Powder and reloading questions
- Thread starter Shovel
- Start date
RJYou realize that you're going to need a different press for shotshells???? Different primers as well.
The powder charge for shot shells is measured in "DRAMS" not grains and most loading equipment has a bunch of different sleeves that fit into the powder measure to give you the charge required in the manuals.
I've never seen one but I guess it's possible to reload shot shells on a regular press used for pistol/rifle cartridges.
There used to be a hand tool available for the job but I haven't seen one in a few decades.
It does exist, I have one that does both.
a vintage CH model 111 h-frame single stage press with a complete 12ga conversion set.
It's a well built, heavy duty press.
I don't use it as I have too many presses so if someone is looking for one let me know : )
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I've been reloading shotshells since the mid 70s. The only data I've ever come across using "DRAMS" is in old Lyman manuals dating back to the 1950s, using bulk powder. Using any current smokeless powder, charge weight for shotshells is measured in grains.
That just goes to show how old I am and the manuals/powder/tools I use. I still use the "dram" plugs in my shotshell press.
Trust me on this, you do not want to go down that path, unless you are one of those that shoots like SCROOGE spends money.
People shooting shot shells, especially trap loads, really have to work hard to save money over purchasing 250-500 round flats from the local gunshop.
I did it for years, when I was shooting trap because there was actually a significant saving over several thousand rounds per season and purchasing powder/shot/primers in bulk quantities on special order.
Now, I just shoot shotshells when I hunt birds and use off the shelf, factory loads.
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
Haven’t bothered to reload shotshell’s yet as there’s no real savings with birdshot for me and my hunting needs, once I head down this road it will be for slugs and buckshot. I do get wanting to have the knowledge and ability to be self sufficient though. I’m like that with loading 9mm, probably no big cost savings but I like to be able to load it for my own satisfaction. Casting will bring the cost down more and I enjoy the reloading process, loading for .45 and 10mm is worth it as I bought components when they were cheaper and available everywhere.
I hope you aren't under the impression that shot shells don't need to be resized???? The brass bases do expand enough so that in most cases they can't be reinserted into the chamber, without force.
I know of one fellow that has the most awkward set up for reloading shot shells I've ever seen.
He uses a take off barrel from an old single shot Cooey to resize his cases.
He cut about a half cm off the chamber and just uses the rest of the chamber as a sizing die. He taps the cases in with a rubber mallet, then drives them out from the muzzle end with a brass rod. It works OK for his needs as he never loads more than a dozen at any given time.
He drips his own lead shot from a pot he made up with a half dozen appropriate holes and drops the shot directly into a bucket of water, after a meter drop.
He even re uses wads that he's picked up at ranges which aren't the best but seem to do the job he requires of them.
He uses a brass dipper he turned on a lathe for capacity to measure his shot charge and another Lee plastic dipper to measure the powder.
He also places a heavy paper cover over the shot column to stop shot from falling out as his crimping method leaves something to be desired.
He has two 12 gauge shotguns, an old Ranger single shot and a beat up Belgian side by side.
He doesn't shoot trap or practice, other than when he's trying something new. Shoots the Geese in his field and ducks out of the silage pit.
I cringe when I see him "tapping" primers into the cases, but he's carful and uses a wood dowel for the final tap down to seat the primers.
There are all sorts of ways to get around things safely, if you're willing or have the time.
That's one big problem with shooters today, they don't even try to innovate a little bit.
A lot of folks get attracted to reloading for various reasons, only to find out its not for them. Case in point, a prepper-ish friend of mine got all hot and bothered about reloading a few years ago, citing surety of supply if/when SHTF. I mentored him for reloading center-fire cartridges, and helped him to procure various bits. He belongs to a range, and shoots lots of 9 mm pistol, and some 308 target shooting. I pointed out to him the advantages of "tuning" handloads for his 308. I even made up a few trial loads for his benefit.
To date, he has not reloaded one cartridge, and has pretty well forgotten all that I taught him years ago. I doubt he will ever apply himself to reloading. OP - If you dont shoot a lot, you should ascertain your true interest and aptitude before you go too far down the rabbit hole. Note - there is not much reason to reload shotgun if you are shooting a box or two of 12 g a year.
To date, he has not reloaded one cartridge, and has pretty well forgotten all that I taught him years ago. I doubt he will ever apply himself to reloading. OP - If you dont shoot a lot, you should ascertain your true interest and aptitude before you go too far down the rabbit hole. Note - there is not much reason to reload shotgun if you are shooting a box or two of 12 g a year.
Reloading is a hobby unto itself. It helps if there is a bit of scientist in you. It is rocket science, you know. I find it's very detail orientated . That's how you get those 1/2" groups consistently . But then there is Bang, a load good enough for practice with cheaper components.
- Location
- WMU247 near Edmonton
now we're really talking
those odd calibers are not only cool to have but the ammo cost so much more then the boring old 30-06, this way you are saving way more money per round as well, you are paying off your investment in reloading equipment faster.
I think at last count I had over 40 sets of dies
and at least 6 different powders... I'm saving money at a very high rates now.....
now we're really talking
those odd calibers are not only cool to have but the ammo cost so much more then the boring old 30-06, this way you are saving way more money per round as well, you are paying off your investment in reloading equipment faster.
I think at last count I had over 40 sets of dies
All the while keeping the economy moving forward.......
Umm is suspect that you're being facetious when referring to handloading as ''rocket science'' ?????
It's alchemy 001.
Handloading is pretty basic if the reloader is following instructions from a manual for a hunting/plinking rifle.
If the reloader is building cartridges for a ''match'' rifle then there are tombs of books and articles written on the subject, most of which are designed to give maximum consistency between shots.
I hate it but there are firearms out there, both new and old that just aren't capable of good accuracy, no matter how hard you try to fit your handloads.
There are all sorts of issues, such as oversize/undersize bores, chambers and off center bores/chambers. Then there are bedding issues, soft stocks, sloppy receivers, uneven bolt lug seating, etc.
Thin barrels and a million other issues, real or imagined.
Handloading is not a cure all but it can help a rifle to become consistently accurate enough to fulfill its capabilities
I'm looking at it as another skill and another set of tools. I like tools. Mostly have regular power tools to do most things around a property. No machining or lathe type stuff. But can do most everything for the house. I think reloading tools is just an added tool set. They do not cost a lot nor do the components. Not going to do it all that frequently but neither am I building decks or whatever frequently. Truck or car maintenance got tools. Animal maintenance got tools. Not that interested in 1/2" groups. Not the reason. Maybe bust some clays
