What is the best time of year to buy Apex TSS? They always seem to be sold out of #8's in a 3" shell before March. Is there any difference between their normal loads and this new Ninja stuff and if so what?
Also I have a old Lee Load All II I could use for measuring powder and shot I would think, what else would I need other than a roll crimp and do I need anything to use a roll crimper? (I think I read something about using a drill with them but I am not sure of that)
With prices so high is it worth my time to bother reloading at this time?
I will be reloading 7's or 8's I am not sure which in an 1187 with a Indian Creek Choke .665 , you can not use 9's in my state.
Thanks for taking the time to read and for any replies.
Dave Owens has a informative video on his YouTube channel on rolling your own TSS shells. I am sure there's others as well.
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Start now
Loading and finding the components to load the shells is almost impossible at this time, i looked at loading 20 ga shells in TSS and for what all i would need and the cost i could just buy all the TSS i needed already loaded. Your no young man, like myself, so my suggestion is just buy you some TSS shell from someone who commercially sells them already loaded. Now if i were 20 plus year old young man i would definitely look into loading my own TSS...But for shooting 1 - 5 shells year or less of TSS at a turkey, just shop for already loaded ammo in TSS... IMO..
Quote from: Ozarks Hillbilly on May 28, 2021, 10:43:56 AM
Dave Owens has a informative video on his YouTube channel on rolling your own TSS shells. I am sure there's others as well.
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Thanks, I will be sure to look for it.
Quote from: Gooserbat on May 28, 2021, 10:45:36 AM
Start now
Buying or reloading?
Quote from: Greg Massey on May 28, 2021, 11:19:07 AM
Loading and finding the components to load the shells is almost impossible at this time, i looked at loading 20 ga shells in TSS and for what all i would need and the cost i could just buy all the TSS i needed already loaded. Your no young man, like myself, so my suggestion is just buy you some TSS shell from someone who commercially sells them already loaded. Now if i were 20 plus year old young man i would definitely look into loading my own TSS...But for shooting 1 - 5 shells year or less of TSS at a turkey, just shop for already loaded ammo in TSS... IMO..
I was just starting in reloading when I had my car accident in 2001, I have about $1500.00 worth of reloading equipment now including digital powder measure, scale and calipers but that stuff is for reloading rifle shells. I just do not know how much everything will cost, but from what you are saying it may not be cost effective for me. I do not know if I will like it, I have no interest in shooting over 40 yards and I wonder about how it will be inside of 40 yards. Truth is I always loved experimenting with my arrows and I loved shooting woodchucks with 55gr. Nosler Ballistic tips I reloaded myself. I never got to try any 30.06 loads because my car accident happened but I do know .222 Nosler Ballistic Tips shot good as well. My 3 big things are cost of shot, cost of crimper and cost of powder, I do not think the 20+ year old red dot powder I have would be the best bet anymore :D Thank you for the honest input Greg, I do appreciate it and will consider it as well.
Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 28, 2021, 12:39:28 PM
Quote from: Ozarks Hillbilly on May 28, 2021, 10:43:56 AM
Dave Owens has a informative video on his YouTube channel on rolling your own TSS shells. I am sure there's others as well.
Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
Thanks, I will be sure to look for it.
Quote from: Gooserbat on May 28, 2021, 10:45:36 AM
Start now
Just in components alone, i was looking at well over 200 dollars investment .. Yes with TSS you have to have the right load information along with shot and powders..
Buying or reloading?
Quote from: Greg Massey on May 28, 2021, 11:19:07 AM
Loading and finding the components to load the shells is almost impossible at this time, i looked at loading 20 ga shells in TSS and for what all i would need and the cost i could just buy all the TSS i needed already loaded. Your no young man, like myself, so my suggestion is just buy you some TSS shell from someone who commercially sells them already loaded. Now if i were 20 plus year old young man i would definitely look into loading my own TSS...But for shooting 1 - 5 shells year or less of TSS at a turkey, just shop for already loaded ammo in TSS... IMO..
I was just starting in reloading when I had my car accident in 2001, I have about $1500.00 worth of reloading equipment now including digital powder measure, scale and calipers but that stuff is for reloading rifle shells. I just do not know how much everything will cost, but from what you are saying it may not be cost effective for me. I do not know if I will like it, I have no interest in shooting over 40 yards and I wonder about how it will be inside of 40 yards. Truth is I always loved experimenting with my arrows and I loved shooting woodchucks with 55gr. Nosler Ballistic tips I reloaded myself. I never got to try any 30.06 loads because my car accident happened but I do know .222 Nosler Ballistic Tips shot good as well. My 3 big things are cost of shot, cost of crimper and cost of powder, I do not think the 20+ year old red dot powder I have would be the best bet anymore :D Thank you for the honest input Greg, I do appreciate it and will consider it as well.
Just the coat of the TSS shot is pretty high. I think you really need to like to shoot a good bit to make it worth it. Dave mentions a few suppliers where he buys some of his supplies from. You have to buy the shot by the pound. I got to figuring up how many pounds I would need and I decided I would just buy a few boxes if shells instead. I would like to get into it one day. I know I would like to process.
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Quote Greg Massey:
Just in components alone, i was looking at well over 200 dollars investment .. Yes with TSS you have to have the right load information along with shot and powders..
Buying or reloading?
5 boxes of TSS will cost 300.00 before shipping though, how many rounds did you figure you could make doing it yourself and did it include the parts that my Load All II could do? Not trying to knock you at all, trying to figure the overall cost in this tiny little thing I call a brain and I am not at all good with numbers.
Quote from: aclawrence on May 28, 2021, 01:28:38 PM
Just the coat of the TSS shot is pretty high. I think you really need to like to shoot a good bit to make it worth it. Dave mentions a few suppliers where he buys some of his supplies from. You have to buy the shot by the pound. I got to figuring up how many pounds I would need and I decided I would just buy a few boxes if shells instead. I would like to get into it one day. I know I would like to process.
