Shot shell reloading

[Richard Coody]

Why is shotgun reloading more complicated than handgun.

I use Hornady bullets, CCI primers, Unique powder and range brass, no muss no fuss.

If I dont get the exact shell how important is that?

And why cant i find slug data 1oz 12G

Some hulls are straight wall and some are tapered at the base.

I use the straight wall cases for slugs. If you go to ballistic products and buy your slugs they will come with load data.

I use either herco or Longshot for sabot slugs with cheddite hulls with a roll crimp.

 

[Bob L.]

Here's the same kit that I started with as a kid.

View attachment 1217197

That’s where I started, too. When I got my MEC 600 jr, I thought I was in 7th Heaven. What a difference.

 

[Shooting while seated]

Well, as talked about above in some posts the "complicated" part is the hull. You need the correct hull so that with the components and amounts listed in the manuals the shell is filled to the correct level when you crimp it. Why does the hull have to be that one listed for a particular load??? Because if it's not you could end up with extra space or not enough space in the hull you try to substitute. That's not to say you cant substitute...you just have to load and check and make sure it all fits properly. You can also use different spacers to make up for extra room, but this is seldom worth the costs of keeping them to use.
As to reloading slugs...it absolutely is worth it and then some. This is where the real savings are. Reloading #8 or #9 shot for target loads compared to buying a 100 round box at Wal-Mart, not so much unless you shoot 400-500 rounds every weekend. Reloading sabot slugs to hunt with...saves a bunch and can be more accurate too. Suggest you look at "Slugs-R-Us" in Alum Bank, Pa. google it, nice folks and you wont believe how easy it is. They even sell a mold that is just like the old Buck Hammers. Best of luck!!!

Thanks that was helpful, I'd forgotten the learning curve. Found one of the last surviving lee molds on ebay and paid to much for it. I really love casting my own stuff,.

I shoot between 20 to 30 thousand shot shells a year competing at trap. Ive got a hydraulic loader and even then 5he small savings by reloading isn't worth sitting in front of the loader. Shots 35 to 40 bucks a bag and other components have been going up. I haven't checked lately but I'd be surprised if savings were much more than .25 cents a box. I dont know about slugs but assume the savings would be greater. Jmho.

slugs run $2 a shot, I can reload for about 30c each will see how it holds up

 

[jds holler]

Lately, I've been loading .410's in brass cases. (444 Marlin). Basic recipe is for 1/2 oz of shot in a generic knock-off shot cup that replicates the Rem type. Large pistol primers, and 2400 powder. I cut cardboard discs with a 45 case for over powder and over shot. Glue the over-shot disk with Elmers wood glue.
I've only done about a dozen so far, but they shoot good, and look to be about a 25 yd. rabbit/quail getter. They're for my little shrimp over there. <------

I got her a little Rossi break barrel, that is so short it won't work for anyone who isn't giddy-biddy. Now I wanna find me a full sized 410 of some kind or other. jd

 

[RegionRat]

She won't stay that little for long, so hang on tight and don't blink cause you will miss it....

 

[Homerange]

She won't stay that little for long, so hang on tight and don't blink cause you will miss it....

You're telling me nothing !
Got a .410 double for my 3 kids and really they didn't get a lot of use from it before they could've managed a 20g however a 12g with light trap loads was their next step after the .410.
Meanwhile until they were properly large enough to manage a 12g comfortably .22 varmint shooting kept them well enough occupied.
Seemed only yesterday and now they're all in their thirties and having kids of their own so it won't be long before poppa has to dust off the .410 again for the next generation !
FFS where do all the years go !

 

[RegionRat]

The trick, is to stay healthy enough to stick around long enough, to get to watch that next bunch grow up...