shotgun shells $$

[grab the net]

Looked at shells for the upcoming season just the other day. I shoot a 16 and last year I paid $18.00 for Federal Premium, #4, Copper plated, 2 3/4 inch magnums. This year, same box of shells, $23.00 That is getting pretty darn close to a buck a shot. I could see a rooster getting kinda expensive on a real windy day. Anybody else see a big jump in their favorite shells.

[woodview]

All the manufacturers have had some hefty price increases this year (2-4 times in the last year for most of them). Mainly I think it's tied to the fact that copper has almost tripled in cost which is a huge component at least in rifle cartridges.

They've all had some huge business and most aren't able to keep up with orders so supply and demand comes into play. Expect to pay more for just about everything. I know wal-mart is carrying more federal now and they had a 100 shell package for something like $15 or so. Not sure what shells they were exactly but that's a pretty good price even if it's just lead.

[BLACKJACK]

Looked in the paper last night and they had Federal 2 3/4 #2 shot for $6.99. Steel two shot is all I use for ducks and pheasants, it does the job and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. No need to go with those high buck copper plated, except for maybe late season roosters. Plus by shooting steel all the time, I don't have to worry about if I decide to hunt a Waterfowl Production Area, do I have any lead shells in my vest?

[brittman]

Raw material costs are much higher. Copper, steel, plastic, and the chemicals used to produce gun powder are all higher in price. Probably a little gross margin bump added too.

There also are two types of shotshell products - generic and specialty. Specialty will also push higher where as the mass marketed "low end" shells sold by all (incl WalMart)will remain more competitive.

Specialty shells (ie 16 guage have shorter production runs - each run requires a different set-up (charge and cost), etc....

Supply and demand will dictate where fall prices end up. May pay to wait.

[snowgoose]

The way I figure it. That is about 20 cents more a shell than you paid last year. I don't think that should stop you from shooting the shells of your choice.

I'll pay the extra for you for a couple of pheasants.

Yummy

[charliepete2]

If you are shooting a 16 gauge you can certainly save yourself a bundle by reloading. Instead of $18 a box your cost would most likely be around $5 a box. At $13 savings a box you'd have a reloader paid off in no time. A new scale and a MEC sizemaster reloader will run you about $230 new, and about $100 used.