Trimming 12ga shotgun wads?

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VooDooMan

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Question boys,

Reloading 12ga shotgun slugs 1oz lee key mold.
If I don't trim the petals of my wad or shotcup what happens?

I can either load with the petal much higher the the slug, or trim it my self to about 1/3 from the top......like this http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee75/Dantebeowulf/LeeKeyinFed12S4and12S3wad.jpg
far right pink one.

So what is the deal, why do you trim the petals, what does or doesn't it do?

Thanks
 
I have no experience with the Lee slugs, but have used and loaded many other 12 gauge slugs and round balls. If the slug is designed for use with wads you should use it that way. It is a matter of slug diameter, if the wad petals make the slug too tight a fit, you could have pressure and accuracy problems, what is the Lee recommendation and/or what is the diameter of the slugs? The slugs that I make/use are meant to be used with a wad that has the petals in place, they would be loose in the bore without the wad with it's petals. I don't know if this has helped but feel free to contact me if you are still unsure as it could be a safety concern....IMHO
 
just curious when the slugs come out of the mold do they have the rifling in them or are they just smooth
 
No rifling on them, they are .683 in diam.
I think you had me confused ben, I dont want to completely remove the petals, just trim them back so the slug head stick out like in the picture, if I don't the petals are far bigger then the slug........

Just curious what happens if I don't trim.
thanks
 
Funny how this thread appeared now.

Last night, I loaded my first ever, Lee 1 oz slugs and was stumped with the same question.

Seated within the untrimmed wad (white), the slug sat too high.

So I cut the petals just enough to seat the slug deep enough so the srimp would close firmly. I used Remington Gun Club hulls. The slug fit loose but not enough to rattle against the hull, slug was not within the wad petals.
 
If you can crimp the mouth with untrimmed petals, then do that.

In my case, I had no choice but to trim the petals until only about 3/32 inch was left of them. Only then could I crimp my shells.

I believe the petals are there to keep lead shot together as they travel down the bore and for a few feet after the wad/shot leaves the muzzle. If this reasoning is correct, then a slug doesn't need petals.
 
My buddy and I think that leaving the petals longer than the slug's sides, likely has a bad effect on accuracy...not dependably opening the petals to release the slug. At least not without upsetting the slug's stability a bit. He plans on trimming them back for the next batch, we'll see how that works!
 
Like rick said. my last bunch (now mind u these were 7/8oz, but I loaded a few hundred) were holding the slug to the target and not releasing at all until they hit the target w/backing board, I found a bunch and they show signs of being held. I think it must be from the top potion not being supported by anything and is forced under the crimp folds when the wad column is upset during firing. I also use OS cards to take up height in the wad.

If u/anyone need(s) to, I will post pics of those wads I still have them for my studying still.

My next batch soon, I now have the 1oz mold, and Iam going to try cutting them down a bit.

easyrider604- What is the recipe you are using for those hulls and where was it published from?
 
What can happen is one or more petals catching in the crimp and folding backwards allowing the slug to bounce in the barrel.
Leave them untrimmed unless you notice shot wads missing petals.

I used to trim the wads to the tip of the slug or slightly shorter.
Now I just put 16GA cardboard disks under the slug to raise it. Less time consuming.
 
I've read to trim them, then other places that said it wasn't necessary.I tried them both ways (the exact same slug you're using and white wads) and didn't notice the slightest difference. I don't trim them anymore...why go the extra work just because somebody else thought it was a good idea. If you're having trouble crimping because your stack it too high when it's all together, by all means, cut them back.
 
awesome replies guys, thanks......Always though trimming back would let the slug escape - like some of you mentioned, I will load 50 each way and find out my self.

The cardboard idea is good though, no need to trip just raise the slug.
thanks
 
legi0n said:
What can happen is one or more petals catching in the crimp and folding backwards allowing the slug to bounce in the barrel.
Leave them untrimmed unless you notice shot wads missing petals.

I used to trim the wads to the tip of the slug or slightly shorter.
Now I just put 16GA cardboard disks under the slug to raise it. Less time consuming.
Click to expand...

I have noticed that with mine..the fired wads are missing petals, usually just one...Raising the slug with a disk is a good idea.
 
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