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That was another thing I was trying to figure in the overall cost I mentioned above to Greg before your reply popped up, how much would I have to reload to make it cost effective. I do have a bag of wads that I used for reloading Sporting Clays, I do not know if they can be used though, I will have to find them and ask here.
Quote from: aclawrence on May 28, 2021, 01:28:38 PM
Just the coat of the TSS shot is pretty high. I think you really need to like to shoot a good bit to make it worth it. Dave mentions a few suppliers where he buys some of his supplies from. You have to buy the shot by the pound. I got to figuring up how many pounds I would need and I decided I would just buy a few boxes if shells instead. I would like to get into it one day. I know I would like to process.
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I shoot a 1-5/8 oz load in my 20 gauge. The $50 pound of shot will load 9 shells with a little left over. The rest of the materials are not expensive at all. So for $50 I can buy 5 shells or get enough shot to load 9.
Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 28, 2021, 01:33:47 PM
Quote Greg Massey:
Just in components alone, i was looking at well over 200 dollars investment .. Yes with TSS you have to have the right load information along with shot and powders..
Buying or reloading?
5 boxes of TSS will cost 300.00 before shipping though, how many rounds did you figure you could make doing it yourself and did it include the parts that my Load All II could do? Not trying to knock you at all, trying to figure the overall cost in this tiny little thing I call a brain and I am not at all good with numbers.
Quote from: aclawrence on May 28, 2021, 01:28:38 PM
Just the coat of the TSS shot is pretty high. I think you really need to like to shoot a good bit to make it worth it. Dave mentions a few suppliers where he buys some of his supplies from. You have to buy the shot by the pound. I got to figuring up how many pounds I would need and I decided I would just buy a few boxes if shells instead. I would like to get into it one day. I know I would like to process.
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That was another thing I was trying to figure in the overall cost I mentioned above to Greg before your reply popped up, how much would I have to reload to make it cost effective. I do have a bag of wads that I used for reloading Sporting Clays, I do not know if they can be used though, I will have to find them and ask here.
No those wads cannot be used.
Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 28, 2021, 01:33:47 PM
Quote Greg Massey:
Just in components alone, i was looking at well over 200 dollars investment .. Yes with TSS you have to have the right load information along with shot and powders..
Buying or reloading?
5 boxes of TSS will cost 300.00 before shipping though, how many rounds did you figure you could make doing it yourself and did it include the parts that my Load All II could do? Not trying to knock you at all, trying to figure the overall cost in this tiny little thing I call a brain and I am not at all good with numbers.
Quote from: aclawrence on May 28, 2021, 01:28:38 PM
Just the coat of the TSS shot is pretty high. I think you really need to like to shoot a good bit to make it worth it. Dave mentions a few suppliers where he buys some of his supplies from. You have to buy the shot by the pound. I got to figuring up how many pounds I would need and I decided I would just buy a few boxes if shells instead. I would like to get into it one day. I know I would like to process.
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That was another thing I was trying to figure in the overall cost I mentioned above to Greg before your reply popped up, how much would I have to reload to make it cost effective. I do have a bag of wads that I used for reloading Sporting Clays, I do not know if they can be used though, I will have to find them and ask here.
You can't use those wad's for TSS
Sure people will tell you to load them, but they don't tell you how hard it is to find the items you need. Almost all of these guys who are loading these shells already had a stock of hulls, wads, cards and primers to load these shells .. Now i was just looking at loading 20 ga, and the cost. I don't thing it would be feasible to load the 12 ga. but hey it's your money. IMO Just like this spring i fired 3 shells and killed 3 gobblers
Quote from: Greg Massey on May 28, 2021, 01:59:49 PM
Sure people will tell you to load them, but they don't tell you how hard it is to find the items you need. Almost all of these guys who are loading these shells already had a stock of hulls, wads, cards and primers to load these shells .. Now i was just looking at loading 20 ga, and the cost. I don't thing it would be feasible to load the 12 ga. but hey it's your money. IMO Just like this spring i fired 3 shells and killed 3 gobblers
If you wait until February to start then yes it will be hard to find components, let alone with what is going on this year with ammo and components. The initial investment in high because you are buying components in bulk but for $250 you can have at minimum 100 hulls, pound of powder, 250 wads, 500 of needed fillers, shot for 18-19 shells at 1-5/8 oz, buffer, and overshot cards. That pound of powder will do 250ish shells. You do need a crimper, $30, a drill/drill press, something to seat everything but can use a striker, a scale, a funnel, and a couple various items to make it easier on yourself. At $50 a box of 5 you would have your overall investment paid for in a few years with the only cost continuing is shot for 100 rounds until you need more hulls etc.
Gives you peace of mind that the shell was done right, nothing changed, and gives an added bonus in preparation for the season and knowing you killed a bird with a shell you put together.
Now is the time to be thinking about buying some shells for next year. Yes they are costly and buying reloading items is not to bad if you reload enough to make it worth your time. But if you are shooting less than 10 TSS shells a year, buying them loaded probably is your best option.
Turkey Ninja Series
$39.99 – $64.99
5.00 out of 5
Variations
12 Gauge 3" 2 1/4 oz
Clear
$59.99
Available In Stock
Turkey Ninja Series quantity
1
ADD TO CART
CAN THIS SHIP TO YOU?
