Shotshell load development

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Has anyone here done any shotshell load development?. By that, I don’t mean loading shotshell useing published load data, I am referring to loading shotshell “from scratch” so to speak useing one or more components (more specifically powders) that are not listed in published loading manuals.
 
I have done a little with slug loads in 12 gauge. There is usually enough data out there to craft a target load from whatever components you happen to have access to, but not so much with the specialty loads.

The practice is of course discouraged, but the folks over at castboolits.com do it more often and more openly than anywhere else I've seen.
 
Shotgun is very tricky to load safely. Changing only primer or wad type can have a big pressure rise, like 20%.
Also, as the cartridge is quite low pressure, you can't see the typical pressure signs as flat primers or ejector mark like with center fire.
With all the dates available, find something that fits your components.
 
Well - How about - it depends. Shotgun loads vary from low pressure target loads @ 7000 psi to duck loads at 13000 psi. If you're playing around with target loads, switching primers and wads can be managed without too much risk, as you've got lots of margin on pressure. Powder is another story. As you've not provided any detail, its impossible to comment.
 
With the gazillions of loads available for pretty well every gauge, powder, hull. wad and primer available now, what is it that you seek/ want that is sooo rare ?
** I'd like to know just for curiosity sakes. ....because, I have contemplated this yrs ago, but without all the proper pressure barrel and measuring equipment, I never wondered about it any more. That was late 70's !!!
 
I shoot with a guy that does it all the time. Especially for 16ga.
Watch for unburnt powder in the bore and the sound of the shot. If it sounds weak or hollow it's not a good load
I've played with slug loads that weren't in the books and I've also shot alot of blackpowder loads in nitro proofed guns
 
A others have stated, working up your own loads from scratch is generally not recommended. I have read and studied shotshell loading quite a lot over the years as I reload for trapshooting as well as 2.5" paper hulls for my old British guns.
As for the components, shotshell primers seem to have a wider range of "power" than rifle/pistol primers, so changes in primers can result in large pressure differences. Shotshell hulls can have widely different interior shapes - they are not just a standard straight tube. Some are tapered, some straight and dimensions vary a lot. Wads designed for one hull may be either a sloppy or too tight fit in another hull, thus changing pressures wildly. Shotshell powders (sometimes also usable as pistol powder) are fast burning, so a small difference in charge weight can give massive pressure spikes.
Invest in some shotshell reloading manuals and look carefully at the load data and how changes in components can quickly lead to problems. An extra $100 in published books is far cheaper than replacing your gun, not to mention your fingers and eyes if your gun really blow up - and they can!
Again, as others have stated, it's really just best to choose a published and proven recipe.
Just my thoughts....
 
I do on occasion when I have time and feel like it for 12 & 16 Ga. but only for Buckshot, Lead Slugs and Rubber Bullets using Plastic Casings and/or Brass Casings. As others said its almost impossible to get all the Components together called in the Books. Completely different then metalic Cartridge reloading. Canadians are typically over coutius, its a Liberal thing. I recomend reading up what Tom Rooster the "Shotgun Professor" has to say about pressures and such. Most important thing I think is using only quality modern Shotguns, defenitely nothing what could be Damascus.

Cheers
 
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