Help me get started in Shotshell Reloading

[302w 83]

I've been reloading centerfire for awhile now and I'm interested in loading 12 gauge now.

 

As I understand, I can't willy-nilly swap primers and hulls like I would in centerfire.

 

I would like to settle on ONE hull, ONE primer, one or two wads, one or two powders, and home cast buckshot and slugs. I like using the same loads and once I get set up I want to not change things. 

 

I would like to use Federal hulls... I read that Federal cheapo targets and Federal Gold Medal hulls are the same but the targets use fiber wads. I shoot Walmart target Federals now and if I have to dump the hulls after two reloads so be it. 

 

Can anyone suggest what primers I should use? Powders? Once I make those decisions I will figure out what wads to buy. Unfortunately supplies on pistol powders are limited. I may use 231 or titewad for handgun in the future so they are a possibility. From a quick glance it seems that some powders are way more efficient in 12 gauge than others. I don't mind dedicating a powder for shotgun in my inventory.

 

Thanks!

 

acquiring shotgun supplies seems so much more complicated than CF

[mikeyjones 88]

I was always a fan of using double duty powders.  I use 700x and Red Dot for a lot of my handgun and shotshell loading. That way I can buy just 1 powder.

[Parker 213]

My load data from records over the years show the following powders I've used and still use today for 12 ga; Red Dot, Green Dot, Clays, Univ. Clays, Int. Clays, HS6, HS7, Blue Dot, Longshot, Titewad, Unique, W571. I'll load payloads from 7/8 oz. in 2 1/2" shells to 2oz. for 3" shells for the 12 ga.  Many of the powders I've listed and used will also work well for pistol. I try to use only hulls with genuine brass bases, as steel is tougher on the reloader. I've managed to hoard many hulls over the years. A good premium hull will give you plenty of reloads before the petals fail and crimps become spotty. 

 

Primers will be dictated by the specific powder, hull and wad combination. There are scores of them. You can get by and load a lot of combinations with just Federal, Remington and Winchester primers. 

 

A good read on hulls: 

https://www.ballisticproducts.com/bpi/articleindex/articles/curmudgeon_articles/060124_hulls_in_general.htm

[Parker 213]

I will throw this out to you..........

 

It is far more cost effective to purchase shotgun ammo than it is to reload for it........if it is a common caliber and you are not looking for any significant performance improvement.

 

I gave up on it.........it just does not pay for standard 12G target or hunting loads.

 

However, I do keep a stock set of supplies to reload shotshell for a SHTF situation, but that is not what we are talking about here...  just my .02

 

I would agree today. In 1995, it was economical to roll your own. I could load any of my three gauges for $2.75 or less a box. Today with the price of loose shot, powder and primers, it's not so economical anymore. Then again, those hulls you buy today in those promotional target loads offer soft shot that pattern erractically and use a hull not worth reloading at times. They are throw-away's. Good hunting loads with hard shot and better hulls come at a premium price. 

 

The only excuse I have for why I still do it is I reload because I've been doing it religiously since the late 60's. I've always made my own target and hunting loads. As I gained more gauges, I load for three now. I can tailor my loads for the gun and game I shoot, and I can make some loads that aren't readily available or experiment with loads too. Because I'm a fan of the 16 ga. I can duplicate some old loads that were available years ago that aren't normally stocked today. It's still fun for me and it gives me something to do during those idle times. 

[T Bill 649]

Number crunching shows it's not worth the time/effort.  I do load 3/4oz trap loads to put a little twist into things.  Watch for sales. Just used a discount flyer and sale price combo at Cabelas for two cases of cheap Estate 12ga 1-1/8 #8 2.75 DE for $47.50 each.

[mikeyjones 88]

I take a slightly different approach.  While the cost is slightly higher or about the same as buying a box of shells off the shelf, I prefer to load my own because I like to tailor the load.

 

Not sure if you've done trap shooting for more than 2 rounds in a row, but store bought target loads will start to wear on you very quickly.  I have a recipe I've been using for years that I've found to be more accurate and less recoil for trap loads. 

 

Again, my needs are very specific but just pointing out that there are reasons to roll your own aside from cost.

[302w 83]

I'm not a trap shooter and I only shoot clays 2-3 times a year out of an 870 express. With my own thrower.

 

I'm looking to cast/load my own buck and slug loads.

[T Bill 649]

Ballistic Products has about every thing you need.  I get primed 10 gauge hulls from them to cut down to make my own 2 7/8 in hulls for loading.

[JackDaWack 2,895]

I take a slightly different approach.  While the cost is slightly higher or about the same as buying a box of shells off the shelf, I prefer to load my own because I like to tailor the load.

 

Not sure if you've done trap shooting for more than 2 rounds in a row, but store bought target loads will start to wear on you very quickly.  I have a recipe I've been using for years that I've found to be more accurate and less recoil for trap loads. 

 

Again, my needs are very specific but just pointing out that there are reasons to roll your own aside from cost.

me and a buddy went through 250 3" #7 federal target shells in about 2 hours... didn't bother me none. 5 stand at cherry ridge with no plugs = $$$