I probably have already answered this question myself, but I was looking for some feedback from some more experienced shooters.

I recently started shooting trap (in the past 12 months). I have been buying flats of Federal Top Gun between $5.70-$6.00/box. With that said, there is an older gentleman at my club who has a lightly used Ponsness Warren 2000 with some add-ons and 50# of shot for sale for $500.

When I look at the current spot price of hard shot, primers, powder and wads; I'm better off buying the factory loads.

Spot prices change over time, but for you experienced folks, does the capital investment and labor involved make any sense in purchasing this press?

nugman...thanks for the response. I will take your words of wisdom into consideration.

Presently doing the math, it makes no sense to reload (unless you desire something that is not available). With that said, my son has found a new interest in doing something with his dad and we are consuming a considerable amount of shells (I'm not bitching, as I enjoy every minute we spend together).

Recently, the spot price of shot has dropped and that is why I am pondering the reloading prospect (I currently reload metallic rifle and pistol). Things are tight here in Michigan, and if I can save on ammo by giving up watching TV and the payback is relatively short, I will consider it.

Thanks again for your reply.

The only way you can save money is to buy in rather large quantities. Think half a ton of shot, 16 lbs of powder, 10,000 primers, 10,000 wads.

There is a very good calculator at www.trapshooters.com. Plug in discount prices (see, for example www.conniescomponents.com )and there you are. Going that route, you can still reload under $4/box. HTH, Dutch.

Too funny Dutch. About the only way it makes sense to me is if you want to load what you can't buy. Everything equal, it would take about 41,000 shells to break even.

I think I'm done here. Thanks.

41,000 shells is about a year and three months for my family....... That's like putting your money in the bank and getting a 75% return per year! LOL!

If you feel like getting your toes wet, I have a used 650 and a used Grabber looking for a new home, and the price is right. Dutch.

quote:

if you want to load what you can't buy.

Like 3/4oz 12 ga. loads, 533 loads out of a bag of shot vs. 355 with 1 1/8oz loads. And they break clay targets just fine.

Loaded ammo prices are supposed to take another jump in price. I'll stick with my handloads and buy components in bulk.