Reloading shotgun hulls?

huntingfish: Yes.....stick to the published loads. As Potashminer correctly mentioned in an earlier post. Your Lyman manual will describe why, in detail. Mixing and matching hulls, primers, wads, powder charges etc. at random, can have very serious consequences. Stick to published load data, and you should have no problems.

Since you're new to shotshell reloading....it's only natural you'll have plenty of questions to ask about the process. This is a good forum to do so. Plenty of very experienced folks that will help.

Al

Edit: Building on 3macs1 comments. There are any number of shotshell reloading videos on youtube, these days. Some good. Some downright dangerous. Ammunition and component manufacturers go to great lengths to make sure their products are safe to use, when loaded and used properly. The load data in the manuals is the direct result.
Been at the reloading game for quite some time, too. Just past 60 years for me....but still learning. I always stick to good, reliable sources for load information.

ps: Huntingfish: A good way to compare shotshell component changes, is to go to the online: Hodgdon Reloading Data Center. Look at some of the various loads. Then, compare pressure differences that occur when changing, say... from one brand of primer or wad, to the next...though using the same brand hull, and similar powder or shot charge. The differences can be quite significant, at times. This may offer some insight into why the shotshell manuals recommend against experimenting with loads. Hope this helps.
 
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Alex McKr said:
Lightning Rod: As you already know, the Lee Load All is capable of turning out decent loads. Once you understand its quirks and limitations and learn how best to use it. Have no idea how many good shells I've loaded with mine, over the years. Several thousand. Switched over to a MEC around 1980. The Lee still sees use. Primarily for loading black powder shot shells. I consider the Load All good value for the money.
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Totally agree Alex
My use of the word “OK” did not mean to imply that I am not happy with it.
Quite happy with it.
 
Lightning Rod: I figured that was what you meant, all along. Simply agreeing with you...though re-reading my post, it might not have looked that way. I always get a kick out of how simple a press as the Load All, can turn out such good shot shells. It works. A good press to learn all the basics on, without breaking the bank. Easy to use. Plus durable. Mine's seen a lot of use. Still works, every time I crank the handle.
My only beef with the Load All is its lack of adjustment. If a person could tune the pre-crimp and crimp stages like on a MEC...that would really make the little press versatile. Still, I consider that only a minor inconvenience.
The MEC is a superior press to the Lee overall, due to its versatility, ease of use and adjustment. But both share space on my loading bench.

Al
 
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Would a Load All be a better choice for someone that has never reloaded before?

I just put in the order for the Lyman book! Should be getting it in a few days!

David
 
My $0.02 worth.

All shotgun reloading manuals leave a lot to be desired. Just like others have said, if you don't have the exact components, then you will not find reloading data and should not substitute.

I have the Lyman shotgun manual. Trying to reload 2.75" shells with #7.5 shot with my wads/hulls/primers is a level of frustration (do any of these manuals give data for Cheddite primers?) Very disappointed that it has no loads for 7/8 oz slugs (Lee slugs - what did I expect?). I have the BPI manual, which really pushes BPI products, including wads. "Reloading for Shotgunners" by Rick Sapp is a good source of info - I recommend this book.

Alliant and Hodgedon have good info online for load data for their powders. Claybusters has a few pages of reloading data for some of their wads.

So I have 3 manuals and PDFs from various sources around the net. Information is out there and can be very useful. I know it's my fault, but I ended up buying components from someone getting out of reloading so I have a big mix. Probably better to get the manuals first, make a shopping list, then buy components.

While many on here will roll their eyes and tell me I'm going to blow up my gun, the most useful document to me was the load guide that comes with the Lee Load-All press (document LA1070). For Lee slugs, I use the datasheet that comes with the Lee Shotgun Slug mold (document 3529).

Standard disclaimers apply.
 
wasa said:
My $0.02 worth.

All shotgun reloading manuals leave a lot to be desired. Just like others have said, if you don't have the exact components, then you will not find reloading data and should not substitute.

I have the Lyman shotgun manual. Trying to reload 2.75" shells with #7.5 shot with my wads/hulls/primers is a level of frustration (do any of these manuals give data for Cheddite primers?) Very disappointed that it has no loads for 7/8 oz slugs (Lee slugs - what did I expect?). I have the BPI manual, which really pushes BPI products, including wads. "Reloading for Shotgunners" by Rick Sapp is a good source of info - I recommend this book.

