New shotgun reloader = Assistance

[Outcast]

Folks, just looking for some pointers about getting into shotgun reloading. I' not new to the reloading scene, been rolling my own 9mm, 40, 45 and 10mm as well as some rifle calibers. Just looking for info on the following:

- Quality press ( Been looking at the MEC )
- Where to get components
- and any secret to shotgun loading which may or may not be common knowledge

I'm primarily looking to reload 12 gauge 2.75 inch double 00 and maybe some slugs, unless its cost prohibitive.

I'm essentially looking at around 500-800 rounds a year so wondering if I'm going to save any money reloading for that number or better off just buying bulk rounds.

Thanks for the help.

 

[jbrow397]

If your just looking to do buck shot, you only need a single stage press. I am a fan of the older stuff. Its rock solid compared to the new stuff unless you want to spend huge bucks. I suggest finding a Ponsness Warren 375. (Auctions are your friend when it comes to finding Ponsness stuff cheap)

Pictured here:

http://www.speypages.com/speyclave/showthread.php?t=49629

The trick to doing buck shot is to make your own shot. find a lee lead melter, preferably a bottom drain type. Grab one of these or something similar:

http://buckshotmold.com/

Find some scrap lead, melt, flux, cast in ingots, then start putting lead through the lee (or whatever furnace you buy) and go to town.

Ballistic products has some manuals on buckshot loads and all the components needed.

Search around and you should find all the stuff quite cheap.

Hope this helps

 

[Outcast]

If your just looking to do buck shot, you only need a single stage press. I am a fan of the older stuff. Its rock solid compared to the new stuff unless you want to spend huge bucks. I suggest finding a Ponsness Warren 375. (Auctions are your friend when it comes to finding Ponsness stuff cheap)

Pictured here:

http://www.speypages.com/speyclave/showthread.php?t=49629

The trick to doing buck shot is to make your own shot. find a lee lead melter, preferably a bottom drain type. Grab one of these or something similar:

http://buckshotmold.com/

Find some scrap lead, melt, flux, cast in ingots, then start putting lead through the lee (or whatever furnace you buy) and go to town.

Ballistic products has some manuals on buckshot loads and all the components needed.

Search around and you should find all the stuff quite cheap.

Hope this helps

Thanks much apprecated. Great links by the way, now I think I just have to source some gear. Thanks again.

 

[brybenn]

I use a lee load all 2 for slugs and buck shot works great.

 

[fiddler]

x2 on the Lee Load All, but unless you can melt your own lead or get a super deal on it, probably not much to save.

 

[R&R Rancher]

A few things not already covered. Shotgun shells do not show pressure signs like metallic cartridges. There is no way to"work up a load". Find a recipe you like and stick to it.

Since you load pistol you are familiar with a press throwing a volume based on the size of a bushing. Shot shell press manufacturers all have bushing charts for various powders. These charts are notorious for being off, usually light. Check what your press is throwing, during an actual reloading sequence, with a scale

 

[dead meat]

For the low #`s your looking at, look for a used machine i would go through 2 or 3 hundred on a weekend of trap. Never did get ay better than 23. I never loaded any slugs or buck shot, just the usual trap loads and goose loads. Hell i haven`t used my press for 2 years, need to load up some 20ga though. A Lee load All may be alright for small numbers, no good for large volumes though.

 

[buckbrush]

if you want cheap the Lee Loadall will work. If you can find an Pacific- Hornady 266 , they are a much better choice for single stage loading. The best however is the P&W 375, it is great.