16ga.com ~ View topic - How many of you hunt with your reloads, vs. buying factory?

Maybe 10 -15% factory loads (mostly heavy and steel). The rest in all three gauges I reload. That includes some steel.

Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 552 Location: WI

I will probably use up my last stock of factory SpredR and Gamebore #7's this season. I still have most of a case of RST papers in 7's. But I started reloading my own spreader loads with a 3D printed spreader insert I designed that I load in a 2-9/16" hull so I am not mourning the loss of factory availability.

Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 70 Location: Atlanta, GA

For hunting it's almost always handloads.

Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 70 Location: Atlanta, GA

For hunting it's almost always handloads.

Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 70 Location: Atlanta, GA

For hunting it's almost always handloads.

Joined: 03 Sep 2014 Posts: 412 Location: Rochester, MN

I have been purchasing bismuth and Kent Tungsten-matrix shot shells from a used sporting goods store. I salvage the shot and primers. I then reload the shot in 16 gauge hulls for pheasant hunting with a 16 gauge Sweet 16 Browning Auto5.

Joined: 17 Mar 2007 Posts: 249

Now that's getting into it, for sure. Wouldn't it be cheaper just to buy the bismuth shot in bulk? Just asking because I don't know.

8mmFan

Joined: 26 Apr 2010 Posts: 3313 Location: NCWa

Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 552 Location: WI

I had to pick up some stuff at the local Fleet Farm and thought I'd check in on ammo prices. All I can say is Yikes! These two Remington loads were the only options for 16 gauge ammo on the entire shelf. And yes, it's lead shot.

"Nobody buys 16 gauge" they said.

And for those prices I can understand why. Perhaps it's the lack of competition now that Federal own Remington.

In what universe is 1-1/8 oz of lead worth $10 more than 1 oz? Shocked

It looks like this will only continue, not sure what they are thinking. Extrapolating the trend, the 16 will be a reloaders gauge only in this country...period...more so than it is already. Stock up on components. Unless someone like Cheddite or Fiocchi decide to offer some competition, like Cheddite did with primers. Maybe Aguila will come to the rescue.

Of course, this could mean that there will be some nice 16 ga guns available from those who don't reload. Hmmm....

Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 552 Location: WI

I remember when I would buy RGL's at Dick's in NH, buy a full case and it was 10% off and no sales tax - final cost was $34.99, and I got a penny back as change. I used to stop at every Walmart I dove past to pick up Federals on sale this time of year - usually $3-4 per box.

Those days are gone, I guess.