I know that reloading shotshells usually isn't economical unless you are a really high volume shooter, but instead of sitting on the couch and watching the Tee-Vee we tend to collect DIY skills and equipment around here. When I die, my daughter will either be standing in the house saying "how am I going to get rid of all this shit?" or "Wow! I'm glad Dad set me up with everything I need to survive this dystopian future!"

[mtnbkr]

My friends who reload for shotgun typically go for Winchester AA or the equiv from other brands. However, I understand just about any can be reloaded as long as you're not too picky about cosmetics or getting multiple reloads out of a hull. Maybe learn the process on bulk pack hulls and switch to premium hulls once you've learned the process?

The Lee Load-All line seems to be "good enough" for light volume. I know one guy who used nothing else until he came across a good deal on a used Mec.

FWIW, you don't need specialized tools for .410. I've found numerous how-tos online for reloading .410 with common tools you probably already have as a "competent man". A friend of mine has tried it with success.

Chris

[BJXDS]

It really depends how many times you will reload. Win AA will hold up for a very long time but I have used many different empty cases for reloading. Mec shotshell reloader work very well and parts are readily available.

[john c]

In the late ‘90s I reloaded thousands and thousands of shot shells for trap. Back when you could get a bag of shot for $17. Now, a bag of shot is $50, you can buy a loaded shell for less than the price of components. Further, the quality of cheap shells has gone up dramatically. I can buy a cheap box of target loads, by the case, on sale, for $5.50. At $2 per pound for shot, and 1 and 1/8 per round, that’s $3.50 for lead alone, plus $1.25 for primers, $2 for powder, and I don’t even know how much wads are, anymore.

The only way to save money reloading shot shells is to use reclaimed shot, non-toxic shot for waterfowl, load slugs, or load smaller gauges than 12. Reclaimed shot is pretty bad for patterns.

If you still want to load your own, skip the Lee loader. Lee makes some good stuff, but the Lee shot shell loader isn’t their best item. The MEC 600 is much better, and you can get one used for $50-$100. For $50, the price difference from the Lee loader is a no-brainer.

Another thing: for the sweet love of Jesus do not buy hulls to reload. Ask around, there’s undoubtedly a trap shooter with a garage full who will give you some good ones. Or pick them off the ground at your local trap range.


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[Hambo]

I buy AA from Cabelas when they have free shipping, like now. There's also a $2/box rebate from Winchester on them until September.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/Winchester-reg-AA-Shotshells-Per-Case/731068.uts

Both of my MECs were used and one required a few bucks in parts, but they were way cheaper than new machines and work fine.

[pangloss]

Years ago Winchester AA we're the best. One line of Remington shells was exactly the same as AA. I have a MEC size master, and I never could get many reloads out of a single hull. Usually the crimp was bad and shot would leak out. I was in high school then, and that was the pre-internet era. Maybe there is an easy solution, but at this point, reloading doesn't seem to be worth it.

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[ranger]

If you are near Atlanta - I will give you all the hulls you want. As stated earlier, the price of components got so high I quit loading a long time ago. I loaded AA and Remington STS but I also loaded a lot of cheap, low brass hulls because they were so plentiful.

[willie]

Finding super deals on powder from former shooters and/or old guys or their estates is the best way to save money on reloading shot shells. Too, this powder does double duty as handgun powder. I've had great success doing this throughout the years. First, you must travel in these circles and have contact with dealers who buy such from estates. We have a buyer's market. Winchester, Federal, and Browning have rebates. A few 100 shells with occasional replenishing might serve your purpose. My math says that reloading shotgun shells won't save money if you don't already own equipment and components. Don't laugh, but Henry makes a beautiful, walnut stocked single shot shotgun that would serve nicely for popping doves or pests on your land. Oddly, cost is slightly more than a Mossberg pump clunker.

[Shotgun]

Reloading is a good skill to have. As others have said, it is not necessarily a money saver today, but that is not the OP’s primary goal. The ability to reload, at least to me, is a skill on the “Competant Man Checklist.”

