Why reload ?

[Paul Harm]

There's a couple of reasons. It's fun. I can make better shells than cheap factory ammo. And it's cheaper. I run the shotgun venue at my club and the wife and I shoot three times a week. At one time a few years back my daughter and granddaughter also shot and I was reloading about 30 boxes of shells a week. Now I'm down to under 20 a week. The wife and I at times shoot a 28ga and I also shoot a couple of 10 bores. Normally it's 12ga. A lot can be saved with the 10 or 28. That, and 2 7/8 10ga shells aren't made. At times I'll load up a box or two of 2, 2 1/4, or 2 1/2" shells with fiber wads and a roll crimp. Those short ones with a roll crimp look cool. Plus, I hate recoil. 12ga 3/4oz and 10ga 1oz loads are fun to shoot. I also like to make black powder shells for the 12 and 10. At times I slip a BP shell in a friends shell pocket when shooting SCs and watch the look on their face when they shoot it. No one " borrows " a shell from me anymore if they're short a shell. I also keep a number of nitro and BP hunting loads on the shelf. I even found a 40 cal barrel rifle liner for my 1882 Remington hammer gun - now I'm waiting to shoot a deer with it - either the 40 cal 425 grain bullet or some 10ga buckshot in the other barrel if it's real close. Anyways, I find it very satisfying to make my own of just about any load and not have to try any find it. And it's easy on the shoulder and wallet.

[Craig Larter]

Paul I am like you and enjoy reloading . I have reloaded bismuth for many years . 3/4 Oz 12ga loads are another favorite thanks to my good friend Daryl. My greatest reward has been reloading the short ten for targets and ducks. This year a limit of mallards with a Parker AH and my handloaded 10's was a joy I will never forget.

[Kirk Mckinney]

Count me in. Just getting started. To have the load u want is going to be great.

[Woodcock survey]

I reload for all the same reasons plus i have found it a good idea to start off kids and my grand daughters with half ounce 20 ga. go to 3/4 then 7/8 without telling them and they never mention recoil. I am a fan of low recoil also and the commercial offerings do not come close. Paul did my PM reach you? I may not have done it properly.

[charlie cleveland]

i too reload the 8 ga the 10 ga and the 12 ga sometimes..i like yall enjoy making these shells and taking game with them..taking a deer with a ten ga or the 8 ga is is really a hoot...charlie

[OH Osthaus]

I have reloaded for decades - originally to save money so I could shoot more often

but now days - i enjoy the freedom to chose my load for different guns - and how else would I get a steady supply of 1 1/2 12ga bismuth or nice shot not to mention to feed the short tens (including an extra short British 10) either lead or non-tox

after lucking into a box of the old Alcan FBS 16ga wads - i loaded up enough of the Sherman Bell very light (4800 PSI) 1 1/8 loads to give a try at clays with a light weight short ten.

where in the world would you buy a load like that.

[Paul Harm]

I don't always look for messages - yes I got it. I think I almost enjoy making up different loads as I do shooting. The guys like 2" or 2 1/4" roll crimp shells.

[Woodcock survey]

Thank you for your reply. Another PM sent. Reloading lets you explore more options than are commercially available. Years ago a skeet shooter told me he was not crazy about skeet but loved to reload and skeet was the best way to empty the shells

[Big D]

A friend of mine says "I shoot high velocity shells, so I can miss faster"

[William Davis]

Paul, like you it's something I like to do. I have tailored loads to specific guns in 4 gauges, Multiple loads for some, each in a different color hull to make sure I put the right one in. New load, the collective,experience on this forum, very valuable.

Be simple to only shoot 12 G and buy factory B&Ps . But a lot less fun.

William