Shotgun Reloading for Fun, Savings

Reloading can provide relief from price increases on factory ammunition. Even with high lead prices, shooters find that reloads can shave half or more off ammo costs. Many wind up happier with reloads they customize to fit specific needs.

Make Light Practice Loads

Making a shell for any purpose – clays, grouse, rabbits, turkey, even steel for waterfowl – is a key advantage of reloading. Finding factory shells with lighter loads for long practice shoots is difficult unless specialty manufacturers are considered, but they can be pricey.

Instead, shooters who turn to reloading can adjust the payload to fit a practice gun as well as save on lead. Rather than shooting the standard one-ounce or an ounce and an eighth factory loads, many now throw seven-eighths ounce at most.

Even more shooters opt for three-quarter ounce loads as a happy medium that provides a perfect balance – enough pellets to nail the target, lighter felt recoil and lower cost. The shoulder-pounding heavy factory loads in lighter guns have given way to loads that can be shot all day long without discomfort.

Low Reloading Equipment Costs

Not much equipment is needed to start reloading. And, considering it’s a purchase that will last a lifetime, the cost of a reloading press is relatively low. In fact, amortized over years of reloading, it’s almost negligible. As other reloaders decide to upgrade to new presses or different styles that offer more functions, a basic reloader can be found for very little money on many shooting-related Web sites.

Reloading Scale

One vital tool is an accurate reloading scale. Its primary use is for double-checking the shot and powder charges thrown by the reloader. While both shot bars and powder bushings are standardized to throw consistent quantities shell after shell, there can be substantial variations.

It’s standard practice to weigh the powder charge metered by a new bushing to make certain it’s what the bushing is supposed to throw. Occasionally it’s necessary to use the next size bushing up or down to get the right charge. Some reloaders ream a bushing that’s throwing light or fill a bushing that’s throwing heavy so they can get it spot on. That process is impossible without a sensitive scale.

It’s also wise to spot-check finished shells to make certain that they are consistent in weight. Any substantial variance indicates a potential problem – perhaps a skipped component, a missed step or some other imperfection. Reloading is relatively safe, but it’s these kinds of critical safety checks that make it so.

For a novice, a good reloading manual is indispensible. Several commercial publications are available at most sporting goods stores that sell reloading components. A wealth of information is also available online, including reloading forums on popular shooting community Web sites.

Reloading Components in Bulk

Once a favorite load is tweaked, shooters can hone production to a fine point and save even more. A number of local and national retailers sell reloading components in bulk. Most who shoot frequently buy wads and primers by the case, and buy powder in several-pound jugs. Prices can go down significantly. Frequently, clubs buy in bulk and pass the savings on to members.

Reloading Safety

Safety is the watchword in reloading. Powder manufacturers and other component makers publish data on tested loads that reinforce safety if replicated conscientiously. With thousands of pounds of explosive pressure inches from their face, reloaders never vary safety-tested loads. Those who develop new recipes have them safety tested by ballistic experts before trying them out.

Shotgun Reloading

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