Recipe For Dummy Loads?

[Milkmaster]

I want to take some of my spent shells to make a half dozen dummy loads that weigh and eject like fresh shells. I want them for testing after cleaning or even to use while I am showing youngsters or any non-firearms person how a shotgun operates, ejects etc. without worrying about a live round being in the firearm.

(NO I won't be pointing it at anyone or treating it other than like live ammo!)

I am not a reloader, but I figure someone out there already has their own recipe for dummies that make them weigh about the same. Maybe I should just get with someone who reloads? I know about snap caps, but why spend the money? I want a weight similar to a 3dram X 71/2 shot X 2 3/4" shell. That is mostly what I shoot.

I feel vulnerable now that I have asked the question. So let go with the ideas, criticisms, and complaints. :)

[ArmedBear]

I feel vulnerable now that I have asked the question.

Man, there's no need for that. And this place is the best question-answering forum I've ever seen!

First question: are you talking about a semiauto?

[41magsnub]

Couldn't you just reload a shell not replacing the primer and cornmeal or the like for powder with a real wad and shot in it?

[Striker]

Suppose it could be done by sizing, but not depriming the round and using grits or something similar to substitute as powder, and then load wad and shot as normal and crimp.

Or you can get something like this:

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=91126

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=93657334

[rcmodel]

Here you go:
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/productdetail.aspx?p=6811

I don't recommend ever using reloaded dummies because of the color & exact match of real live ammo.
That just makes it too easy to make a mistake!

For instance, I went burglar hunting once with a Colt 1911 full of test dummy ammo I had reloaded and left in a magazine by accident.

You or the kids could as easily pick up a live round that you thought wasn't.

rcmodel

[Striker]

For instance, I went burglar hunting once with a Colt 1911 full of test dummy ammo I had reloaded and left in a magazine by accident.


WOW! Can't describe mental picture conjured up after reading that! Cold shudders.

[Milkmaster]

I have multiples of semi-auto and pumps. I think it would be nice to have a few dummies to cycle through the action after cleaning to make sure I reassembled it correctly etc.

[Pete409]

Have a reloader load you some rounds with dead primers and no powder. As others suggested, use some inert material to replace the powder, and be sure to use a wad and shot, and fully resize the hulls.

Mark them up with a colored "Sharpie" to easily distinguish them from loaded ammo.

Above all, be careful and don't get live ammo mixed up with the dummy rounds.

[mswestfall]

Resize and de-prime as usual. Reseat the primer add a wad and 1 1/8 oz of shot. The 17-19 grains of powder is irreverent.

I do agree with marking the shells with a pen.

They won't eject like a spent shell because they still have shot in them.

Chamber an empty to simulate ejection.

[petey156]

Are you looking for truely dead shell, or do you still want a noise(bang) I have used 12ga field blanks for scaring birds. They are designed for dog training.....

[RyanM]

Why do they have to weigh the same as real shells? Just cut off the crimp with an x-acto and pack the hull full of paper or something for rigidity, and you'd have something good enough for basic handling practice. That also makes it much harder to mistake them for real shells and vice-versa.