Dummy 12ga rounds for practicing loading (not snap-caps)

M

Mr. Bjorn

Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Location
Toronto, Ontario
Hello Esteemed Colleagues!

I already own some nice machined, anodized metal 12ga snap-caps. I've heard the plastic ones can suck.

Living where I do, it is illegal to load a gun if I'm not at a range, plus, it's also hella unsafe/stupid to use live rounds at home anyways. What I want is something that simulates as closely as possible what an actual 2-3/4" or 3" shell feels like, texture, weight etc. And I need 14 of them, 'cos I have a KSG.

I've search and haven't found anything yet, but what I'm thinking of is taking some fired shells, loading them with sand/gravel and foam until I get the weight and weight distribution right, then putting an overcard on top of it and using a roll crimper to seal it up. This sounds like such an obvious idea that I don't really know why I'm even making this post, but I'm looking for flaws in this idea, or a better pre-made solution. Anyone?
 
I looked for a while and tried making my own with weighted, spent hulls and silicone but was not satisfied with the feel or result.

I found these at a gun show. They're approx. 30 yrs old with little use.
So scour your next gun show for some. I buy them whenever I see them.

 
I just couldn't get an even cut on the hull, and didn't like the the unrealistic feel of the non crimped and folded end of the hull. Especially when practicing tactical/speed reloads.
 
Just realized I'd need a reloading device of some kind to resize the brass, etc. It would be foolish to assume that fired brass would stay in spec. Need to think about this more.
 
A quick internet search found this site http://www.dummyammo.ca/ but you've probably already checked it out.

If you ask about town someone you know (or someone you know knows someone) who can reload shotshells. Ask them to make them up for you without primer and propellant.
 
Since I'm not interested in shotshell reloading, and I don't know anyone else that reloads shotshell, I think I will likely order some then. Those ones from dummyammo.ca look pretty good.Thanks for the link!
 
Get some empty shells and test them for fit in your gun .If they fit cut the end of the shell near the crimp and knock out the primer . Then fill with silicone and I used 7 galvanized roofing nails as I had some . This gets the weight the same as a regular shell . I filled it about 90 % and let the silicone set . then I topped it off with 2 part epoxy to give it a hard tip . I took a file to the epoxy and shell rim a bit after the epoxy hardened to ensure no edges . Easy to do , they work well and cheap .
 
Mr. Bjorn said:
Since I'm not interested in shotshell reloading, and I don't know anyone else that reloads shotshell, I think I will likely order some then. Those ones from dummyammo.ca look pretty good.Thanks for the link!
Click to expand...

I tried to order some centrefire dummy's but their site won't process my order....
 
i suppose you could empty a live shells contents, put on some gloves and eye protection, grab a hammer and nail and whack the primer. Fill with sand to where the primer would go and put the shot back in. crimp it closed again and there you go. in spec, about the same weight.
 
derr12 said:
i suppose you could empty a live shells contents, put on some gloves and eye protection, grab a hammer and nail and whack the primer. Fill with sand to where the primer would go and put the shot back in. crimp it closed again and there you go. in spec, about the same weight.
Click to expand...

Fire the empty shell in the shotgun, then reassemble the components and seal with silicone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom