Reloading Shotgun Shells

[Scott]

I am thinking about getting into reloading shotshells but i know absolutely nothing about it.
I have been handloading rifle bullets for some time now and enjoy it.

What brand of press ? Powder ? Supplies ? Pros and Cons.

Thanks.

[bobeyerite]

It depends on how much you plan to reload. Me as example, I shoot about 200 shells at Trap a week, in the summer. So I have a 2 PW Duo-Matic 375. They are both what is called a single stage reloader. I prefer them as I feel they give me better control of what I am reloading.

I load ahead in the winter and then load what I can in the summer. I also have a Mec Sizemaster another single stage for my 28 gauge

Like anything else you get what you pay for. So I would get the best reloader you can afford. BUT FIRST, get a GOOD SCALE, if you don't already have one for your rifle reloading. I have never seen the bushing charts accurate to what is actually being dropped by the Machine. Plus I never seen one lot of powder be exactly the same as the one before it, in my 40 years of reloading.

As for the powder and the other stuff, we are going to need what gauge of shotgun you shoot. For me there are no con's like you I enjoy reloading. There is some small money savings but that is getting harder each year. The best part is be able to make the loads you desire and know what you are shooting. If you shoot a 28 gauge like me, then yes, you can save some money.

If you need more help just ask we like to help.

Bob

[Scott]

Thanks Birdbrain.

I'm not looking for money savings by loading my own shotshells, its more of a "do it your self" mentality i have..

No more than i know about it already i'm leaning towards a single stage operation.
Can you give me some suggestions for different presses and where to buy them and shot ,powder and other essential parts for loading them ?

I will be loading 12ga only until i get comfortable with making my own. One of my kids (Daughter,13) is shooting a 12ga now but my son (10) shoots a 20ga more so if this works for me i'll load 20ga eventually too.

Also, im i use beam scales for my rifle loading, but am about to buy a pact or rcbs chargmaster electronic dispenser.
A friend of mine bought the chargemaster and we did some load testing between it and the beam scales and there was no noticeable difference in accuracy. Something to think about.

[bobeyerite]

I have loaded for years with a beam scale and there are times I weigh every load because the powder need to be adjusted. I am fussy I want each load to the exact. I forgot to mention, Are you going to be loading for Clay Birds to start? Or are you going to want to load now for clays and upland later? It make one heck of big difference in your powder selection etc.

The other question is what price range do you want for you loader?

[bobeyerite]

I use a Ponsness Warren Duo-Matic 375C. They are now $299.00 on their website. The addy for them is www.reloaders.com. The thing I like about them is you reload inside a resizing die and it really helps in turning out some nice shells. Mine is for 2.75 inch only but that is all I need anyway. You are right in wanting to know what you are going to reload for you will need the powder and shot bushings and you have them shipped with the reloader.

[strut]

I use the mec 650, its about wore out but it has loaded several thousand rounds and don't owe me a thing. Its just a single stage loader which is a bit slower but its what I'm used too. There are several good loaders out there so it just depends on what you want and how big shot-shell reloading will get in your shooting sports.

[kentucky]

about the pros and cons
unless u plan on doing a whole big bunch of shooting
it is pretty close to the same price to buy the cheap shells
back home the shot has went sky high at about 40 bucks a bag.
if you r doing some trap shootin' and love reloadin then i recomend a progressive reloader makes the process a whole lot faster