Reloading 00BK 12ga

brunobell

brunobell

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Good Afternoon Lords of the CGN,

I am fairly new to this site, but even newer to the art of reloading. I wanted to start getting into reloading 12 gauge. The range I fire at only allows 9 pellet 00. So if I wanna shoot there I'll need to shoot that. I didn't want to hijack any other threads, so I started my own.

Upon my research I have come to like the MEC 9000GN progressive loader. The only thing is, a dealer told me that 00 won't load in that machine and I was unable to find information on their site to either support or refute that claim.

Which lead me to the Lee Load All 2. Now, it's not what I was really imagining when I thought I'd be getting into reloading. But it does do 00. From youtube videos it seems really flimsy and cheap. Do you have any other recommendations for a beginner? What literature do you recommend for shotshell loading? I'd really to stick with progressive if possible.

An on that note, where could I get load for 00. I'm in Toronto, ON so a local dealer would be great. If it is possible I'd like the press to do 2 3/4 and 3", as well as non-toxic shot with as little modification as possible. As I do hunt. I'm reloading more for a hobby, a bit for cost, but not like I'll be shooting all day every day.

-BB
 
Buck shot has to be loaded by hand any ways, ie. put into the shotcup manualy.
The load all is a great little tool, there is mostly plastic parts and works best on once or more fired shells, it has a plastic crimp starter. but they do make nice shells. I reload slugs so im not 100% on the buck.(I have no mold yet)
I dont think u can load 3" though, so the mec might be ur thing but couldnt go wrong for 2 3/4" with the lee.
.02$
 
You can load 00 on the MEC, just hand-drop it into the wad once it is pushed into the hull. I am not aware of any loader that will auto-feed 00 balls. MECs can be switched from 2 3/4 to 3 and back with conversion kits and a bit of work - you might call them and ask.

http://www.mecreloaders.com/AboutMEC/about.asp
 
my lee load all also works for 3"all you do is move the (feeder)???? the finger in the center up one notch. it states it in the manual and i have loaded 3" doing this way no issues at all.i have loaded 00 buck, 000buck, and slugs.
 
I agree with the Lee loading 3" 00Buck. I have loaded both 2 3/4 and 3" 00Buck, and 3" 000Buck without any problems. And as for flimsy? I have been loading on my 20ga Lee Load All since I was 14. (more than 30 yrs). My 12ga Lee Load All 2 has been going for over 15. I mean, I only reload about 300rds a each year with either, but that works for me. The MEC Jr gets the .410 business.
 
I have loaded birdshot, slugs and buckshot successfully on my Load All II. I think at $48 its a great value for the new shotgun reloader who is doing lower volumes. I also have a MEC press for my .410 and it is very nice too.
 
Thanks for all your replies. I'm now leaning toward the Lee and just hand loading in 3x3 layers. Now, where to get the load? Any suggestions?

Also, on the non-toxic shot, can that be used in the Lee, natively? I've also seen "Hevi-Shot" makes a waterfowl mixture of steel and others. In what way could I replicate that using the load hopper? Just curious.

-BB
 
ok thanks i also have a question i have been saving my spent shells of all diferent kinds can i just use i standard recipe for them all or do i have to change them per kind they are all high brass from buck shot and slugs because in the books you have to pick a hull and none of them are in there
 
Depending on the design, the internal volume and interface with the wad will vary quite a bit. Also the lengths will be slightly different, requiring slightly different setup on the press.
 
Only use published loads, do not substitute, for the best fit and safe pressure levels you must use the same case(hull), the same wad, etc., as in the published data. That is why AAs and Rem. Premiers are recommended, because loads published use those cases alot.
 
Alright, so I bought the Lyman's Shotshell Guide. Read through it. I'm just a little confused, maybe someone can clear it up. Maybe I missed it while reading thought late last night. But I want to load the 00 9 pellet shot for 1250 fps. The wad column is what's confusing me.

It says this:
One Fed. 12S4
One 20ga. .125" card under pellets
Use 9 pellets of #00 Buck

Now, the first and third are ok. But what is the second? Does this have to be added on separately? Or can you buy the wad with the card in it?

-BB
 
You can put the under shot card in anytime before the shot goes in. Whatever works better for you.
 
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