Magtech Brass Shotshell Questions

dbmeed

dbmeed

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Just started collecting everything to do some blackpowder shotshells for my old 16ga 2 1/2"

I bought Magtech shotshells, and Ive machined a shellholder so I can prime on my lee press, but Im wondering about depriming - the flash-hole on all of these piece of brass is very small, my smallest decapping pin wont fit through. I was planning on machining a depriming die for my press, but Im worried it will snap very quickly. Has anyone drilled out the flash-hole a bit to make it easier to de-prime(thinking 1/16"?)? If no, what are you using? My other possible thought is machining something that can hold a 3/64" drill bit to punch out the primers, then I can buy a bunch of those and have them on hand when they snap. Thoughts?

Also, does anyone know where to find black powder load data for 16 gauge, 2 1/2"? Im planning on starting with square loads of around 7/8oz #9 shot(~60gr by volume), and work up from there, or should I start lower?
 
Lee depriming pins measure about 0.0765"
if you can adapt a pin from the universal depriming die you're good to go
a few sponsors carry lee replacement parts should you need more.

iipsrv__61713.1485832181.jpg
 
I dram = 27.3 grains of weight. Just look up your desired "dram equivalent" and load that many drams of 2F black powder. A standard light load of 2-1/2 drams of black should weigh 68 grains. That should propel your 7/8 oz of lead shot just under 1200 fps. No need to go heavier for target and close in upland bird shooting like grouse. There is no "work up" in shotgun shell reloading, you cannot tell pressure reliably without a pressure transducer. I use the Lee depriming punch with Magtech brass cases. In fact I found an old 16 ga. Lee hand loading tool set and it is pretty much ideal for that purpose.
 
I load 12g smokeless loads for cowboy shooting. Buffalo arms actually had a book with bp data( more of a booklet), try them. They will also ship the actual shells to canada (apparently they are considered antique and not covered by ITAR) I buy my fibre wads from them. They are very popular in the states for cowboy action shooting, but maybe not 16 g
 
legi0n said:
Lee depriming pins measure about 0.0765"
if you can adapt a pin from the universal depriming die you're good to go
a few sponsors carry lee replacement parts should you need more.

iipsrv__61713.1485832181.jpg
Click to expand...


Most of the flash holes are measuring .055 or so. Would there be any downside to drilling out the flash hole to accept a standar lee de capping pin? Seems like it could be a lot of effort to modify the pin every time one breaks
 
They make small decapping pins for use in the small flash hole match brass that is common from Lapua these days. I know my Redding dies work with my Lapua stuff, so perhaps you can make the pins fit your pin holder.
 
I have 50 Magtech in 12ga and another 50 in 20ga plus have helped load another 25 I sold to a friend. Every one was deprimed with the pictured Lee pin with no problem.

All my cases are loaded right now so I can't measure my flash holes but my pin measures 0.062" so they must be more than 0.055".
I would say to drill them out to the standard 0.075" or 0.080" that most centerfire cases have.
 
Lyman makes a smaller diameter decap pin. I use a custom made decapper made for the 577 snider. Also I have used the decapper rod from their hand decapper for 308 military brass. I have not encountered small primer pockets in magtech brass. I would drill them to a larger size.
 
dbmeed said:
Most of the flash holes are measuring .055 or so. Would there be any downside to drilling out the flash hole to accept a standar lee de capping pin? Seems like it could be a lot of effort to modify the pin every time one breaks
Click to expand...

I would get the pin first and only drill the brass if the pin doesn't fit
 
I just use a small punch and hold the case in my left hand , feel for the bump in the primer pocket and then punch the primer out holding the case and pin in my left hand and hammer in my right.
Sounds a lot more complicated than it is.
II load 65 grains of 2F and 7/8oz of shot and have no problem killing pointed pheasants and ruffed grouse with my Lafeafaux under lever.
Cat
 
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