I have reloaded rifle and pistol ammo on a simple single stage RCBS press for more years than I like to count, however, have never reloaded any shotshells. I really don't shoot the shotgun that much, but I guess I am an ammuniton hoarder given our current political situation. My questions are how many shells do you have to reload to recoupe the cost if you have nothing equipment wise. I have thought about a Lee loadall II as they are very cheap $$$ wise. I would have to buy everything except the hulls. I do have an old Pacific DL-106? or 160? but am not even sure if all the parts are there (no manual and the online one is hard to see and understand). I am sure I do not have the powder and shot bushings and Hornaday has not gotten back to me on pricing? Anyone with comments are welcomed!
Shotgun
Shotshell Reloading?
I haven't loaded shotshells for maybe 30 years now, don't do competition any more and the retail prices, on sale, are so low as to not make it worthwhile to me even tho I have the tools. The prices of shot, wads, primers are so high that the cost savings is minimal, IMHO. But, if you want to do it, that's something apart from money saved, right? 
The little Lee Load-All press works okay and a lot of people use them from low volumes. If I had to buy a new loader it would likley be a MEC, specific choice based on the anticipated volume.
The little Lee Load-All press works okay and a lot of people use them from low volumes. If I had to buy a new loader it would likley be a MEC, specific choice based on the anticipated volume.
I load roughly 15K shotshells of 4 gauges per year...... I think I'm into the payback period......
Thanks for replys so far!
I appreciate the information and opinions so far. I just hate to sit here with an old functional Pacific press and not using it. I am just not sure the cost of all the loading supplies and bushings (if I can find them) is worth it, but I do love reloading rifle and pistol!
It has always been addictive!
I appreciate the information and opinions so far. I just hate to sit here with an old functional Pacific press and not using it. I am just not sure the cost of all the loading supplies and bushings (if I can find them) is worth it, but I do love reloading rifle and pistol!
It has always been addictive!
MEC all the way. 99% of the clay shooters I know swear by them. I have 4 m
MEC Jr's. Here's the newest model.
http://www.mecreloaders.com/ProductLine/600JrMark5.asp
If you can buy a used MEC JR. go for it. They are usually in the $75 range. Very easy to strip, clean & re lube and good as new.
If you buy new, check Natchez & Gamaliel. At one time you used to get once fired hulls with a new press. Never hurts to try.
I have a Dillon Progressive reloader, and I do not like it. There's just too much going on with any progressive shot shell reloader to suit me, and that means multiple friction points, making it much harder to crank out loads. Your talking over $1000 also.
Everyone I know that bought MEC progressives use them as a single shell loader.
Good luck.
MEC Jr's. Here's the newest model.
http://www.mecreloaders.com/ProductLine/600JrMark5.asp
If you can buy a used MEC JR. go for it. They are usually in the $75 range. Very easy to strip, clean & re lube and good as new.
If you buy new, check Natchez & Gamaliel. At one time you used to get once fired hulls with a new press. Never hurts to try.
I have a Dillon Progressive reloader, and I do not like it. There's just too much going on with any progressive shot shell reloader to suit me, and that means multiple friction points, making it much harder to crank out loads. Your talking over $1000 also.
Everyone I know that bought MEC progressives use them as a single shell loader.
Good luck.
Ain't that the truth..... I did have a couple when I first started out before I went to Mec progressives.....
You may be able to sell your Pacific press or find parts for it on ebay. You can also find reasonable deals for a MEC loader.
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