I am a reloader. Like most people that handload I seek to achieve a better mixture than what is commercially available. Moreover, I feel as if it is my civic duty to perpetuate firearm ammunition. All firearms shoot differently and we handloaders seek to achieve an optimum load that gives us the most desirable results possible with our individual firearm. I got into reloading with my father many years ago and have persisted in the “hobby” since the 70’s. As a side note, many years ago when black powder cartridge shotguns were being used, many of the hunters would load their own brass cartridges by hand the evening before their next hunt. Some of them belonged to hunting groups and had hired hands that would load their shells and maintain their firearms for them. If you do some research, you will find photos of hunters standing next to piles of ducks. As you could imagine, they would need a lot of cartridges to harvest so many birds.
Hey Cruze!! Awesome seeing your reload setup!! Nice system to balance the powder to shells. Loved seeing your different sized shot! Great tip on the bees wax!! Definitely makes a difference to load your own. You definitely have to think smart to save money doing this!! Great video and info!
My did and me used to reload all our shell. I haven’t loaded in years and still have one pound of C300 gunpowder left. That was my favourite because it was not affected by, temperature, humidity or barometric pressure. They stopped making it after the plant blew up. Go figure😉
This is awesome..thanks for the insight... and thanks for your kindness also...i am so blessed to have friends like you and i pray you have a great upcoming weekend :D may God bless you and your loved ones.
I like to reload because I can control every aspect of the cartridge and can tune a load to my specific needs or expectations in a given firearm in my arsenal.
Yes sir totally agree...I'm constantly tinkering with my formula and choke tube to get the fastest load that patterns the best without the barrel pressure getting out of hand...its addicting! Thanks for stopping by!
It's not necessarily cost effective to reload low power, low quality birdshot. Especially if your shotgun is pump, s/s, o/u and you just blast out in the wood for occasional fun. For sport shooting, in my case with a semiautomatic, I need my baby to cycle every time. I exclusively reload #7.5 shot with dark grey Winchester AA hulls. I basically clone the Winchester AA Super Sport Sporting Clays ($16.29 for 25 commercial). I use Winchester powder and primers. 25 of my reloads cost me just $6.25. I also use a Lee Load All 2 12ga press ($60). I really enjoy it. I get my once fired hulls from a monthly tactical shotgun match, 5 stages, up to 25 shells per stage, and around 20 people per match. There are hulls EVERYWHERE! Between stages I only pick up the grey hulls. A lot of the "try hard" guys in Open division, with their box fed shotguns, only use red or grey Winchester AA shells. Some of those guys think they're too good to reload. I pay $20 to shoot the match. I do my best to be smooth and accurate. I love my Stoeger M3k 3 Gun 10+1 Freedom Series. She guns! 200 once fired hulls ($0.10 each) cost about $20. I essentially shoot for free. When the day is done, I leave the match with one full trashbag of several hundred beautiful AA hulls. Some people reload to shoot. I shoot to reload.
I just started reloading last year so far 9mm and 357 magnum. Going to do a bunch of 38 special soon. Got thousands of 22 bullets got on clearance. Just have not tried rifle yet. Would use those for my .223
Thank you for the informational video. I have been having difficulty finding shells for target shooting and am looking to get set up. This was the first video that I watched Good job 👍
Never thought of using turkey choke might have to try that you think that could work on pheasants for an uncooperative dog that likes to get to far ahead? Thanks for the video man!
Howdy sir...thanks for stopping by! Just be careful with the steel / turkey choke combination and stay with 6's or 7's...anything bigger won't compress enough and may be scary!
Is the savings worth getting into reloading? Shooting bismuth is expensive. My sons and I really enjoy duck hunting. We go quite often so it gets pretty pricey.
I've used Winchester AA hulls for years and can reload them about 12 times. 7-9 bucks a box reloading beats 12- 18 a box at the store any day. And that's If you can find any at the stores these days.
