John_fes

not 100% so, for lead shot .410 . 28ga and some 20ga and 12ga are still worth while even at current component prices provided you can actually get the components. If using non toxic shot then again all depends on what it is you are making, no need for it to be uncommon sizes and loadings. Prior to covid/war then it was certainly worth the effort, however we are where we are today. Certainly not worthwhile if you can still buy 12ga clay fibre cartridges at £253 John

regrettably currently for 12ga clay cartridges it is not worth the effort of doing so just to try and save money, unless making your own lead shot which even then you may not save any money on clay cartridges. However it is an enjoyable extension to one’s shooting experience. The shortage and significant increase in price of powder and primers is primarily the reason. For other types including slugs and certain non-toxic loads then provided you can buy the powder at a price point that gives a saving on the final cartridge then it may be worth considering reloading. Shotgun cartridges use quite a lot of powder. New primed cases are popular with slug home loaders as it is then an option not to need a reloading press. My businesses has specialised in selling shotgun reloading components for many years and we have never experienced a situation like now as a consequence of the Ukraine war. However we continue to offer customers the best service we can.

Sending powder, propellant via standard postal carrier is a really stupid idea if against the carriers terms and conditions, which it is for all but a very few specialists hazardous goods carriers. It potentially puts at risk individuals in the delivery process and could result in further restrictions on ownership if some incident occurred, and likely cost the sender their firearms certificates. standard powders are classed as 1.3c UN161 hence are classified as explosives their is no such “classed as propellant” ownership of powders is licensed, but as a owner of an FAC, SGC, RFD then explosive regulations 2014 (ER2014) includes an exemption from requiring a licence to acquire and keep, (unlike black powder) a limited amount of net explosive quantity, which includes all powder in ammunition, cartridges or lose powder. Above the exemption limit you then need a licence. Sellers of powder must see your certificate to purchase and record details as per ER2014 For details read the HSE explosive regulations. ignorance of the law is no excuse in the eyes of the law. edit to add, explosives are classified together with their packaging, typically cardboard box which will have a 4G code on the box, confirming the box has been tested as suitable to transport the explosive. so it can only be transported in this original packaging.

it is within Explosive Regulations 2014 HSE guide at https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l151.htm Page 45 Schedule 2 Explosives not requiring an explosives certificate. 15 The explosive substance smokeless powder which is,- (a) assigned in accordance with the United Nations Recommendations the UN no 0161 or 0509 or which has been recovered from ammunition or blank ammunition intended for use in firearms; (b) acquired by a person who either is registered as a firearms dealer under section 33 of the Firearms Act 1968 or holds— (i) a permit granted under section 7 of that Act; (ii) a firearms certificate granted under section 27 of that Act; (iii) a shotgun certificate granted under section 28 of that Act; or (iv) a permit granted under section 17 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988. ** if none of the above apply then an explosive certificate is required, RFDs should be recording the sale as UN0161 and 0509 are classified as a Relevant Explosive. more at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/new-regulations.htm Full legislation at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1638/made edit to add, it is the same legislation that sets the limit on quantity that may be stored without an explosive storage licence. From part 2 of .gov legislation document. Authorisation to store explosives 7.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), no person may store explosives unless that person holds a licence for their storage and complies with the conditions of that licence. (2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to— (a)the storage of one or more of the following— (i)no more than 10 kilograms of shooters’ powder; (ii)no more than 5 kilograms of— (aa)shooters’ powder; or (bb)any hazard type 3 or 4 explosive, or desensitised explosive, which is not a relevant explosive, or a combination of hazard type 3 or 4 explosives, or desensitised explosives, which are not relevant explosives; or (cc)a combination of shooters’ powder and any hazard type 3 or 4 explosives, or desensitised explosives, which are not relevant explosives; (iii)no more than 15 kilograms of percussion caps or small arms ammunition or a mixture of them;

To acquire smokeless powders you need an explosive licence unless any of the following exemptions apply, so the said RFDs selling without recording the sale of smokeless powders are in breach of the explosive regulations. To comply with Heath and Safety Explosive Regulations 2014 (2014 No.1638) to acquire smokeless powder the person must be either:- (1) hold a firearms certificate granted under section 27 of that Act; or (2) hold a shotgun certificate granted under section 28 of that Act; or (3) hold a permit granted under section 17 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 or (4) registered as a firearms dealer under section 33 of the Firearms Act 1968

May be of interest consultation on ammunition components. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/firearms-safety