To that purpose, shoot Winchester AA and learn to reload those. They crimp very well and can be reloaded many times before they start to crack and fail to hold a crimp. Buy a used Mec Progressive and get a reloading manual. I would discourage you from reloading a variety of shells. Different hulls produce different pressures and there are specific recipes for reloading different hulls. I got my Mec set up for AA target loads, which I also hunted with, decades ago. Finally, when you are satisfied with your reloading and get tired of it, those AA red hulls can be turned into Christmas lights. They look pretty cool strung around a patio or outside lounging area.

[Lester Polfus]

Reloading is a good skill to have. As others have said, it is not necessarily a money saver today, but that is not the OP’s primary goal. The ability to reload, at least to me, is a skill on the “Competant Man Checklist.”

To that purpose, shoot Winchester AA and learn to reload those. They crimp very well and can be reloaded many times before they start to crack and fail to hold a crimp. Buy a used Mec Progressive and get a reloading manual. I would discourage you from reloading a variety of shells. Different hulls produce different pressures and there are specific recipes for reloading different hulls. I got my Mec set up for AA target loads, which I also hunted with, decades ago. Finally, when you are satisfied with your reloading and get tired of it, those AA red hulls can be turned into Christmas lights. They look pretty cool strung around a patio or outside lounging area.


Yes. It isn't a money saver to grow our own vegetables either, but we place quite a bit of value upon knowing how to do it. It's funny. We don't identify as "preppers" but we wind up doing quite a bit of the same stuff as the prepper crowd, not out of fear of the 'pockylips, but because we value the skills and it's more fun, and more healthy than rotting our brains in front of the television.

I was kind of landing on the idea of AA hulls. It sounds like owning a hodge-podge of hulls can also result in needing to stock a hodge-podge of wads as well. I don't see a factory #6 load in a AA hull, but I'm sure I can figure something out.

I'm just redneck enough to decorate with shotgun shells too...

[Lester Polfus]

willie My response to those Henry single shot shotguns was "Shut up and take my money!" but they are still thin on the ground a year and a half after they were announced. They are one of the few firearms I'm keen enough on to be willing to buy brand new instead of waiting for a used example to eventually turn up. I hope to get one in 20 gauge when they finally become widely available.

[willie]

Cabela's has them in stock in some stores. I saw a 12 ga version last week in Waco.

[john c]

I hear what you're saying with respect the desire to learn the trade. In fact, I was just loading 9mm this evening, which is also a money-loser when you factor in my press and time. I like doing so, and enjoy loading ammo to my specifications, so I didn't mean to piss on the idea.

However, if you'd like to learn how to load ammo, a better route might be .45 ACP, .38/.357, or other calibers that are more worthwhile. Also, rifle rounds other than .223 are a great way to learn the skill. Alternately, load up some slugs or buckshot. Low volume shooters and a Lee Loader (not Lee Load-all) or Lyman 310 can't be beat for pure fun, if you have an old .30-30 or .44 Mag you'd like to shoot.

[Lester Polfus]

I hear what you're saying with respect the desire to learn the trade. In fact, I was just loading 9mm this evening, which is also a money-loser when you factor in my press and time. I like doing so, and enjoy loading ammo to my specifications, so I didn't mean to piss on the idea.

However, if you'd like to learn how to load ammo, a better route might be .45 ACP, .38/.357, or other calibers that are more worthwhile. Also, rifle rounds other than .223 are a great way to learn the skill. Alternately, load up some slugs or buckshot. Low volume shooters and a Lee Loader (not Lee Load-all) or Lyman 310 can't be beat for pure fun, if you have an old .30-30 or .44 Mag you'd like to shoot.

I've been reloading metallic centerfire cartridges since 2001. I just haven't taken the plunge into shotshells.

[peterb]

I've been reloading metallic centerfire cartridges since 2001. I just haven't taken the plunge into shotshells.

As you know from your metallic reloading, one advantage is being able to make extra-mild loads for new shooters, small folks, or anyone who likes less recoil. Back-pasture clays don’t demand high performance, and mild loads can make that kind of shooting more fun for everybody.

Another advantage is if you like the less-common gauges. I’ve seen nice used 16-gauge guns sell for less than 12s or 20s, probably because the ammunition is so much more expensive and harder to find.

[Toonces]

We aren't huge consumers of shotshells. Typically I've bought a couple hundred a year of whatever was cheap and discarded the hulls when we were done.