Really just depends what you want to be shooting. 12 gauge target loads can still be round right under 100$ case. At 10 bucks a box Ill buy not reload. If you're loading specialty stuff like tungsten waterfowl or turkey loads fine. I load 16 gauge low pressure for use in the old side by sides. These cost me about 6 bucks a box to load. and cost 15 or 20 bucks at the store. I load .410s which cost like 5 bucks to load and cost no about 3 bucks a box. yikes. And I load 28 gauges as I use that on farmed pheasants at a place that is no lead so my loads are very special if I could buy 28 gauge tungsten and steel duplex loads with mylar wraps that would be like 40 bucks a box.
I reload my own pistol ammo with a Dillon Progressive Press and have probably 5,000 rounds each .45 ACP & 9 mm .... you know for when the Zombie Apocalypse hits. If I did more waterfowl hunting I’d probably reload shot shells as well but Waterfowling is not as big up here as it is in other parts of the country. Good video ! Good luck with the ducks..... and geese.
That's a good little stash...hopefully we get Walking Dead Zombies and not World War Z Zombies...much easier to kill and don't have to use all yer bullets :-) Thanks buddy have a great weekend!
What are your thoughts now that prices on everything have gone through the roof? Do you still think it not worth reloading shotshells with today's prices? I've been to several big box stores in the Northeast and prices are $10 and up per box just for the cheap stuff. I'm reloading again and not paying 10 bucks for a box of shotgun shells! Maybe you need to do another video on this.
How much in a box? If you are talking about a box of 25 which is usually standard then 10 bucks is a lot. Im buying boxes of 25 for about 7 bucks in europe.
Been reloading shotgun shells for a few years now. Slugs and buckshot. Average is around $0.40 Canadian. For the price of 5 factory 00 buck I can reload 25! Over half the cost of store bought and with the right load they shoot as good if not better than factory. Initial investment sucks but in the long run its worth it and with prices and shortages these days it's def worth doing for slugs and buck.
For high quality game loads you have the answer. But I can buy loaded trap and sporting clay loads ,of excellent quality for $5 to 6 a box. On saleI have paid Under $5 so I pick ten cases. Good luck to you and yours! I should note that I reload all my pistol ammo at great savings!
Steel is a different animal brother....everything more expensive when reloading steel shot. Yer right lead is much cheaper...I can load a very high quality lead box for bout $4... Thx for stopping by
I love the idea of reloading more than i think I'd love the actual process. Its just very appealing to natural born tinkerer's (like me) because you know exactly what you have and exactly what it'll do. It also appeals to the self reliant types (like me) by giving the feeling of being in control of your own ammunition supply. Honestly for the tinkerer's and doomsday preppers its a wash. One, very few people can make ammo thats truly better than factory, and two, if ammo dries up so will the components to hand roll it. We learned that with Obama and then later again with the pandemic. The components are not really cheaper either. On the contrary, after you've bought all the supplies and machinery to get started reloading its a significant investment. You could've just spent that money on ammo. For the guys that like to burn up a few boxes of shells shooting skeet on the weekends, or just need enough shells to fill tiny mondern bag limits of birds and small game, you're far better off buying your ammo at the store. Less hassle, less headache, less chance of exploding your nice gun, and less time chasing the imaginary dragon that is cheap self sustainability. One more thing. Who the hell has time? I have to work five days a week. When i finally get home in the evening there's the wife and kids to tend to, and thank God for that. On my days off what little bit of time i do have to myself I'd rather spend it shooting, not preparing to shoot 😂
I don't shoot competatively. Reloading for me is a hobby. It does not matter how much it costs or saves me. It's about freedom to have amunition matched to my guns from the loads I have worked up. And during the pandemic and ammo shortage related to the election, I have plenty of supplies to keep me shooting. Stock up when supplies are available and shoot when you can. Good video by the way.
