12ga reloading costs

[Marc Retallack]

Mike,

Your shot cost seems very high. You state 5 11lb bags. Are you loading nickel or copper plated shot? 7 1/2s are easily found in 25lb bags for $35-$40 bag locally here in PA. If you switched to magnum or soft shot, you would have a considerable savings even if you had to have it shipped.

Marcus

[C.O.B.]

A 1oz load will give you 400 shells from a 25lb bag of shot. Lets say the shot cost you $40/bag. 400 Win 209 primers max cost $20, wads are about $8 bag 250 per bag so $16 for wads and you have some left over. Powder is $25 per lb. I don't know how many grains are in a pound but I can easily get 400 shells/lb. I believe my reloading cost is about $5/box compared to $10/box for new RST. IF you shoot alot reloading is the only way to go IMHO. I'll reduce my cost this year by going to 7/8 and 3/4 oz loads in 12,16 &20 guage.