Shotshell load development

QuickDraw16

QuickDraw16

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So how did all of these recipies come about? Complex calculations?
Would it be insanely dangerous to calculate the ratio of powder charge (in grains) to shot charge (in grains) and manipulate it accordingly?
Say I've go a recipie that calls for 28.0 gr of 800x to: 648 gr no.1 buck
Which is approximately 0.0432 grains of powder: 1 grain of shot.
If I find that my shot cups hold 9 grains of 00 buck shot which would weigh approximately 484gr. I should In theory be able to multiply both sides of the above ratio by 484 gr to get a new powder: shot ratio.
20.92gr 800x powder: 484gr of 00 buck.

Would I be crazy to try and actually use this, or what??
 
It would likely be safe but it would be very under powered.

With a decrease in shot weight you would need an increase in powder weight to have a useful load.

It's difficult to develop shotshell loads on your own because there's no easy way to determine the pressure that's being developed.

Loads in the manual are developed using pressure testing equipment and since there are no pressure signs to be observed on shotshells (until the pressure is already way too high) we have to pretty much stick to the published loads.

A small change in powder charge may be gotten away with but a component change such as a different wad or hull puts you into unknown pressure territory.

Because you got the "powder charge : shot charge" relationship backwards I'm guessing that you're new at this. I recommend that you stick to the manual. Once you have several years of experience, you'll know what you can and can't do when experimenting with shotshell loads. (Mostly can't).

Have fun.
 
If you use the correct terminology that might be easier to understand.
Shot is measured in ounces not grains. Individual shot is described as pellets not grains.
Your best bet is to follow established recipes from the manuals which will tell you that you are duplicating vice inventing loads.
 
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