12 guage reloading

dirty_mustache

dirty_mustache

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Hey folks:

Another ignorant young man learning how to reload.

First and foremost, if this thread is in the wrong area please move it for me. My apologies. I ran a few searches on shotgun reloading and couldn't find anything.


Do you folks have any shotgun shell recipe and experience databases that you normally access?


I wouldn't mind something from the ground up. I know the basics of the shell anatomy and the physical process of progressive or individual presses. I am a physics major (which I'm hoping will assist the learning curve). I've been storming youtube at the moment, but having a comprehensive introduction would be much appreciated. The average weights of components, major supplies (emphasis on availability), how much of each for hunting and target shooting, etc, etc.

A lot of the sponsors carry components, but I would prefer adding more understanding of the mechanics of shot shell reloading before I starting buying the necessary equipment.


Thanks guys!

I truly appreciate your help.



TL:DR
- request for intro-shot shell info
- want specific numbers, weights, loads (this is the term for the full deal?)
- CGN userbase appreciation
 
Start with web site for a powder manufacturer....say Alliant.....They will have reloading recipes there which show components and details for hundreds of possible loads.
 
You are in the right spot. Not many threads on 12ga due to the lack of big cost savings. If you are lucky you will save a buck a box (target shells) by reloading but it is still satisfying.

- Lyman manual. It goes over the process very well and has a lot of load data.
- Alliant and Hodgdon web pages for more data. In Shotgun reloading you follow the recipe, no deviation.
The biggest thing is component availability for you. Find them, then look for a recipe that is listed then buy. Don't get hung up on not having the powder you hear people raving about, they will all work, and powder is still the issue of finding it. You especially need to find shot locally, shipping 25lbs bags isn't worth it.
It will be surprising how much shot you will use as one bag only does 400 1oz loads. What I really like about 12ga reloading is making 7/8 or 24 gram loads, saves on lead and the kids can shot it.

PS watch the EE for used presses. You can sometimes get a single MEC for under 100.
 
Last edited:
Seagull said:
You are in the right spot. Not many threads on 12ga due to the lack of big cost savings. If you are lucky you will save a buck a box by reloading but it is still satisfying.

- Lyman manual. Goes over the process very well and has a lot of load data.
- Alliant and Hodgdon web pages for more data. In Shotgun reloading you follow the recipe, no deviation.
The biggest thing is component availability for you. Find them, then look for a recipe that is listed then buy. Don't get hung up on not having the powder you hear people raving about, they will all work, and powder is still the issue of finding it. You especially need to find shot locally, shipping 25lbs bags isn't worth it.
Click to expand...

Agree 100%
Cheers
 
It all depends what you want to be set up for.

I make my own slug and hunting ammo, but for skeet I buy it by the flat due to its being relatively cheap and there is no real cost savings in making it.

Low recoil slug rounds for the wife
Winchester aa hulls
7/8 oz key drive slugs (I pour my own with my Lee mould)
Waa12 wads
Nitro cards (shirt cardboard punched into a 5/8" disc)
209 primers
18 grain of 452aa power

This gives the wife less recoil but still hits the targets at 50 yards in a relatively solid grouping.

Hope this helps ya out.
 
If by weird chance you really want to go crazy look up dripping shoot. Where you make a dripper and melt lead, I did make one a home, not all that tough just a bit of time. If you have the time it is well worth it costs me about $7.50 per 25lb bag of shot, hulls are free as near my range there is a public shotgun range with endless hulls on the ground(usual pig pen). powder can be challenging but its FINALY getting better, Alliant powders are still really tuff to come by, but check out higgons if your local shop down not have any, they usually have imr and hogdons.
 
KellyP said:
I make my own slug and hunting ammo, but for skeet I buy it by the flat due to its being relatively cheap and there is no real cost savings in making it.
Click to expand...

Yah just a quick comment, it really does not save that much money but kind of fun to do. Something to think about if you really get into shotguns, I find its just more zen time in my shop.
 
Just wanted to thank everyone for the kind and informative words. I've just got home from up north and will give a proper response as I get settled.
 
geotndtwine said:
Yah just a quick comment, it really does not save that much money but kind of fun to do. Something to think about if you really get into shotguns, I find its just more zen time in my shop.
Click to expand...

At the price of 00 buck being about a buck a round, you can save a few bucks there. I have better luck with 00 buck shooting Jackrabbits than small shot, as long as I use a long bbl'd gun.
 
I save around 60% on factory ammo for 00 buck and slugs. Have to cast your own lead to do it though; savings when buying buckshot and slugs is marginal.
Target load is cheaper to buy as factory ammo than reload. If you're looking for something less common like international/Olympic skeet/trap loads you can save quite a bit.
Steel and other non-tox has some savings if you can find shot locally. Shipping will be the killer.
 
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