New chum - shotshell reloading

[MR. WINCHESTER]

Have trawled thru pages of 'reloading ammunition' topics, but cant seem to find any advice re: 'what to buy for the beginner'.

Starting from an absolute position of ignorance, what reloader should I look at buying, to begin reloading 12 and 20 gauge shotshells ?

Thanks, in anticipation.

[Oldbloke]

The only one I've ever used is the lee load all, cheap easy to use, but definitely entry level.

Gets my vote https://youtu.be/rgA4i9l_QCE

[newsteadvic]

The biggest difficulty I have found with Shotshell reloading is securing wads. They have been non-existent in Oz for a few years.
If you have a source I would be keen to know.

The economic side of Shotshell reloading is nowhere as rewarding as metallic reloading, it is worth doing your math first. Most people would just buy shotshells these days for 12gauge, however you also have a 20gauge so maybe they are a good deal more expensive?. The exception is making up slug or buckshot loads if you have a mould. Slugs is the only thing I reload and because my production needs are low I just use a Lee Load-All Jnr.

[MR. WINCHESTER]

Yes, it's the new 20 gauge that now has me thinking hard and serious about 'rolling my own'.

I shoot a lot of 12 gauge guns and quite happily pay about $70 per slab.

Recently bought the little lady a 20 gauge ( have always lifted my nose at 'em ) and now find that a slab of 20 gauge is approx. double the price !!

[Khan]

Recently bought the little lady a 20 gauge ( have always lifted my nose at 'em ) and now find that a slab of 20 gauge is approx. double the price !!

Doesn't have the same economy of scale to make it cheap

[Arth]

I like the idea of having a little .410 for fun but same problem with the ammo cost there too.

[SendIt]

I like the idea of having a little .410 for fun but same problem with the ammo cost there too.

Indeed. Twice the price for half the cartridge.

[oohsam]

What a funny post ! I was reading thinking "this bloke is me"
I too shoot tons of 12ga and just bought the Mrs a 20ga and was shocked at the price of a slab $140.
Yesterday I bought a "rcbs the mini grand" shot she'll press. Which looks the goods.

I was considering an MCE junior but the seller in Aus didn't offer a 20ga one, only a .410 and wanted to charge an extra 150 for the 20ga dies.

Wads can be sourced from a lot of places, all the guys at my club reload 20ga and never have an issue. I'll update you once I start reloading them. Looks much much easier and relaxed than rifle rounds.

Hope that helps

[Rakk]

I was considering an MCE junior but the seller in Aus didn't offer a 20ga one, only a .410 and wanted to charge an extra 150 for the 20ga dies.

$150 extra... that's a laugh

[Oldbloke]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/shooting ... 568480.uts these seem to be available..