+1000 on all that Aaron told you.
It's almost impossible to beat the price of most 12 gauge and 20 gauge field loads if you reload, with only the more expensive factory loads (steel, specialty turkey, buck shot) giving you room to beat the price at all.
Now, if you reload for the less popular shotshells, say 16 gauge, 28 gauge, or especially .410, it's definitely still quite worthwhile from a cost savings aspect to reload.
+1 on this. I used to reload 12's but it has gotten to the point where the math doesn't work for me. Now if you scored a deal on reclaimed shot I might be able to see it. Also keep in mind that not all shells are created equal when it comes to reloading. The Winchester AA worked great for me but the cheap hulls didn't hold a crimp for me..just my experience running full boat 1 1/4 oz loads the cheap hulls wanted to come uncrimped.
I have about 700 or 800 empty 12g shells that I'm trying to figure out if I should reload them. Is it cheaper to reload them then buy new? is it hard? What info do I need to start?
I'm about 25mins from Niles. Who would I have to talk to to be able to buy stuff there? Just show up?
So I have been looking and exploring local gun shops and few in Illinois where I used to live. I found a Lee shotshell reloading kit that has the powder measure, shot measure and the tools to de prime and re prime.
I also found a crimping tool that has the 6point and the 8point crimps. Got it for $5 so that is great.
What tools do I need to crimp the shells? From what I am seeing there are two crimping tools you need. A crimp starter and then the one that closes it. Is that true?
That is true, however the MEC and even the LEE DoAll will or should come with those. It normally isn't like metallic reloading where one purchases a press and dies for each stage separately....What tools do I need to crimp the shells? From what I am seeing there are two crimping tools you need. A crimp starter and then the one that closes it. Is that true?