Quote from: davisd9 on May 28, 2021, 02:17:52 PM
Quote from: Greg Massey on May 28, 2021, 01:59:49 PM
Sure people will tell you to load them, but they don't tell you how hard it is to find the items you need. Almost all of these guys who are loading these shells already had a stock of hulls, wads, cards and primers to load these shells .. Now i was just looking at loading 20 ga, and the cost. I don't thing it would be feasible to load the 12 ga. but hey it's your money. IMO Just like this spring i fired 3 shells and killed 3 gobblers
If you wait until February to start then yes it will be hard to find components, let alone with what is going on this year with ammo and components. The initial investment in high because you are buying components in bulk but for $250 you can have at minimum 100 hulls, pound of powder, 250 wads, 500 of needed fillers, shot for 18-19 shells at 1-5/8 oz, buffer, and overshot cards. That pound of powder will do 250ish shells. You do need a crimper, $30, a drill/drill press, something to seat everything but can use a striker, a scale, a funnel, and a couple various items to make it easier on yourself. At $50 a box of 5 you would have your overall investment paid for in a few years with the only cost continuing is shot for 100 rounds until you need more hulls etc.
Gives you peace of mind that the shell was done right, nothing changed, and gives an added bonus in preparation for the season and knowing you killed a bird with a shell you put together.
I agree with you on this, but I've never had a problem with Apex or Federal TSS as for as shooting. But i can see the pleasure of loading your own. Now if i were a younger man i would for sure probably load my own, but at my age it's just not feasible. I'm just giving you different perspective in us older guys.. imo
Quote from: Yelper on May 28, 2021, 02:29:35 PM
Now is the time to be thinking about buying some shells for next year. Yes they are costly and buying reloading items is not to bad if you reload enough to make it worth your time. But if you are shooting less than 10 TSS shells a year, buying them loaded probably is your best option.
Turkey Ninja Series
$39.99 – $64.99
5.00 out of 5
Variations
12 Gauge 3" 2 1/4 oz
Clear
$59.99
Available In Stock
Turkey Ninja Series quantity
1
ADD TO CART
CAN THIS SHIP TO YOU?
Thank You ... Yelper that's my point ... why have all that stuff and components lying around to deal with in loading and shooting a few shells year.. great point you made..
If you are shooting upwards of 20+ TSS rounds a year on paper and at turkeys it makes sense to load your own should you wish. If you shoot a few rounds a year it's much more cost and time effective to buy IMO
I shot 4 gobblers in 3 states my wife shot 1 that's 1 box of $40 ammo it took a few minutes to buy online 3 years ago. I fired one check the gun shell a week before season so a total of 6 loads in a year.
Every other year in the off season I buy like 3 boxes and my supply seems to grow. Custom calls are expensive too but I don't have a desire to start making my own boxes calls to save money
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Sorry all, I had to got to the grocery store. The biggest point made to me here is from Tanto, (Though all are great points, thank you all) I am NOT a high volume shooter, so it may not even be worth my time to do it. I will I think get 5 boxes before next season, I was looking at 12ga 3? 2-1/4oz #8 shells as it seems they would open the most at various ranges to me, though I am sure somebody much more knowledgeable than I is going to come in here and correct me one that :D I am still not sure if I am past the idea of reloading, but only being able to get 9 shots from a lb. of shot does not sound like much to me.
I would still like to hear other opinions and pros and cons, but still have not heard if I could use the Load All II in part of the process either. I would also like to know what kinds of powders would be used most often please. Sorry to hear I can't use those old wads, would have helped save some money.
Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 28, 2021, 05:05:40 PM
Sorry all, I had to got to the grocery store. The biggest point made to me here is from Tanto, (Though all are great points, thank you all) I am NOT a high volume shooter, so it may not even be worth my time to do it. I will I think get 5 boxes before next season, I was looking at 12ga 3? 2-1/4oz #8 shells as it seems they would open the most at various ranges to me, though I am sure somebody much more knowledgeable than I is going to come in here and correct me one that :D I am still not sure if I am past the idea of reloading, but only being able to get 9 shots from a lb. of shot does not sound like much to me.
I would still like to hear other opinions and pros and cons, but still have not heard if I could use the Load All II in part of the process either. I would also like to know what kinds of powders would be used most often please. Sorry to hear I can't use those old wads, would have helped save some money.
Your not going to get any load data, unless you buy the shot from someone who sales it because of liability purposes. They will give you recipes for loading.
Quote from: Greg Massey on May 28, 2021, 05:16:55 PM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 28, 2021, 05:05:40 PM
Sorry all, I had to got to the grocery store. The biggest point made to me here is from Tanto, (Though all are great points, thank you all) I am NOT a high volume shooter, so it may not even be worth my time to do it. I will I think get 5 boxes before next season, I was looking at 12ga 3? 2-1/4oz #8 shells as it seems they would open the most at various ranges to me, though I am sure somebody much more knowledgeable than I is going to come in here and correct me one that :D I am still not sure if I am past the idea of reloading, but only being able to get 9 shots from a lb. of shot does not sound like much to me.
I would still like to hear other opinions and pros and cons, but still have not heard if I could use the Load All II in part of the process either. I would also like to know what kinds of powders would be used most often please. Sorry to hear I can't use those old wads, would have helped save some money.
Your not going to get any load data, unless you buy the shot from someone who sales it because of liability purposes. They will give you recipes for loading.
I am not looking for load data bud, just want to be able to look up prices for lb. of what the most common used ones (powders) would be. Thanks for all the good comments by the way.
Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 28, 2021, 05:19:02 PM
Quote from: Greg Massey on May 28, 2021, 05:16:55 PM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 28, 2021, 05:05:40 PM
Sorry all, I had to got to the grocery store. The biggest point made to me here is from Tanto, (Though all are great points, thank you all) I am NOT a high volume shooter, so it may not even be worth my time to do it. I will I think get 5 boxes before next season, I was looking at 12ga 3? 2-1/4oz #8 shells as it seems they would open the most at various ranges to me, though I am sure somebody much more knowledgeable than I is going to come in here and correct me one that :D I am still not sure if I am past the idea of reloading, but only being able to get 9 shots from a lb. of shot does not sound like much to me.
I would still like to hear other opinions and pros and cons, but still have not heard if I could use the Load All II in part of the process either. I would also like to know what kinds of powders would be used most often please. Sorry to hear I can't use those old wads, would have helped save some money.
