Shot shell reload a little loose?

[EugLaw]

Hi all,

This is my first attempt at reloading shells. They are 28 gauge win aa hs hulls. Stuck to the recipe, weighed the powder etc. All went well, crimps look very good, however, here is the question: The shells seem to be a little bit empty and I'm not sure how much of an issue this is. If I hold the shell up to my ear and shake it I can hear a little rattle. If I hold the shell down away from my ear and shake it you can't tell it isn't full. I did try a factory round and they have a slight rattle but my reloads have a little more. I was concerned that the wad might creep away from the powder but that doesn't seem to be the case as the shells have maintained there slight rattle after several days. This may be a silly question to pose without one seeing the shells in person but doesn't heart to ask.

Your opinions please,
Eugene

 

[Buckshot70]

I reload 12g and probably half of them rattle. Just checked a box of factory and 5/5 rattled.

 

[Buckshot70]

The crimp will tell you if something is wrong. Too full and it will bulge, not full enough and it will be concave.

 

[tg07lq]

youll be fine, tighten up your crimp and it should take care of it, you want them tight with just a hint of swirl. what loader are you using ?

 

[mwjones]

Try backign off on your wad pressure a little bit, that might sort you out.

 

[EugLaw]

youll be fine, tighten up your crimp and it should take care of it, you want them tight with just a hint of swirl. what loader are you using ?

I'm using a Mec Sizemaster.
Thanks for the responses.

 

[Baribal]

I sometimes use felt wads at the bottom of some plastic ones (below the shots) to fill up the loose...

 

[EugLaw]

I sometimes use felt wads at the bottom of some plastic ones (below the shots) to fill up the loose...

I saw the felt addition online but I think that would be more than I need to fill the hull. These are also target loads and adding a process will also add time when loading quite a number of shells

I did consider adding a bit of powder but I'm sure I will hear "no,no,no" And I don't think half a grain would fill the void anyway???

 

[Baribal]

Well, the felt is pretty compressible... adding powder adds pressure (at the square of the velocity difference)....

 

[Lead Loader]

Not to worry, they will rattle no matter what you do unless you start loading large buckshot, if your crimp is good and not bulging and sitting slightly recessed you are good.