12 gauge "Recipe"

Mick.McCann

Mick.McCann

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Location
Near Waterloo
Hi there,
i was hoping somebody could share a few good "recipes" for reloading my 870 express 18.5"bbl.
I would like to upgrade my shooting experience/lifestyle to more of a DIY level.
Basically i am looking for compatibility confirmations. im looking for 3 "recipes":
1) cheap, low kick, target practice. (#8 shot?)
2) waterfowl/partridge hunting shells
3) bigger game/home defense (00 buckshot?)

ive been researching it, but having never actually done it personally i was hoping to get some insight as to compatibility with the hulls, wads, powder measurements, shot sizes....u know, everything i guess. What seems clear enough to me is to use the 209 primers.....lol
Thank you kindly in Advance,
Mick

P.S. if anyone has any further info as to availability near/around wellesley/waterloo.........that would be an even greater, mores pecific help :)
 
why do you want to reload?

there is no cost saving for reloading low recoil shot at all, or any kind of shot, unless you cast your own shot and have a super cheap supply of lead.

now buckshot and slug reloading is a different story. huge savings. even more when you cast your own.

shotshell is different than other reloading, you shouldnt generally mismatch components and use published loads only
 
any tire shops should have lead wheel weights(make sure you use lead and not zinc) any scrap lead will work for slugs i use range scrap and pure lead

follow data id go and get a lyman shotshell book(the #5 is the newest) and stick to that data dont mix shells,wads,primers that said 1oz shot data could be used for 1oz slugs weight for weight you can use lighter stuff in a heavier load .

i prefer the mec 600 jr as the crimp starters and crimp closers are adjustable. the lee load all is where you see alot of guys using over shot cards on star crimps(this affects shot pattern) and stacking cards to adjust the crimp to make it nice the lee load all is a good start but you will see its down side down the road.

light target loads are a weaste of time and money to reload when you can get a bulk pack for cheap. buckshot and slugs is worth it thats for sure i like the idea that i can adjust the load as needed to make my slugs groups tighten up and make my buckshot patterns tighten up too
 
very concise antiqueguy thank you. i think im going to get a mold for 1oz slugs and give it a try. the reason i went with the lee is because i am getting a great deal on one used and it will be next to free. i have heard about people complaining about the crimpers, especially with slug loads, so im sure if my proficiency every progresses, so will my equipment :)
 
Mick.McCann said:
very concise antiqueguy thank you. i think im going to get a mold for 1oz slugs and give it a try. the reason i went with the lee is because i am getting a great deal on one used and it will be next to free. i have heard about people complaining about the crimpers, especially with slug loads, so im sure if my proficiency every progresses, so will my equipment :)
Click to expand...

just keep a eye out for a used mec look at yard sales and the like i found mine and got it for $60 along with a lyman #3 shotshell book

lately it seems like im shooting just so i can reload i can tell you its like somking its a addiction and you cant stop
 
any actual concerns with crimping the slugs under the crimpers oin the load-all II? is that mostly a rumor/preference thing? does it in fact affect accuracy and consistency?
 
No the load all makes great crimps with my lee 1 oz slugs

Crimp has no effect on accuracy as far as I know, mostly barrel and choke
 
I have found the Lee 1 oz slug satisfactory to 30m from a 20" smooth bore. Past that the groups open up dramatically.
Should you ever wish to hunt game - get the big Lyman "shocker" mould, and fire through a rifled barrel. Amazing accuracy and incredible power with full load of Blue Dot.
 
In he same boat, stating out with lee load all 2. Reloading lee 1oz slugs, purchased hulls,wads from EE (fed and win aa). I am going to use the hodgdon data and get the lyman 5th book.
 
Last edited:
Mark VII Ball said:
I have found the Lee 1 oz slug satisfactory to 30m from a 20" smooth bore. Past that the groups open up dramatically.
Should you ever wish to hunt game - get the big Lyman "shocker" mould, and fire through a rifled barrel. Amazing accuracy and incredible power with full load of Blue Dot.
Click to expand...

thats funny i get pie plate size groups out to 100 from a smooth bore i worked the load out for my gun

i dont see a need for rifled barrels as thats what rifles are for
 
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