Your not going to get any load data, unless you buy the shot from someone who sales it because of liability purposes. They will give you recipes for loading.
I am not looking for load data bud, just want to be able to look up prices for lb. of what the most common used ones (powders) would be. Thanks for all the good comments by the way.
[/quote Good luck ...
Quote from: Greg Massey on May 28, 2021, 05:24:40 PM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 28, 2021, 05:19:02 PM
Quote from: Greg Massey on May 28, 2021, 05:16:55 PM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 28, 2021, 05:05:40 PM
Sorry all, I had to got to the grocery store. The biggest point made to me here is from Tanto, (Though all are great points, thank you all) I am NOT a high volume shooter, so it may not even be worth my time to do it. I will I think get 5 boxes before next season, I was looking at 12ga 3? 2-1/4oz #8 shells as it seems they would open the most at various ranges to me, though I am sure somebody much more knowledgeable than I is going to come in here and correct me one that :D I am still not sure if I am past the idea of reloading, but only being able to get 9 shots from a lb. of shot does not sound like much to me.
I would still like to hear other opinions and pros and cons, but still have not heard if I could use the Load All II in part of the process either. I would also like to know what kinds of powders would be used most often please. Sorry to hear I can't use those old wads, would have helped save some money.
Your not going to get any load data, unless you buy the shot from someone who sales it because of liability purposes. They will give you recipes for loading.
I am not looking for load data bud, just want to be able to look up prices for lb. of what the most common used ones (powders) would be. Thanks for all the good comments by the way.
[/quote Good luck ...
Thanks, I have til Monday to get a turkey then the season is over. I am hoping after the toes and knees are operated on I can be more mobile next year. Best of luck to you as well if you are still hunting. I am going to try Fall hunting again this year, picked up a few books to try to pick up some tips on Fall hunting.
My opinion:
Buy from Foxtrot or from Hal Abbott's Company. Both use custom recipes for handloads ammo that they sell to the masses. These are same recipes that you'd receive from the popular shot suppliers if you bought shot. You don't have to worry about buying all the equipment and it's more like custom tss lids than say Federal.
For non high volume shooters, this is a good option.
Quote from: Jstocks on May 28, 2021, 09:35:35 PM
My opinion:
Buy from Foxtrot or from Hal Abbott's Company. Both use custom recipes for handloads ammo that they sell to the masses. These are same recipes that you'd receive from the popular shot suppliers if you bought shot. You don't have to worry about buying all the equipment and it's more like custom tss lids than say Federal.
For non high volume shooters, this is a good option.
Thanks, already looked into the first and will look into the second tomorrow. it is 9:49 and I get up between 2:30 and 3:00 to go hunting so I am heading to bed, you have and good night.
Quote from: davisd9 on May 28, 2021, 01:45:59 PM
Quote from: aclawrence on May 28, 2021, 01:28:38 PM
Just the coat of the TSS shot is pretty high. I think you really need to like to shoot a good bit to make it worth it. Dave mentions a few suppliers where he buys some of his supplies from. You have to buy the shot by the pound. I got to figuring up how many pounds I would need and I decided I would just buy a few boxes if shells instead. I would like to get into it one day. I know I would like to process.
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I shoot a 1-5/8 oz load in my 20 gauge. The $50 pound of shot will load 9 shells with a little left over. The rest of the materials are not expensive at all. So for $50 I can buy 5 shells or get enough shot to load 9.
That's not bad. I was factoring in the cost of all the equipment in my decision since I don't have any of it. I couldn't make the total investment to get started. If I had the stuff I'd go for it.
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I have two boxes of 12 gauge Apex 3" number 8's 2oz of shot. I paid around 100 for them last winter if you want them for that price they are yours. I'm shooting my 20 gauges for now on.
And Some like to load there own so they simply do not have to put up with a manufacturer discontinuing or changing any form of the recipe that you loved.
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I would not try to discourage anyone from reloading thier own ammunition, I my self have done so for many decades and own several reloaders and I still have a a old lee load-all too...
With that said ....its not cookies , you CAN NOT whip up hand loads via recommendations from a post on thr internet , you MUST use TESTED formulas ..and you must NEVER substitute components, a prime example would be substitute even a simple primer ...it will over pressure you ...buy a good reloading book with TESTED recipes...use quality scales .... some of the powders like alliant STEEL , you will need quality equipment to measure out ..and yes there has been powder lot variances over the years ...so do your research
We had a plethora of handloading going on here years ago and folks got a little carried away , there were some that knew what they were doing and there were quite a few just were faking it ....even the big names in tss reloading were complaing to me about it USE TESTED FORMULAS, you may hear name mentioned quite a bit by the members here and elsewhere and that his name starts with a "H"... I have it under good authority those formulas are TESTED ...I can't go on and say I endorse that individual due to stupid legal liabilities, but you get the drift, due to the fact I like the roof over my head we are not allowed to have people I knowingly know distribute formulas without insurance here on OG , it is in legal mumbo jumbo my "Hold Harmless loophole" and they are not here , so I myself am indemnified from any activity..once again just simply contact the "h" person ..
I want to point out to you that turkey loads are of the most powerful and highest pressure shotgun loads to ever be stuffed into a chamber , individuals will pass it off as "easy " nothing could be further from the truth , it is complicated to a newbie..if you are trained it will become second hand and enjoy the benefits of saving money if your doing it in large quantities....., if you are a fool , and use poor methods it can become increasingly dangerous...so be forwarned
Now I'm going to point out reloading materials are SCARCE these days ....and TSS is expensive....several people have been buying the raw pellets dirrecty from China and cutting out the middlemen ...the folks reselling it will absolutely cringe if people cut them out of the picture and you simply bought it from alliexspress allibaba websites ..I don't know of the quality but I would say if you throw it on a scale you'll figure it out asap
I agree with what has been stated in this post about the cost of buying premade shells vs. handloading. The one thing that I didn't see discussed was if you want to try different chokes or different recipes you can build a trap and collect the TSS and load it again. You can collect most of your TSS and that's the most expensive part of the shell. Just something else to think about when trying to do your cost comparison.
