16ga.com ~ View topic

Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 863 Location: NoDak

Hi all, well I think I want to start reloading for my 16ga guns. I don't know much about it however. So I need your help. I'm not looking for high production, just for hunting loads and target loads. So the question is:

What equipment do I need to get started (I know a good book on the subject will be the first)?

Whats a good reloader (kind of on the cheap here)?

Where is a good source for componants and the reloader?

Anything to get started.

Please bear with me, I'm looking for this on the cheap as I said.

Thanks so very much!!!

Greg

Member Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Posts: 3438 Location: Illinois

Get yourself a MEC 600 or Sizemaster.A good scale-RCBS doesn't have to be a high dollar one--and a good book on reloading shotshells-Lyman.Contact MEC for a free starter booklet www.mecreloaders.com

Reloading is a good past time and gives one a lot of control over what is shot. Now with that said I would like to add the down side. Having run the numbers for a one ounce load(lead),primer,powder, wad,and hull I came out with $5.75 a box. This based on the prices at Sportsman warehouse and doesn't count the initial start up of press,scale, and bushings. I have enjoyed it for years and won't let the cost keep me from my hobby but it is a thought to ponder.
Best,
Ron

You won't find anything less expensive than this:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=750550&t=11082005

If you shoot every weekend in volume and plan to buy your components in bulk, then you may save a few bucks. 28 gauge shooters can save quite a bit due to the high cost of factory shells as well. But for the average shooter that runs through a few boxes on skeet and then a few boxes during the season, it's not really cost effective. I do it because I have my father's 50's vintage Mec 250 and it's a fun past time, but I'm not saving any money when you figure in my time spent at the reloading bench.

The cost of your start up equipment can be lowered quite a bit by buying used. I see stuff advertised on these boards all the time, and I hear there's stuff on Ebay and other online auctions all the time. Keep your eye out for a good used press at half the price of a new.

One advantage is that you can craft premium loads without paying $12-13 for ammo such as Fiocchi GPs. It also provides a lot of flexibility in loadings which are not available at any cost. A single-stage press and a powder scale are the most costly factors, but these can be obtained used at very reasonable cost. The hulls are always problematic in 16ga but are available from outfits like BPI. I already had a lot of eqpt from my rifle/pistol loading days, so I picked up a P-W 375 press from eBay which makes outstanding ammo. You want to buy shot and primers locally because the shipping is awful on both. If you don't already have hulls, you will have to order them and probably wads as well. And joining the Low Pressure Reloading Group is a good idea too.

In the final analysis, it gives me a real sense of pride when I make a well-crafted shell and use it to take game.

Hc

Joined: 17 Oct 2007 Posts: 15 Location: West Allis, Wi.

I just started reloading 16ga. myself. Does any one have a recommendation for powder for a 1 oz. load for sporting clays.

Member Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Posts: 113 Location: Arizona

Look at the loads that use Unique. Great for sporting loads in 1 oz.

Member Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Posts: 398 Location: S Fl

Universal is a good choice for 1 oz.
If low pressure is important to you, try Solo 1250.

Pete