16ga.com ~ View topic

Joined: 22 Jan 2015 Posts: 345

Q1. What brands and where can I find good ammo deals for shooting skeet and SC in 16ga?

Q2. What readily available 16ga loads make good hulls to save for reloading?

Joined: 24 Jul 2016 Posts: 548 Location: Ohio

Don't know where your located but around here the best deal are Federal 1 oz loads at Walmart for $7.94 a box. Also (in my opinion) the are one of the best to reload.

Joined: 27 Jan 2016 Posts: 490 Location: Oswego, Kansas

I haven't used federal Hills in years because they are hard to find in my area without paying over $10/box. I have had decent results with Remington game loads that are available from Academy for $7.99/box and free shipping when you buy a case or more.
The Herters shell were great but Cabelas{Bass Pro} shot themselves in the foot when they discontinued them. Luckily I have a few thousand on hand and will just trim them to 21/2" when the crimps wear out.

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2347 Location: West MI

A1. ammoseek.com

A2. any using Ched style hulls

Maybe reload off the bat...

http://www.losttarget.com/costcal.htm

1st reloaded batch = to factory then realize the cost savings.

5 cases of reloads = used Sizemaster, 3 cases = a used 600.

Joined: 07 Sep 2014 Posts: 419

I only use Remington Game Loads. 1 ounce no. 8s which on sale I get for about $75.00 a flat, but then reload them with 1 1/8 ounce shot SP16 wads and Longshot. I do not like to make changes on my loaders to move from one hull to another.

Bob

Joined: 03 Sep 2014 Posts: 398 Location: Rochester, MN

I truly wish that someone would market a 7/8 oz #8 shot target load @ 1150 to 1200 fps for the 16 gauge.

Member Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Posts: 1338

Joined: 04 Mar 2019 Posts: 1841 Location: Central ND

John Singer,

That pretty much isn't going to happen.

All 16 gauge factory ammo is based on hunting loads, there just aren't enough folks that use their 16's to shoot targets on a regular basis.

RST might have something that you could use.

Joined: 07 Sep 2014 Posts: 419

One box at time around here, when you can find them, are about $11.95, so I just wait for the sales. I have about 2,000 Remington Game and Field hulls now sitting ready to load.

Bob

Mr. Wahoo,

Reloading is your answer, if you shoot any volume of shells at all at SC or skeet, hunting, etc. One of the fellows here has a list of recipes to share with loads from probably 5/8 oz to 1 3/8 oz. Just ask. There is a good site on-line. Plenty has been done and tested in that area. The need to reload for your individual situation is both the plight and the opportunity for enjoyment of the 16 gauge.

Hulls? -- In 16 gauge, the hulls available today are, arguably, all about the same as far as reloadability. They can be quite different in capacity and in wad and primer size requirements, but all the components compatible with them are readily available from places like Precision Reloading ( https://www.precisionreloading.com/ ), Ballistic Products ( https://www.ballisticproducts.com/ ), Grafs ( https://www.grafs.com/ ), Gamaliel ( https://www.brownells.com/.aspx/bapid=638/ClientPage/gamaliel ), etc.

Reloaders? -- Get a MEC 600 (best for the money, best factory support, best crimp system, and popular on the used market as more have been sold than any other reloader) or MEC Sizemaster, or a Ponsness Warren 375, or whatever your budget can handle, and go to work. Do not go cheap with a Lyman EasyLoader or a Lee LoadAll. While workable, you will in all likelihood, eventually, (and sooner than later) be dissatisfied with the results. Reloading can be very rewarding, and I see from your gun list you are already strongly committed to the gauge, so a good reloader seems within your financial wheelhouse.

Good Luck,
Tony

Joined: 09 Feb 2015 Posts: 821

I have sever cases of herters wich i believe is a top notch target load. 1oz 8's or 1-1/8 71/2. But, but, but. I do so much Trap shooting playing games I have not shot a factor shell for a long time. With the componets and loads of information out their I dont worry about factory loads. 16' are becoming mor popular as time continues. Especialy when they find out they are gettig beat buy a 16 ga. You would be suprised how many people come over to my truck and say ,I heard you shoot a 16. I tell them i haven't shot a 12 for years now. Have no use for one.
I get alot of funny looks.

Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 962 Location: Minnesota

I agree with maxsmoke, above.
Don’t go super cheap on reloaders.
I have a 16 ga sizemaster, also 12,20,and 28 ga.
They work real well.
After you have some experience with them, you can load four boxes an hour.

Joined: 22 Jan 2015 Posts: 345

I have been angling towards adding a shotshell loader to my reloading bench, but was putting it off until I can check off a few other priorities. Have been browsing the auction sites monitoring good used loaders. You folks are indeed nudging me closer.

Joined: 09 Mar 2016 Posts: 754 Location: Mn.

Joined: 03 Sep 2014 Posts: 398 Location: Rochester, MN