Cool...the old Mec 600...that's a workhorse there brother! We've been using the STS green and Nitro Gold Remington hulls...pretty readily available...just can't wait until duck season cuz then they scarce :-)
I’ve been using a lee loadall but looking into upgrading it. Definitely like those AA Winchester’s though. All around good universal hull if you ask me.
Every little bit you save helps. Like you said, over the years you've more than paid for all the initial investments. I'd say if you hunt a lot with a shotgun or do skeet shooting or something like that, it is probably well worth it. 30 secs seems pretty quick to me too. You can have a whole box of shells reloaded in 12 1/2 minutes. That ain't too shabby.👍💯
Yes sir...every penny counts. I remember way back when counting change out of the ashtray in my truck to buy diapers for my first kiddo...valuable lessons when you poor :-) Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!
@@CruzesLouisianaOutdoors Been there done that. Looking for a penny under the car seats to buy a loaf of bread. You learn to appreciate the little things though, huh?
Whew yea...like having to set your AC on 80 in the summertime cuz ya can’t afford the electricity bill lol :-). I appreciated every degree I could bring that down through the years...set at a constant 70 now haha
This is great to read. I remember finding change in my car for taco bell... so grateful for what happens with time, perseverance, hope and faith! Glad yall are all on the other side now!
@@CruzesLouisianaOutdoors oh okay I was under the assumption that a turkey choke was a full choke, what is the difference if you don’t mind me asking? Is the turkey choke stronger?
New friend here. My husband reloads ours. Mostly because I can't handle a lot of kick because of neck issues. But when we go full time rv living thats something we won't be able to do. I'm really sad about that part of it. We have almost the same set up as you.
so, looks like the de-primer step resizes from the inside forcing out to original spec but no full length resizing the outside of the shot shell tube and brass base back "down" to original size to insure it will cycle correctly in the gun? I have reloaded for pistol and a bit of rifle but no shotgun. Thank you for the demonstration.
Super informative video. One question, where is the break even point for how many shotgun shells you have to fire before it's worth loading yourself? If we assume that we talking about practice ammunition because many people practice at shooting ranges. By the way, is it possible to load with steel shots? Thanks. Greetings from Sweden. 🇸🇪
Howdy sir thanks for watching! Hmmmm...I really don't know to be honest...if I can 'not' have to go to Walmart for shells that's good enough for me :-) This video is all about reloading steel shot!
nails, tracers, marbles, confetti with some tac's, Legos! you know those suckers hurt when you step on them just think shooting out of a 12 gage. LOL You might get some good views with the legos!!!
Lol, I did a double take when you said how long it took you to reload a 1000 rounds! 8hrs and 20 min not 250hrs. Lol, I was thinking screw reloading shotgun shells. Thanks for sharing, looks fun
Hey man thanks for watching! Yep 8.33 hours :-). Well prolly little longer than that with the boxing, prep work, waxing crimps, etc. Can’t member what I said but sometimes I use ‘fuzzy math’ hahaha. Have a good weekend buddy!
#7 steel with a xful turkey choke, who would have thought? What type of birds you guys knocking down? I typically use #2 or BB 3.5 inch for snows and Canada's with a modified choke but I'm liking that extra couple yards with tighter choke setup!
That was cool! I never reloaded shotgun shells before! I did make shot one time. Used a ladle with small holes and a bucket of fabric softener. I needed 100 pounds of shot for my Caldwell lead sled and didn’t want to buy it! Lol! They came out pretty cool! I aways wondered how they would shoot in a shell!
Well that's pretty darn cool! How round were they? If any imperfections the shot would sent to 'curve' but maybe not too bad. Where's the video of your lead sled??? haha
Cruze's Louisiana Outdoors I’ll tell ya, they were pretty dang round! I would have had to make some kind of shifter to get all the sizes separated for making a shell, but I only needed to fill the bags for the lead sled. I probably wouldn’t use them for a competition, but for small game they would do the trick! I never made a video on the sled, but I’ll tell ya, for sighting in 12 gauge and high power rifles, this thing can’t be beat. I got it when my boys were little so they didn’t beat up their little shoulders! Lol! Now I use it so I don’t beat up my old shoulders! Lol!