However, two things are working their way up my Competent Man Checklist:

1) Become a better wing shot and take advantage of the mourning doves, band tails and occasional grouse that frequent my property.

2) Buy a rudimentary shotshell reloading rig and learn how to use it.

So any advice on what brand of #6 and #7.5 shotshells to buy, with an eye towards retaining the hulls and someday learning to reload them?

Also, I know that reloading shotshells usually isn't economical unless you are a really high volume shooter, but instead of sitting on the couch and watching the Tee-Vee we tend to collect DIY skills and equipment around here. When I die, my daughter will either be standing in the house saying "how am I going to get rid of all this shit?" or "Wow! I'm glad Dad set me up with everything I need to survive this dystopian future!"

Remington "Gun Club" shotshells are cheaper than Win AA and still have decent hulls for reloading. They are not AA/STS grade, but they are above the cheap stuff.

I would love to see the rest of the Competent Man checklist! Maybe another thread?


My friends who reload for shotgun typically go for Winchester AA or the equiv from other brands. However, I understand just about any can be reloaded as long as you're not too picky about cosmetics or getting multiple reloads out of a hull. Maybe learn the process on bulk pack hulls and switch to premium hulls once you've learned the process?

When I was young and learning to reload, I loaded most any hull I could get my hands on. It can be done, and you will get really good at adjusting your press (MEC or bust!) for the different hulls. Get a Lyman Shotshell Reloading Handbook, they have recipes for many different hulls. If you come across a bunch of older hulls, get an older version of the book that has data for that hull. Stick to the book or go light. If you peruse the book enough, you will see that many hulls have fairly similar target load data. Things are different if you are looking to push 1-1/4 oz at 1500 fps.


Reloading is a good skill to have. As others have said, it is not necessarily a money saver today, but that is not the OP’s primary goal. The ability to reload, at least to me, is a skill on the “Competant Man Checklist.”

To that purpose, shoot Winchester AA and learn to reload those. They crimp very well and can be reloaded many times before they start to crack and fail to hold a crimp. Buy a used Mec Progressive and get a reloading manual. I would discourage you from reloading a variety of shells. Different hulls produce different pressures and there are specific recipes for reloading different hulls. I got my Mec set up for AA target loads, which I also hunted with, decades ago. Finally, when you are satisfied with your reloading and get tired of it, those AA red hulls can be turned into Christmas lights. They look pretty cool strung around a patio or outside lounging area.

My MEC 9000G progressive never gets adjusted for anything other than Win AA (Win AA = Glock 19). I haven't adjusted the crimp settings in years over many thousands of rounds. Remington STS will also produce acceptable results without adjustments. But my MEC 600 will get adjusted for any hull I want to reload, and the Lyman Shotshell Reloading Handbook has data for most current hulls that are not cheap crap.


Yes. It isn't a money saver to grow our own vegetables either, but we place quite a bit of value upon knowing how to do it. It's funny. We don't identify as "preppers" but we wind up doing quite a bit of the same stuff as the prepper crowd, not out of fear of the 'pockylips, but because we value the skills and it's more fun, and more healthy than rotting our brains in front of the television.

We're doing the gardening thing as well. One of my reasons is I want my girls (ages 6 & 8) to see what it takes to grow food. They've seen the shooting food thing and loved it. It's not about saving money.


I was kind of landing on the idea of AA hulls. It sounds like owning a hodge-podge of hulls can also result in needing to stock a hodge-podge of wads as well. I don't see a factory #6 load in a AA hull, but I'm sure I can figure something out.

I'm just redneck enough to decorate with shotgun shells too...

Shot size, within reason, doesn't matter. A 7/8 or 1-1/8 oz charge bar isn't going to change enough between #9 and #6 shot to matter on a target load.


As you know from your metallic reloading, one advantage is being able to make extra-mild loads for new shooters, small folks, or anyone who likes less recoil. Back-pasture clays don’t demand high performance, and mild loads can make that kind of shooting more fun for everybody.

Back in the day when I was single and shooting a lot a Skeet, I was high gun in my po-dunk town local league shooting 7/8 oz in a 12 gauge (23.65 average for a 20 week league...don't laugh). If you can't break a Skeet bird with a 20, a 12 isn't much help. But the reduced recoil adds up when shooting 4-6 rounds twice a week.