Quote from: Old Gobbler on May 29, 2021, 07:22:44 AM
I would not try to discourage anyone from reloading thier own ammunition, I my self have done so for many decades and own several reloaders and I still have a a old lee load-all too...
With that said ....its not cookies , you CAN NOT whip up hand loads via recommendations from a post on thr internet , you MUST use TESTED formulas ..and you must NEVER substitute components, a prime example would be substitute even a simple primer ...it will over pressure you ...buy a good reloading book with TESTED recipes...use quality scales .... some of the powders like alliant STEEL , you will need quality equipment to measure out ..and yes there has been powder lot variances over the years ...so do your research
We had a plethora of handloading going on here years ago and folks got a little carried away , there were some that knew what they were doing and there were quite a few just were faking it ....even the big names in tss reloading were complaing to me about it USE TESTED FORMULAS, you may hear name mentioned quite a bit by the members here and elsewhere and that his name starts with a "H"... I have it under good authority those formulas are TESTED ...I can't go on and say I endorse that individual due to stupid legal liabilities, but you get the drift, due to the fact I like the roof over my head we are not allowed to have people I knowingly know distribute formulas without insurance here on OG , it is in legal mumbo jumbo my "Hold Harmless loophole" and they are not here , so I myself am indemnified from any activity..once again just simply contact the "h" person ..
I want to point out to you that turkey loads are of the most powerful and highest pressure shotgun loads to ever be stuffed into a chamber , individuals will pass it off as "easy " nothing could be further from the truth , it is complicated to a newbie..if you are trained it will become second hand and enjoy the benefits of saving money if your doing it in large quantities....., if you are a fool , and use poor methods it can become increasingly dangerous...so be forwarned
Now I'm going to point out reloading materials are SCARCE these days ....and TSS is expensive....several people have been buying the raw pellets dirrecty from China and cutting out the middlemen ...the folks reselling it will absolutely cringe if people cut them out of the picture and you simply bought it from alliexspress allibaba websites ..I don't know of the quality but I would say if you throw it on a scale you'll figure it out asap
I am very much a noob at reloading, even reloading rifle ammo and sporting clay ammo, my accident had happened just as I was beginning to really get into it and now I need a refresher course.
Anybody that knows me will tell you I am very safety orientated to the point of obsession and I have read and watched to many videos of people being idiots to do the same. I have been majorly hurt in two car accidents that I have never fully recovered from, at 51 I do not know if my body could recover again and I have no interest in finding out. If I do do the reloading I will use only tested and proven reload materials and procedures, that is part of my figuring the cost, to me it is like cooking and in cooking cheap ingredients lead to cheap results and that goes for most things in life. I am not going to cheap out and risk my life, my girlfriends, my dogs or my landlords families house (Landlord of 30 years passed away a week ago today, very good woman, I loved her and will miss her.) it is just not worth it to do so. I am just hoping "H" does not turn out to be Herbie the Love Bug!
I agree, I have so many mixed rounds of ammo for my deer gun it is nuts, that is why I am trying to get back into reloading for it and other calibers, love those Nosler bullets, absolute tac drivers.
Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 29, 2021, 10:55:43 AM
Quote from: Old Gobbler on May 29, 2021, 07:22:44 AM
I would not try to discourage anyone from reloading thier own ammunition, I my self have done so for many decades and own several reloaders and I still have a a old lee load-all too...
With that said ....its not cookies , you CAN NOT whip up hand loads via recommendations from a post on thr internet , you MUST use TESTED formulas ..and you must NEVER substitute components, a prime example would be substitute even a simple primer ...it will over pressure you ...buy a good reloading book with TESTED recipes...use quality scales .... some of the powders like alliant STEEL , you will need quality equipment to measure out ..and yes there has been powder lot variances over the years ...so do your research
We had a plethora of handloading going on here years ago and folks got a little carried away , there were some that knew what they were doing and there were quite a few just were faking it ....even the big names in tss reloading were complaing to me about it USE TESTED FORMULAS, you may hear name mentioned quite a bit by the members here and elsewhere and that his name starts with a "H"... I have it under good authority those formulas are TESTED ...I can't go on and say I endorse that individual due to stupid legal liabilities, but you get the drift, due to the fact I like the roof over my head we are not allowed to have people I knowingly know distribute formulas without insurance here on OG , it is in legal mumbo jumbo my "Hold Harmless loophole" and they are not here , so I myself am indemnified from any activity..once again just simply contact the "h" person ..
I want to point out to you that turkey loads are of the most powerful and highest pressure shotgun loads to ever be stuffed into a chamber , individuals will pass it off as "easy " nothing could be further from the truth , it is complicated to a newbie..if you are trained it will become second hand and enjoy the benefits of saving money if your doing it in large quantities....., if you are a fool , and use poor methods it can become increasingly dangerous...so be forwarned
Now I'm going to point out reloading materials are SCARCE these days ....and TSS is expensive....several people have been buying the raw pellets dirrecty from China and cutting out the middlemen ...the folks reselling it will absolutely cringe if people cut them out of the picture and you simply bought it from alliexspress allibaba websites ..I don't know of the quality but I would say if you throw it on a scale you'll figure it out asap
I am very much a noob at reloading, even reloading rifle ammo and sporting clay ammo, my accident had happened just as I was beginning to really get into it and now I need a refresher course.
