I am in there a bit like Jim Legg
But to expand, I reload becuase
1. It is hard to find the loads I want. everything from 7/8 oz and 1 oz 9's to low pressure and low recoil loads.
2. I load steel (when I have a chance becuase IMO velocity is everything with steel. I do 2 3/4 1 1/16 oz 3's at at 1550fps and 3" 1 1/8 oz 3's & 1's at 1635 fps. I makes a difference.
3. I load bismuth, to get spreader loads for my old fox.
4. I load 20 ga 1 oz to save money.
5. I load 12 ga to get 5's in 1 1/4 and 1 3/8 oz loads.
6. I load 28 ga becuase I am cheap.
But most important I load becuase it is relaxing and fun.
I shoot a lot of target w/ some serious target shooters. I do 3-4 thousand a year in various gauges. Some freinds do 10,000 plus. They all buy import shells in a big order, last year mirage, this year rio's. I was going to try and order with them... But no #9's screwed me up so much I gave up.
Look around guys. shells are going up. Here in CA for years you could by AA or STS at Walmart for $5. AA at Sports authority for $4.5 ( always 1 1/8 loads ( no 1 oz... break out the loader again). They have risen to $5.47 at Walmart and $6.50 at Sports Authority. I say unless lead goes down. The price of shells next season is going to be much higher.
I have resorted to buying anything I can find at bargin prices to stock up. Now have over 60 cases of various shells and 400 lbs of shot. I'll shoot the 3 1/4 1oz in my 1100 or citori target gun.
Also promo loads usually are dirtier and kick more for the same load becuase of the faster burning powder used. (the faster the powder, the less powder)