I noticed you said you like to tamp on your wad after inserting and before shot drops. There is a setting on the charge tube that adjusts for wad pressure. FYI
Awesome video bro! I’m not a reloader.....but I should be! We shoot the crap out of shells! I’m impressed with that machine! Thanks for this video bro!
the answer is yes... then yes and yes again. be safe follow a proven recipe.... find componants when the world isnt crazy... then still yes. there is nothing better than doing your hobby from ground to dinner table... - YES RELOAD.
Would like to know what brand of powder do you use also and what dram powder charge do you use for each .would help me a lot I'm planning to reload for my 12 gauge over and under. just locked in your veido site in on my favorite sites on my task bar. so I can visit any time. THANK FOR GREAT VEIDOS.
I hate reloading for pistol and rifle but my QC is better and I find that my loads are way way more accurate then factory so I put up with it. For regular shotshells, a case is $85 for Remington Gun Clubs so I just buy factory.
I don't think your math is right. 30sec/shell times 1000 shells is only 8.5 hours. If it was 250 hours then you would only be saving a dollar per hour, and that's definitely not worth it. If you have the mental ability to sit still that long, then you could knock out 1000 shells in an afternoon.
Worth the money? Absolutely. And worth the effort. The problem now is acquiring components, but sometimes rollin yer own is the only source for the exact loads you want. I load for everything I own and haven't felt the sting of using a load that was not what I needed for a hunt.
20 dollars for 100 primers if you find any 50 dollars - 1pnd of powder its expensive reloading but the benefits are garenteing youll have ammo when shelves are empty.. i use an old. classic lee loader kit. no press
If you are doing it to save money then don’t do it. Not that you can’t save money but it is about the fact our government is in the process of trying to eliminate your ability to buy ammo. When you reload you control what you load and how you load and make sure that you have ammo. Buy supplies, reload, have fun, be secure in your ability to have ammo.
if your doing something that you want to do for a hobby, can you actually as your time value into the equation, isnt that time part of the enjoyment of said hobby,
Let me think.. I can reload a #00 buckshot round with shot I cast from scrap lead for about a quarter any time I want OR I can pay $1 - $2.50 for a lesser quality round that isn't available. Not a hard choice.
The analogy of ‘A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush’ applies to doing tasks, chores, and earning your keep is who you are. Doing your own shot and the pride knowing it was your homemade shot is worth the time❤️ I make all my spinners for a average cost from $.08 to $.18 and been modifying how they look and how they attract the fish throughout the year is well worth my time. A Great video. God Bless🇺🇸
Mail me sum quail please not farm raised wild shot. Man i luv me sum wild quail on the grill cooked with mesquite. Dats sum good eating i remember i would go hunting wen i was 14 come home fire up the grill i still have and clean the qual dig out the bird shot throwem on the grill make a pico de gallo and a guacamole with sum home made tortillas my mom would make n just eat right off the grill. Mannnnn😄❤
Man i would luv 4 a wild game butchery that specializes in just wild game that was hunted and brought to sell for the public damn i miss eating all that good hunted food im drooling just thinking about it. I tried sum farm raised quail n rabbit but dnt taste the same it really suck dnt have the game taste of the wild
This brings back a lot of childhood memories for me of when my father used to reload tons of shotgun shells both for himself and his friends. Cool video!
Hey man...thanks for stopping by. It was so long ago you made me doubt myself so just did it again...it is a different scale but this time counted 328 pellets...keep in mind this is zinc plated steel shot...maybe you think of lead? Hope this helps thanks!
@@CruzesLouisianaOutdoors You'd think all that talk of DUCKS and GEESE would've clued me in. Some days, it really does take a brick wall and a baseball bat for me to get the point. =)