[Shotgun]

my Competent Man Checklist:

1) Become a better wing shot and take advantage of the mourning doves, band tails and occasional grouse that frequent my property.

2) Buy a rudimentary shotshell reloading rig and learn how to use it.


Lester, a Competent Man Checklist would be a good separate thread.

[BN]

Another vote for Winchester AA. If I remember, AA has an 8 point crimp that is neater.

It's been a long time since I reloaded any shotgun shells. I have a Lee Load All and it has been good enough for me. To reload, you will want to pick one load and stick to it. Wads come in a bunch of different sizes according to specific loads.

[mmc45414]

Gee, I guess most of this has been mentioned, but:
As mentioned, the Gun Club shells are recipe interchangeable with the STS, but they will not stand up to as many cycles. But if you buy cheap and want the potential, they are my go2.
As mentioned, troll for a used Mec 600, people either upgrade or go back to factory.
As mentioned, oddball combinations are available, we load 3/4oz #9 for skeet in both 12 and 20, this help a bit with cost savings also. You can also fit as much as 1-1/2oz in a regular hull, just by swapping wads, replicating the recoil of buck loads with small shot for practice on steel. Also for cheater shells, I loaded some with #6 to reach out there. Go look at the Claybuster wads, white is 1-1/8oz, silver is 7/8oz, pink is 1oz, hot pink is 3/4oz, red is 1-1/2oz. I have always been tempted to load some 1-1/2oz #9, just to be silly :)

I am also in favor of a Competent Man Checklist:
You should be able to back up a trailer, and tie a neck tie...

[BN]

You should be able to back up a trailer,...

Yikes. I'm out. :( Wait a minute. . . . . I can back up a trailer, just not straight. ;)

[NuJudge]

Can I suggest you go see a shotgun fitter? Commercially made shotguns sold in the US are typically made to fit a male, about 5'8" tall, right handed and right master eye, and about 180 pounds. If you deviate from that, you probably need a fitter to make some changes to your shotgun.

I am 6'4", weigh 235 and need really long sleeves on my shirts, and I typically broke about 15 of 25 in Skeet, until I saw a fitter. With that, and a little advice, I suddenly typically broke 22, maybe more.

The most important of the advice from the fitter was that if you are right eyed and right handed, you'll aim your shotgun with your left hand. He favored grasping the front wood out near the front, and do so extending the left index finger down the barrels. He wanted me to focus on the bird, but look ahead of it by the lead I needed, and the shotgun would follow my eye. When in doubt about the necessary lead for a bird, use the longer estimate, because the shot cloud is actually a teardrop, with a long tail, and if you err on the long side the tail will still nail the bird.

Regarding what shotshell hulls are best, the answer used to be easy: Winchester AA. Then along came the various compression formed Remingtons, which were as good. Of late, I have been using a lot of the European straight wall hulls, and their life is excellent. If you're laying in a lot of empties, be aware that the "Euro-trash" empties use a slightly larger primer than most US made ammo. Most US primers will be loose in the European cases, and may drop out. Conversely, I have used a lot of European spec shotgun primers in Winchester AA, Remington & other US spec hulls, and they work fine, but wreck the hull for future use with most US primers. You can find lots of discussions regarding these matters on the Shotgun World discussion forum.

[Lester Polfus]

If you are near Atlanta - I will give you all the hulls you want. As stated earlier, the price of components got so high I quit loading a long time ago. I loaded AA and Remington STS but I also loaded a lot of cheap, low brass hulls because they were so plentiful.


That's a kind offer! I'm pretty close to being in the opposite corner of CONUS from Atlanta, but I do appreciate it.

[Lester Polfus]

NuJudge , you and I are of a similar size. If I got serious about wingshooting I would definitely need a custom gunstopck.
peterb That is one of the attractions. I could load up some milder stuff to use here close to the house and for my wife to putt around with.
Toonces Shotgun mmc45414 I guess the whole Competent Man thing is more about a mindset than a laundry list of skills. I like to DIY as much stuff as possible and learn new skills. I tend to learn things at the 80% level then move on to something else.