Someone here shared this so I'll share it again.

http://www.trapshooters.com/rlcalcadv.htm

On the small end, .410 2.5 inch shells with only 1/2 ounce of shot can be loaded for less than a third of the cost of new off the shelf ammo.

Never could understand how a box of 3" .410 shells can cost close to $20. Guess they don't like to make runs of them.

Thanks all for the comments. I've been reloading handgun\rifle for quite some time and doing multiple calibers has certainly helped.

I'll have to start looking for better component pricing. That was nickel plated shot. It also seems my conversion for lb of shot to # of rounds was a bit off. I had used a guide I found on mec's website.

Lastly is there any issue in using the adapter for a mec press to reload 2 1/2" shells? I'll have to keep on eye on ebay\craigslist.

Mike the adapter for the short kit assuming your using a single stage press is available from Mec for about $30. Some presses will adjust far enough to use the 2 1/2 inch shell without it. I have a single stage 20ga press that I didn't need the adapter for. You might ask the people here if they have one they would part with. I know someone who has one for a 16ga press (I don't know if there guage specific) and I doubt he has started loading short 16's.

Mike I like Daryl's 3/4 oz load as well and have loaded up 500 for the 20ga. I doubt your saving much as you have increased powder, primers and wads but your net cost is still about $5/box....and they are fun to shoot.

For target loads, I think there may be a modest savings versus promotional shells bought at Wally World but I think the big advantage is in pattern performance. I'm using harder shot and I suspect a better wad and slower burning powder which results in better downrange performance.

I haven't looked at powder cost lately, but the last 8 lb keg of Promo I bought was $90 +/-
and primers around $20 a K. So I think your estimates are off by those errors or you're being skinned by your supplier. Are you buying at Cabela's? Or BPI?

J.A. That was a post I got from somewhere - I keep it bookmarked. I only load 3/4oz and you'll see the $/box goes down rather quickly the less shot . We buy wholesale at my club so it cost me about 3.43 a box to reload. The wife and I are shooting between 12 and 20 boxes a week, so every penny counts.

I reworked my costs and shopped around a bit more. I came in at around $5 to $6 a box for a 3/4oz load.
1750 rds in 4lb of titewad - $64 +16
2k primers - $60
2k cb0175-12 3/4oz - $48
533 rds in 25lb bag of shot - $55 = $220 for 2k rounds
.20 per round (2k) - $408 - $5 per box
.25 per round with $100 s&h - $6.25 per box

Supply costs came mostly form midway usa.

I'd have reload about 1700 rounds to recoup equipment costs. If i can find a used press, that would be less.

Mike,

Buy in bulk for max. savings. I buy 5000 primers(a sleeve), a case of CB wads (5000), and nothing smaller than 8 pouner of powder. Shot is the real expensive part. I shop for a good price for quality shot constantly. The prices fluctuate throughout the year. When I find a good deal I buy 20-25 bags. My most recent shot purchase (this fall) was at $37. I don't buy cheap components but by buying in bulk my current 7/8 oz. 20 ga. cost per box is $4.15. The performance is equal to premium target loads. You have to ask around the range to see who the biggest volume dealers are. They will have the best prices. Even if you must drive some distance, you can get the cost down. I drive 100 miles for the best prices but several shooters put together an order and make the trip. Keep in mind that these components do not have a shelf life if properly stored.

I'm trying something different this year in that I bought 30 25lb bags of reclaimed shot for $30/bag. Three of us went in on the shot to reduce cost.

say rich , a lot of guys at my club shoot reclaimed lead but we mostly shoot skeet , it seems fine in 20ga and up not so good in the smaller gauges, to much large shot in the stuff, they got it from the wayne county gun club , so I am told. they paid 25.00 a bag. if there was a easy way to sort out the shot size I think the guys that do the reclaiming would do it. it would sure make it easy to use for skeet and trap shooters.