Anybody that knows me will tell you I am very safety orientated to the point of obsession and I have read and watched to many videos of people being idiots to do the same. I have been majorly hurt in two car accidents that I have never fully recovered from, at 51 I do not know if my body could recover again and I have no interest in finding out. If I do do the reloading I will use only tested and proven reload materials and procedures, that is part of my figuring the cost, to me it is like cooking and in cooking cheap ingredients lead to cheap results and that goes for most things in life. I am not going to cheap out and risk my life, my girlfriends, my dogs or my landlords families house (Landlord of 30 years passed away a week ago today, very good woman, I loved her and will miss her.) it is just not worth it to do so. I am just hoping "H" does not turn out to be Herbie the Love Bug!
I agree, I have so many mixed rounds of ammo for my deer gun it is nuts, that is why I am trying to get back into reloading for it and other calibers, love those Nosler bullets, absolute tac drivers.
The way i would look at this reloading is how many deer have you killed in the pass 5 years and the same with turkeys how many turkeys have you killed in the pass 5 years ? This should answer your question if you should reload or not in my opinion. This is also something to think about is it feasible for the amount of game I've taken in those 5 years. For myself it's not feasible ... imo....
One more thing, I had never loaded any shell of any kind in my life, never interested me. Tss and switching to a light weight gun that was actually more effective had my attention.
Read a tutorial on loading on gobbler nation, watched a video and went for it. Bought shot from Hal and got load data and many tips.
Easy as can be to load and satisfying, I know each of my shells are identical and if you do make a mistake or think you did, cut it open and your only out the hull which is dirt cheap!
I have a few rounds that some powder has gotten around the wad, I am going to cut em open and reload the components.
I decided to start loading my own last year. Spent a lot of time learning and as already said you have to purchase the shot to get the recipe. I was a job just locating all the components and tools needed. Took a couple of months and this was before the shortage we are in now. After I got it all together I had calculated around $4.50 a shell (20 gauge) But the next time it would have been less because some things you buy in bulk so youll have it in stock and you have the tools too. Its really the best way to go if you like to do things your self and shoot a lot.. So after I got it all together and the season ended I decided it really wasnt what i wanted to do and sold it . DUMB MOVE. I would hate to try to find all the components now. I bet its almost impossible. I was lucky enough to purchase 10 boxes of federal TSS #9 from Rodgers just before this past season. 10 boxes will last me along time. I shot 3 to check my setup. 3 to shoot 3 birds. next year ill probly shoot one to make sure my Fast Fire is on and if i can shoot 3 turks then thats 2 boxes in 2 years with 8 in stock.
Quote from: Greg Massey on May 29, 2021, 11:24:16 AM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 29, 2021, 10:55:43 AM
Quote from: Old Gobbler on May 29, 2021, 07:22:44 AM
I would not try to discourage anyone from reloading thier own ammunition, I my self have done so for many decades and own several reloaders and I still have a a old lee load-all too...
With that said ....its not cookies , you CAN NOT whip up hand loads via recommendations from a post on thr internet , you MUST use TESTED formulas ..and you must NEVER substitute components, a prime example would be substitute even a simple primer ...it will over pressure you ...buy a good reloading book with TESTED recipes...use quality scales .... some of the powders like alliant STEEL , you will need quality equipment to measure out ..and yes there has been powder lot variances over the years ...so do your research
We had a plethora of handloading going on here years ago and folks got a little carried away , there were some that knew what they were doing and there were quite a few just were faking it ....even the big names in tss reloading were complaing to me about it USE TESTED FORMULAS, you may hear name mentioned quite a bit by the members here and elsewhere and that his name starts with a "H"... I have it under good authority those formulas are TESTED ...I can't go on and say I endorse that individual due to stupid legal liabilities, but you get the drift, due to the fact I like the roof over my head we are not allowed to have people I knowingly know distribute formulas without insurance here on OG , it is in legal mumbo jumbo my "Hold Harmless loophole" and they are not here , so I myself am indemnified from any activity..once again just simply contact the "h" person ..
I want to point out to you that turkey loads are of the most powerful and highest pressure shotgun loads to ever be stuffed into a chamber , individuals will pass it off as "easy " nothing could be further from the truth , it is complicated to a newbie..if you are trained it will become second hand and enjoy the benefits of saving money if your doing it in large quantities....., if you are a fool , and use poor methods it can become increasingly dangerous...so be forwarned
Now I'm going to point out reloading materials are SCARCE these days ....and TSS is expensive....several people have been buying the raw pellets dirrecty from China and cutting out the middlemen ...the folks reselling it will absolutely cringe if people cut them out of the picture and you simply bought it from alliexspress allibaba websites ..I don't know of the quality but I would say if you throw it on a scale you'll figure it out asap
I am very much a noob at reloading, even reloading rifle ammo and sporting clay ammo, my accident had happened just as I was beginning to really get into it and now I need a refresher course.
Anybody that knows me will tell you I am very safety orientated to the point of obsession and I have read and watched to many videos of people being idiots to do the same. I have been majorly hurt in two car accidents that I have never fully recovered from, at 51 I do not know if my body could recover again and I have no interest in finding out. If I do do the reloading I will use only tested and proven reload materials and procedures, that is part of my figuring the cost, to me it is like cooking and in cooking cheap ingredients lead to cheap results and that goes for most things in life. I am not going to cheap out and risk my life, my girlfriends, my dogs or my landlords families house (Landlord of 30 years passed away a week ago today, very good woman, I loved her and will miss her.) it is just not worth it to do so. I am just hoping "H" does not turn out to be Herbie the Love Bug!
I agree, I have so many mixed rounds of ammo for my deer gun it is nuts, that is why I am trying to get back into reloading for it and other calibers, love those Nosler bullets, absolute tac drivers.
The way i would look at this reloading is how many deer have you killed in the pass 5 years and the same with turkeys how many turkeys have you killed in the pass 5 years ? This should answer your question if you should reload or not in my opinion. This is also something to think about is it feasible for the amount of game I've taken in those 5 years. For myself it's not feasible ... imo....
