Unexpected Reloading "Fun"

    Greetings!  Is there a reason to reload your spent shotshells when component prices have increased so much?  "Yes", some serious shooters say because the reloads will be more evenly powered and accurate than purchased shells.  "No", other shooters say because reloading is difficult, time consuming, and exasperating.  Reloading my own shotshells was a logical progression in my interest in shooting sporting clays.  I wanted the experience and cost was not the main issue. (It is definitely cheaper to reload .410 and 28 gauge than purchasing them.)  Also, I like to experiment because I am an old science teacher.

    First, after some advice from other reloaders, I purchased a MEC Sizemaster 12 gauge reloader.  Next, I researched the internet and read the instructions very carefully.  I chose Clays powder, figure 8 wads, 209 primers, and green STS shells.  Finally, with the proper charge bar bushing, I embarked on my adventure with reloading.

    Some early observations:

• I didn't have enough hands to follow the process with any speed.
• Lead shot and powder have a tendency to cover the full extent of your reloading area.
• Pouring lead shot in the shot bottle is next to impossible without a good funnel. See above.
• Some final crimps were too deep, some crimps had holes that loose lead fell out of.  Re-read observation 2.
• Some of my first creations had crinkles in the sides of the shells.  Yes, I finally read all the directions and made suggested adjustments to the reloader.
• I didn't make sure a new primer fell into the reloading slot.  Guess what falls out the bottom of the shell when it has no primer.  Re-read observation 2.
• Those darn shells are really slick.  Re-read observation 2.
• Someone distracts me ( or I become engrossed in a sports program on T.V.) half way through the process and I can't remember where I left off.
• It is easy to invent swear words during early reloading attempts.  It's hard to believe a machine can be in the wrong and ruin my shells.
• It is a good idea to check the shot and powder bottles regularily when reloading.  Humm... how many shells did I reload with an empty powder container?

    I am exaggerating somewhat, ( you think?), and after reloading the first couple of boxes, I  began loading shells that any shooter would be proud of.  They were pretty, felt balanced, and fit in my gun.  Now a troublesome question arose.  Have you seen pictures of exploded guns and the physical mayhem that results from a bad shell?  I though about putting an old shotgun in a vice, tying a string to the trigger, and hiding behind an over-turned picnic table, and then setting the gun off.  Finally, I got up the nerve and tested the reloads on a sporting clays course.  For some reason, I didn't hit the first few targets.  I finally realized I must open my eyes when shooting!  Ha!  I have reloaded ever since.  Have you had similar or different experiences?

    Now, some grumbling.  I needed to Internet research some reloading information about 16 gauge shells.  This gauge has fallen into disfavor with the "clay gods" and good information is scarce.  I found some sites that wanted me to pay for the information or join a special 16 gauge group by paying a group fee.  I can understand a company wanting to make money, but the same company sells the required reloading components.  Kind of defeats the purpose of their company!  I thought shooting was a sport where participants freely shared information to enhance the growth of the sport.  This selfish attitude of not freely sharing reloading information is typical of arrogant, elitist actions.

    Phew, now I feel better.  My New Year's resolution was to be more positive.  I was positively upset.  Ha!  Have fun shooting and embrace the sport for what it is.