Loading 12 gauge on a single stage

I have 3 MEC presses 600 jr, 650 and 700 Steelmaster. Unless you can find one of the used, go with the LEE Classic loader in 12 gauge, $85.00. Hornaday makes 4 thru "0" buckshot, then you just need some shells, primers, wads and powder. I don't load lead shot for grouse and rabbit and other small game, it is too cheap to buy. But, if find on sale or yard sale, local estate sales I buy and make load specific (#7.5, #6, #4) shotshells just for fun. For all my buckshot and slugs I cast from lead and make my own, it just seems easier to find lead to melt, the shot to reload, plus I can customize each load for each gun type. Budda Roundtree and FOrtunecookie 45LC have great youtube channels for buck/Ball reloads.

For Steel reloading, I have switched to Crossman BB's (which are #1), and use modified choke, not the best patterns after 40Yrds, but again I can always get BB's, and not have to for shipping. Make sure to get the Lymon Shotshell reloading manual.
 
I have learned to make my own Black Powder for both Hawkins .50 (equivalent to FFF), plus the same BP can be used in BP shotshells, I have two methods I use staright reloading with BP in normal reload process, or just the brass ring (cut off plastic case, pop out primer and replace, load into single HR 12G, and load like muzzle loader with powder, wad, shot and wad on top. For wads, I went to Princess Auto and bought a 1/8, 2/4" punch set ($21), and cut my own wads from dollar store felt and cork, plus hard card stock as well. It is quick fun to work up loads with everything you made yourself.

saskbooknut said:
Lee Loadall works well as a Black Powder shotshell loader, using sizing/ depriving, priming , wad insertion and crimping. I don't think I paid more than $25 in a gun show.
Mounted on a board and C clamped to the reloading bench.An old roll crimped is a useful accessory tool.
Not the best loader but a cheap useful tool for minor experimenting.
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