For turkey at this point I do agree with you, but as I have stated I have everything I need for reloading multiple calibers of rifle. Reloading was more for the amount of woodchuck I was killing in the beginning, it was cheaper to reload than to buy and now it certainly is cheaper for me for rifle as I have all I need to reload for rifle. Again though you are making great points about the turkey side of it though.
Quote from: Dtrkyman on May 29, 2021, 11:29:04 AM
One more thing, I had never loaded any shell of any kind in my life, never interested me. Tss and switching to a light weight gun that was actually more effective had my attention.
Read a tutorial on loading on gobbler , watched a video and went for it. Bought shot from Hal and got load data and many tips.
Easy as can be to load and satisfying, I know each of my shells are identical and if you do make a mistake or think you did, cut it open and your only out the hull which is dirt cheap!
I have a few rounds that some powder has gotten around the wad, I am going to cut em open and reload the components.
It is very satisfying knowing you have taken an animal with something you have made yourself, that is why I redo all my own arrows other than cutting them and why I got started in rifle reloading as well, I never got the chance to reload for deer because of my accident, well that is not exactly true, I did but gave away the shells because I could not hunt and thought I would never be able to hunt again. I do have all the stuff though so I am getting ready to do some .222 Remington and .243 Winchester very soon for woodchuck.
Quote from: strum on May 29, 2021, 11:37:37 AM
I decided to start loading my own last year. Spent a lot of time learning and as already said you have to purchase the shot to get the recipe. I was a job just locating all the components and tools needed. Took a couple of months and this was before the shortage we are in now. After I got it all together I had calculated around $4.50 a shell (20 gauge) But the next time it would have been less because some things you buy in bulk so youll have it in stock and you have the tools too. Its really the best way to go if you like to do things your self and shoot a lot.. So after I got it all together and the season ended I decided it really wasnt what i wanted to do and sold it . DUMB MOVE. I would hate to try to find all the components now. I bet its almost impossible. I was lucky enough to purchase 10 boxes of federal TSS #9 from Rodgers just before this past season. 10 boxes will last me along time. I shot 3 to check my setup. 3 to shoot 3 birds. next year ill probly shoot one to make sure my Fast Fire is on and if i can shoot 3 turks then thats 2 boxes in 2 years with 8 in stock.
That is part of my debate, I may be better off waiting to start reloading turkey ammo at this time.
Wait. Yes. I know a guy who just spent months looking for powder. Picked some up on a detour to turkey hunt out west. 50 bucks for a pound. Ridiculous. He bought all the other supplies from a Tss supplier and got his recipe.
Thought you were hunting this morning?
I like to pattern a good bit and I don't like the waste involved in it with tss. That's the reason I reload. It may take me 10 years to consider it payed off . But I was able to capture about 92% of my shot in the trap this year. Verses just losing it to the woods. Now I lost 5 loads to turkeys this season so there's that , but I also wanted a better pattern than what I was getting out of the commercial loads I was previously shooting . They shot good as well, but I wanted to best possible results. Yeah it's silly , but it's a hobby of mine and I'm putting more pellets on paper paper now. The only thing that's is expensive is the shot itself. So every 5 rounds I capture in my trap that's basically 50-60 dollars I didn't have to spend . I put about 5-6 rounds through both of my turkey guns before season into the trap this year . And I do this every year , sometimes more than that. So that's 100 bucks or more I didn't spend this year that I did last year . This past season was my first year using reloads . Luckily I had bought plenty of powder , so I'm good for a long time ..... finding anything now is going to be difficult.......... I know many people who farted around and didn't even get to shoot the commercial loads they normally do this season .... they had to shoot whatever they could find .
Quote from: dzsmith on May 30, 2021, 04:52:41 PM
I like to pattern a good bit and I don't like the waste involved in it with tss. That's the reason I reload. It may take me 10 years to consider it payed off . But I was able to capture about 92% of my shot in the trap this year. Verses just losing it to the woods. Now I lost 5 loads to turkeys this season so there's that , but I also wanted a better pattern than what I was getting out of the commercial loads I was previously shooting . They shot good as well, but I wanted to best possible results. Yeah it's silly , but it's a hobby of mine and I'm putting more pellets on paper paper now. The only thing that's is expensive is the shot itself. So every 5 rounds I capture in my trap that's basically 50-60 dollars I didn't have to spend . I put about 5-6 rounds through both of my turkey guns before season into the trap this year . And I do this every year , sometimes more than that. So that's 100 bucks or more I didn't spend this year that I did last year . This past season was my first year using reloads . Luckily I had bought plenty of powder , so I'm good for a long time ..... finding anything now is going to be difficult.......... I know many people who farted around and didn't even get to shoot the commercial loads they normally do this season .... they had to shoot whatever they could find .
Thank you for the information.
If I averaged 10-15 rounds through both turkey guns for pattern testing every year . I would consider my reloading setup payed for after about 3 years. That's in pattern shots alone.
Quote from: dzsmith on May 31, 2021, 10:42:36 PM
If I averaged 10-15 rounds through both turkey guns for pattern testing every year . I would consider my reloading setup payed for after about 3 years. That's in pattern shots alone.
Have you shot enough patterns with the reclaimed TSS from your trap to be able to tell if you are getting the same type of patterns that you get with new TSS, as far as pattern evenness and numbers?
Quote from: crow on June 01, 2021, 10:41:23 AM
Quote from: dzsmith on May 31, 2021, 10:42:36 PM
If I averaged 10-15 rounds through both turkey guns for pattern testing every year . I would consider my reloading setup payed for after about 3 years. That's in pattern shots alone.
Have you shot enough patterns with the reclaimed TSS from your trap to be able to tell if you are getting the same type of patterns that you get with new TSS, as far as pattern evenness and numbers?
Thanks for asking this, I had intended to but was driving the Mennonite when I read this and did not have the time to type and forgot all about it.
Quote from: crow on June 01, 2021, 10:41:23 AM
Quote from: dzsmith on May 31, 2021, 10:42:36 PM
If I averaged 10-15 rounds through both turkey guns for pattern testing every year . I would consider my reloading setup payed for after about 3 years. That's in pattern shots alone.
Have you shot enough patterns with the reclaimed TSS from your trap to be able to tell if you are getting the same type of patterns that you get with new TSS, as far as pattern evenness and numbers?
well last season was my first year loading my own. so i cant really say yet. I loaded up 10 new shells the other day for this season. i havent loaded any with the reclaimed tss yet. I need to but ive been real busy and we are in a shutdown at work.
I will be odd man out. Here's a different perspective. Nothing wrong with wanting to load and shoot tss. But if your shooting a 12 gauge at birds 40 yards and in, I would think it is kinda a waste. Tss gets you increased range at a price, or great 40 yard performance out of a small gauge lighter gun that you just can't get with lead ammo. I have shot turkeys with a pretty wide variety of ammo, no tss though,and they all died just fine. Nothing wrong with wanting to improve your patterns, it's fun,and tss is a great way to do it. But you really don't need 400 hits in the 10" ring to consistently take a turkey at reasonable ranges. I would take posters advice here and gather up stuff you need from a reputable source, and hopefully you can get everything squared away for next season, always plan ahead if possible.Hope you have a safe and successful season!
I agree on the 12ga loads, for turkey ranges it is a waste of a lot of expensive shot. but we are guys after all, faster bigger more is often what we are after!
I actually got load data for a lighter 20ga load to save shot, I still have not shot a bird at long range in 5 years of loading my own TSS. When I started there were no commercial TSS loads, If I were starting now i would probably just buy it.
Quote from: the Ward on February 20, 2022, 11:25:39 AM
I will be odd man out. Here's a different perspective. Nothing wrong with wanting to load and shoot tss. But if your shooting a 12 gauge at birds 40 yards and in, I would think it is kinda a waste. Tss gets you increased range at a price, or great 40 yard performance out of a small gauge lighter gun that you just can't get with lead ammo. I have shot turkeys with a pretty wide variety of ammo, no tss though,and they all died just fine. Nothing wrong with wanting to improve your patterns, it's fun,and tss is a great way to do it. But you really don't need 400 hits in the 10" ring to consistently take a turkey at reasonable ranges. I would take posters advice here and gather up stuff you need from a reputable source, and hopefully you can get everything squared away for next season, always plan ahead if possible.Hope you have a safe and successful season!
Thank you very much for the reply.
I did try to order a few boxes earlier this month, but they are all out of the size I want (Apex 12GA 3" I think it was 2 1/4 oz loads. They said they will have more soon, but to tell the truth I am not sure it is going to happen this year anyway, I need a gimbal for my camera that will handle the weight of my 300mm lens and the 600mm I want in the future and the one I am after is $600.00 so my money is tied up again. I may put the choke tube in the gun though to see if it shoots the Winchester Long Beards any better than the one I have in it now. Same constriction as I understand it though.
Quote from: Dtrkyman on February 20, 2022, 12:09:22 PM
I agree on the 12ga loads, for turkey ranges it is a waste of a lot of expensive shot. but we are guys after all, faster bigger more is often what we are after!
I actually got load data for a lighter 20ga load to save shot, I still have not shot a bird at long range in 5 years of loading my own TSS. When I started there were no commercial TSS loads, If I were starting now i would probably just buy it.
I know a lot of people suggest going to 20 but I got this gun with money I got after my father was electrocuted to death on a construction job, so to me it is like he gave it to me and I will never hunt with any other shotgun. I can't hold the front up anymore without a stick because of 2 shoulder surgeries but I have held a featherweight 20GA Fanchelli* as well and could not hold that up either. Funny thing is I can hold a bow up much easier.
I have no interest in reloading. I purchase most of my turkey shells in the fall or when they first become available. Since I'm shooting turkeys I don't need to buy much.
So I started turkey hunting with an old 835 I had. All my shots are within 30 yards, so when I put the red dot on the red neck I feel extremely confident with that 3.5" TSS payload headed out the barrel. Do I think it's overkill, most certainly I do at the ranges I shoot turkeys. I love overkill. So with the .410 I'll hunt with this year I have a little different mindset. The cute little .410 is quick handling and light, and the TSS shells tend to be a little cheaper than the 3.5" 12 gauge loads. I imagine my patterning sessions with the .410 will be more enjoyable. I could probably sell my lead sled, but I won't because I'm still gonna hunt with the 835.
Anyway, I make all my turkey shell purchases well before turkey season, often before Christmas.
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Quote from: Meleagris gallopavo on February 21, 2022, 07:42:36 PM
I have no interest in reloading. I purchase most of my turkey shells in the fall or when they first become available. Since I'm shooting turkeys I don't need to buy much.
So I started turkey hunting with an old 835 I had. All my shots are within 30 yards, so when I put the red dot on the red neck I feel extremely confident with that 3.5" TSS payload headed out the barrel. Do I think it's overkill, most certainly I do at the ranges I shoot turkeys. I love overkill. So with the .410 I'll hunt with this year I have a little different mindset. The cute little .410 is quick handling and light, and the TSS shells tend to be a little cheaper than the 3.5" 12 gauge loads. I imagine my patterning sessions with the .410 will be more enjoyable. I could probably sell my lead sled, but I won't because I'm still gonna hunt with the 835.
Anyway, I make all my turkey shell purchases well before turkey season, often before Christmas.
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I enjoyed reloading for my .243 Winchester and had done up some loads for the 30.06 Springfield as well as using the Loadall II for reloading shots for when I shot Sporting Clays for a short bit before my last accident. I just found out where most of my loading gear is at my friends house he just got roaches because of one of his sons friends that he let stay there because he was homeless. So now I do not want anything back, almost $1500.00 of gear and I am going to have to start over and I have to decide if I am going to.