Alliant and Hodgedon have good info online for load data for their powders. Claybusters has a few pages of reloading data for some of their wads.

So I have 3 manuals and PDFs from various sources around the net. Information is out there and can be very useful. I know it's my fault, but I ended up buying components from someone getting out of reloading so I have a big mix. Probably better to get the manuals first, make a shopping list, then buy components.

While many on here will roll their eyes and tell me I'm going to blow up my gun, the most useful document to me was the load guide that comes with the Lee Load-All press (document LA1070). For Lee slugs, I use the datasheet that comes with the Lee Shotgun Slug mold (document 3529).

Standard disclaimers apply.
Click to expand...

It is amazing how your world will change if you stop using cheddite primers and buy winchester
At one time they were cheap now they are 65 bucks vs 59 for winchesters from hummasons
I never use cheddite and can find loads for everything I need and load 410 to 10ga but three books sure isn't going to do it either. I must have 20 or more
Cheers
 
Well - The unfortunate thing these days is the lack of components - particularly powder and wads. I reload for 28 gauge, and shortages are obvious. The only available wads are the Claybusters, of which there is very little published data. Similarly, the most common hulls are Challenger (Cheddite), available as once fired (by me). The Claybuster wads are claimed to be interchangeable with some OEM wad/hull combinations, however, you inevitably run into stack issues. Some are resolved by adjusting my MEC press, some not.
Having reloaded rifle for two decades, I can safely say that shotgun reloading can offer a wealth of challenges comparatively.
 
cosmic said:
Well - The unfortunate thing these days is the lack of components - particularly powder and wads. I reload for 28 gauge, and shortages are obvious. The only available wads are the Claybusters, of which there is very little published data. Similarly, the most common hulls are Challenger (Cheddite), available as once fired (by me). The Claybuster wads are claimed to be interchangeable with some OEM wad/hull combinations, however, you inevitably run into stack issues. Some are resolved by adjusting my MEC press, some not.
Having reloaded rifle for two decades, I can safely say that shotgun reloading can offer a wealth of challenges comparatively.
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Not true being a 28ga nut but?? The data for claybusters is the same as what factory wad they are replacing is it not so no problem if you stick to the right components
Break the bank and buy a flat of winchester aa's HS and sell those challenger you will thank your self down the road and stay that way and reload those winhs like 10 times or more
I reload STS and AA only for the 28ga and never an issue getting data or components and have been doing that with aa since 1965
Guys that keep trying to reload the cheap yes cheap cheddite hulls and primers deserve what they get IMO
Cheers
Hummason has both the new style in winchester and claybusters in both new and old
WAA28HS WIN. RED 28 GA. WADS ( 1000 ) 49.95
Bilozer has factory federal 28ga and 28ga BPI like the SG28S Sporting 28-II wad and remington pt-28

Those bpi should be Ok for your cheddite hulls
 
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huntingfish: I agree with 3macs1. If your budget allows, buy a MEC to start. Plenty of new reloaders start with the Load All...and in my opinion, it's a good press for the money. Good for learning the basics on. So nothing wrong with having one as a first press. If your plans include only loading a few boxes of shells per year for hunting, the inexpensive Load All is a good choice. It works.

But as your experience grows, eventually... you will likely wish to upgrade to a press with greater flexibility, when it comes to developing and fine tuning loads.
In which case, MEC is the better choice.

Al

wasa: I like the Lee shotgun slug info, too. Very useful. For those interested, Lee also publishes the data, online. Quick way to find it, Google: "lee slug mold load data". Should come up, right away.
 
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I use and have on hand Chedittes , Winchester , CCI 209 & 209M , Rem 209 & 57 , CIL 4B , Alcan 220 MAX-FIRE , Fed 209 & 209 A , Fiocchi 615 & 616 and a few no name Italian primers . And they all go bang . The same for wads the claybusters are great substitute for factory wads I even reload Fiber Lujutics and card and felt components and old Pacifics , even uni-wads. Shot shell loading is more complicated than most people think. It is a great hobby but it takes some thought and care to be safe . Just because a load go bang does mean it is safe and effective . My advise to a newby keep it simple use proven data use a pattern board and have fun. And the MEC advise cannot go wrong buy once . You can reload the Cheditte Challenger type hull but they are a pain they require a total reset of my mec loaders as stated Rem STS , WIN HS AA much better to work with .
 
