Price of Shotgun Reloading Then and Now

[retrieverman]

I used to shoot ALOT of skeet and sporting clays, so I reloaded to be able to afford the volume shooting. I changed jobs and haven’t shot much in over 20 years. A guy in my Sunday school class knew I loaded and asked if I could do a 20 ga #4 “squirrel” load. I dug through all my supplies and had everything I needed, so I loaded up a couple boxes for him. In looking through my stuff, I found a Lyman 4th edition manual that was like a bible when I loaded years ago, and in it, I found a cost analysis I did in the mid to late 90’s. It was kind of eye opening. The 20 gauge load...Win209, 14.3 grs International Clays, 1 1/8 oz #4 load would’ve cost $2.51/box then, but today’s pricing has it at $5.75/box. Factory ammo similar to that is $13.35/box.
A similar 12 ga load would’ve cost $2.93/box then but costs $6.15 now. A similar factory today is $7.39/box.

I found this interesting that the only substantial saving was the 20 ga “specialty” load, but in my opinion, it’s hardly worth the extra effort for the 12 ga price difference.

 

[Dumpstick]

I've never loaded shotgun shells, I just don't shoot enough to bother.

Looks like 12 gauge prices are affected by the 'economies of scale'. I would think that 20 gauge useage is a small fraction of 12.

 

[skyhawk1]

My brother and I used to reload 16 and 20 a lot back in the late'60s early '70s. Saved us then but I haven't reloaded in years. 1. I don't shoot 2-300 rounds in a weekend any more. 2. Shotgun loads that I do use are cheap enough it's not worth the effort or time. Did load some semi wild loads tho in the day. nickels, pennies, tacks etc.! Have several pounds of flechettes I would like to load up someday

 

[Snattlerake]

Used a Lyman Easy in the 60's and 70's for my trap shooting and hunting.

 

[OKCHunter]

It's hard to reload and beat the price of the value pack stuff for 12 and 20 when used for skeet / sporting clays. I bought 6 or 7 cases of 20 gauge Gun Clubs for around $4.60 (don't remember exactly) a box last December from Gander Mountain with a Good Sam membership - included free shipping. Shot it all up in Registered Skeet events this year. I'm hoping that deal shows up again. Specialty loads, however, are a different story as mentioned above. A definite savings can be had when reloading for 28 and .410.

 

[Okie4570]

Like said above, some savings with a 20, considerable savings with 28 and 410. For the kids shooting competitive trap, it's not uncommon for a few parents to get together and buy cases of 12g by the pallet.

 

[swampratt]

I have the stuff to reload for 12 gauge but have never done it..I do not shoot much shotgun at all.
I have 800 rounds of ammo for a 12 gauge and does not make sense to reload unless I want special stuff.

I do want to load slugs..I cast up a few but have not built any.

 

[Okie4570]

The squad of five that my daughter was on that won the team trap sub jr at Nationals in Sparta, IL last summer shot 50,750 registered targets last year combined lol. That doesn't include practice or any 4H or high school competitions, or skeet, 5 stand or sporting clays. Ton of shooting .

 

[DRC458]

I have the stuff to reload for 12 gauge but have never done it..I do not shoot much shotgun at all.
I have 800 rounds of ammo for a 12 gauge and does not make sense to reload unless I want special stuff.

I do want to load slugs..I cast up a few but have not built any.

I don't load much shotshell. Have loaded, and still have the equipment, for 12, 20, and 410. Never loaded any slugs. Honestly, never even thought about it!

 

[DRC458]

The squad of five that my daughter was on that won the team trap sub jr at Nationals in Sparta, IL last summer shot 50,750 registered targets last year combined lol. That doesn't include practice or any 4H or high school competitions, or skeet, 5 stand or sporting clays. Ton of shooting .

If the SHTF, send them to my house, will you, please?!?!?!