Need some direction

[hot shot]

Last year I bought a case of shotgun shells for $89. This year the same shells at the same store are $159. Thinking about starting to reload my own, but have some questions.

Is it worth it if I only shoot 1-2 cases per year, what kind of start up equipment cost am I looking at to reload steel shot. Are the reloads totaly waterproof? I think thats about it for now. Ive been kinda wanting to get into reloading for years, but never figured it was worth the cost. With the price of ammo on the rise, Im thinking about reconsidering

 

[Paulup]

I was told(no personal research) that you're looking at a good 1k to start reloading properly. I was also told that pretty soon all gunpowder will have a 2 year shelf life, and that it will be taxed right along with ammunition, so you won't save much money that way. I have nothing to back any of this up, but I'll look into it when I get some time later and see if I can get something concrete.

 

[SKYWLKR]

I would'nt say the most expensive but work ups can be time consuming.

The Mec turrent press is only $80 bucks and can often be found for $25-$40.

If you are shooting AA loads then it will save you if you are shooting bulk loads then probably not.

 

[Nick]

talk to Mark, he used to reload all of his own shotgun shells

 

[SpeedRacer]

Probably not worth it financially, but thing of all the cool rounds you could make! Dimes...flechettes...salt...dirty heroin needles...you name it!

 

[Chained Lightnin']

I was also told that pretty soon all gunpowder will have a 2 year shelf life,

I'd like to know who exactly has spread this rumor. Must be the same one saying primers will begin to have a "shelf life" also. Mine have a shelf life, until they go bang.

 

[LACamper]

I used to reload at UNO on their presses (Lee I think). Lee also used to make a single stage loader that wasn't all that expensive. I got out of skeet so it wasn't worth the effort for 2 or 3 boxes a year.

 

[dmiculek]

Loading shotgun is getting to be cost effective again. I loaded all my steel shot. I found loading loading steel to be really cost effective, plus you could safely load it to pretty high velocities.
As with all reloading buying in bulk saves the most $$. A good MEC loader will take you a long way. Still using the first one we got in the mid seventies.
I was just offered another loader from a friend of mine who no longer bird hunts. If he wants to sell it I'll post it here.