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warzaw: You're right. Keep it simple. Best advice for new reloaders. Shotshell loading can be easy.... if following the load data correctly in the manuals. Or a brain twisting exercise in frustration.

Most of us who've been around reloading for a while already know this.....but for newcomers to the game(huntingfish), this tip may help: It pays to have a goal, when reloading.

Ask yourself: "How do I plan on using these shot shells?" Hunting, clay bird shooting, etc.? Once you have that out of the way, selecting components to load the shells is relatively straightforward: Select the components you need, according to the loading manual.

As your goals change....and they will....go through the same process. In the end, you should end up with only the stuff you need, and not a lot of extras.

Of course as all us reloaders know.....that ain't gonna happen! You'll still end up with odds and ends of wads, primers, hulls and other bits and pieces. But it does help keep some of the clutter down.
.

Al
 
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For what it's worth, I've had good luck with a MEC Sizemaster with a adjustable charge bar.
- I only do it for slugs... for the volume of birdshot I use any given years chasing grouse and hares, I just buy ammo.


MEC_SM_1.jpg


As already mentioned, a few things you need to keep in mind.
- Unless you are a very-high volume shooter, it's a money loosing venture.
- - If you're a high-volume shooter, a MEC is not going to cut (unless you have a whole lot of free time)

- Now is not exactly a good time to get into it, as finding component can be a challenge... as in, finding the powder that will work for the hulls you have, with the correct wad height for the weight/speed of the shots.
- I'd stick to published data

While reloading can be a pretty straight forward process, it's also easy enough to end up with shells looking like this

8U6U88k.jpeg
 
sillymike: The Sizemaster is an excellent choice in a MEC press. Versatile and easy to operate. I have one of the "Steelmaster" versions.

Your photos are a good illustration of some of the reloading "bloopers" all of us have faced, at one time or the other. Plus...helpful to newcomers who haven't run into these, yet. By the way.....you will.

Identifying the problem. Then, figuring out how to correct these mistakes is part of the process.

Thanks for sharing the photos.

Al
 
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sillymike said:
- - If you're a high-volume shooter, a MEC is not going to cut (unless you have a whole lot of free time)
Click to expand...

I think you mean a Sizemaster is not going to cut it.
MEC's progressive model 9000 with auto advance and loaded shell slide will keep up with most of them. Load hull, load wadd, pull handle and repeat, and repeat and repeat ... :)
 
Depending on volume a MEC 9000 progressive is overkill. Personally I have one with an adjustable bar, but I load all kinds of target loads. My hunter friend buys target shells and just loads his hunting shells on his Lee. I think it matters what your end goal is. If loading <250 shells a year a Lee is perfectly fine. If loading 200 shells an hour then the MEC has a pretty good advantage.

Shotshell reloading is different from rifle cartridges- different problems and different things to worry about. It is a little more dangerous IMHO as a double powder charge can be loaded somewhat undetected which would make for a bad day. The other challenge is you can't assume components are swappable- the primer/wad/hull/powder/load combination actually matters! sticking to published loads is pretty important. Also important is sticking with a hull. Once you get a hull setup and working you avoid the mangled stuff, but swapping from an 8pt AA to a 6pt cheddite hull is just asking for a headache.

Good luck finding primers and powder at the moment. The is some stuff out there but it is a hunt to find it and it is expensive. Once you find something the work of figuring out the load combo begins. Don't swap stuff and assume it is safe. Also- don't swap stuff in a recipe and assume it is safe. Lastly- don't swap stuff and assume it is safe.
 
There is some published interchange data for components primers and wads . But I wouldn't recommend any swap outs for a newby . A good scale for checking shot and powder weights is a must for me . Powder and shot bushings are seldom on the money. Handloading won't save you any money but it is a fun hobby and you can make some great ammo.
 
bertn said:
I think you mean a Sizemaster is not going to cut it.
MEC's progressive model 9000 with auto advance and loaded shell slide will keep up with most of them. Load hull, load wadd, pull handle and repeat, and repeat and repeat ... :)
Click to expand...

A sizemaster is exactly what I would buy if I was in his shoes since eventually he will want the auto primer and collect resizer
But WTF do I know only have almost 2 dozen MEC of all gauges and models. Full sets of jr's, sizemasters and 9000G including 16ga and a few steel masters for 10ga and 12ga 3" and 3 1/2"
Cheers
 
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