Reloading 10GA shotgun shells - Is it worth it?

[38special]

I did a bit of reading before asking this, but mostly people talked about how cheap 12GA and 20GA are so reloading for cost savings is not practical right now due to high lead/powder costs. But I'm unable to find much info on reloading 10GA.

I'm finding that 10GA is about $1.09 per shell or more, plus shipping. It's hard to find locally. So I guess my question is two parts:

Is this worth getting into? I have 0 reloading equipment or experience, though I do have some friends and family with reloading experience so learning the trade is doable.

If this is worth doing, what's the least expensive way to get into from the beginning? I don't need manufacturer production - just a hobby to save money on 10GA ammo. I don't shoot it very often, but I might shoot it more if I can get into reloading it.

 

[patience0830]

How often can you stand to shoot it? A dollars worth of 10 ga is about all I want. By the time you've invested in all you need to reload and factor in your time, you'll need to reload a bunch to make it cost effective.

 

[Spear Dane]

It's worth it if you have a good Chiro in your hip pocket.

 

[Dentoro]

Here is a helpful video. I just started looking in it but this will help for a "hobby" with little investment. It is a three part video series. Hope it helps.

http://youtu.be/nZ4IBv0Bg9U

 

[Cameramonkey]

Considering a shotshell press can be had new for about $80, (likely much less on ebay, etc) it could be worth it if you shoot it a lot. Its not like brass reloaders that cost $500 to get started. From what I have seen, a shotshell press is the cheapest reloader out there when comparing apples to apples. I dont consider single stage presses in the same class even though they cost about the same because shotshell presses include the powder and shot dispensers and are closer to a progressive press in operation.

 

[oldpink]

As you said, it's not really cost effect to justify reloading 12 gauge and even 20 gauge lately, but if you intend to shoot that 10 gauge more than a couple of hundred rounds a year, it might actually make sense, at least if you can find a press at a reasonable price, and even more so if you have appropriate powder already and have a source for shot.
I was going to suggest the Lee Load All II, ordinarily the cheapest shotshell press, but it that one isn't available for 10 gauge, so it seems that you'll have to look at the likes of the MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 (right at or above the $200 point) for a new press, but you should be able to find one of those or something similar for a bit less used if you look around in the right places.
Another benefit of getting into reloading for 10 gauge is that you can customize the loads according to your level of recoil tolerance.

 

[tallend]

MEC 600JR-----212.99 at Midway USA

I load-re-load for about everything I shoot (except rimfire)-------------not looking at saving money--for me,it has become a great hobby-----I load a lot of "wildcat ammo"-building a ctg--taking it to a range and doing a 1/4moa--seeing a clay break,or a Pheasant drop is reason enough(for me) for reloading--------during my trapshooting days,my wife,daughter and I would go through thousands of shotshells at the larger registered shoots---hundreds,at the two day shoots---that was a real good reason for reloading(lol),didnt take long for me to buy a MEC 9000H,only way to go.
As "Oldpink" said "In reloading,you can customize your loads"

 

[38special]

Thanks for the comments....learned some stuff here.

Here is a helpful video. I just started looking in it but this will help for a "hobby" with little investment. It is a three part video series. Hope it helps.

http://youtu.be/nZ4IBv0Bg9U

Those methods are particularly interesting....I like it. Makes me wanna get a 10ga Lee Loader now!

 

[Nazgul]

I load for a 10ga double barrel shotgun. Got a MEC reloader with my Credit Card points.

I cast my own buckshot and slugs, so custom loads are cheap and fun to shoot. Think "Double load of Double Ought"-12ga has 9 pellets of 00 buck, 3 1/2 inch 10 ga can hold 18 pellets.

Shotshell reloading is different than metallic cartridge reloading. There is no margin for error in the data and components. Get quality manual, or better yet, talk to a veteran reloader before getting started. For pressure reasons no substitutions can be made in components or powder.

It is fun and easy with the proper preparations.

I shoot the 10 ga a lot in the summer for fun.

Enjoy.

Don

 

[Leadeye]

10 gauge is king of the woods for turkey and coyote, and I love my SP-10. In the deep woods, if you can see it, it's dead.

 

[Gunaria]

Simple answer is no. Not worth it. Sell your 10ga shotgun and get a 12ga in 3 1/2 in chamber.