Shotshell reloading-component advice needed

It will largely depend on the compatable wads and propellant you find in the data in your book for the weight load and hulls you already have. Balistic Products .com is a good source for supplies in normal times. Check out their web site.

Both Alliant and Hodgdon have load data. personally, I reload 3/4oz for economy for practice, but if the choice is between 1 or 1-1/8, stick with 1oz running right about 1200fps. Many powders will work for your choice including 700X and Clays. With AA hulls, you'll want to use US primers like Winchester, CCI, Federal, Remington as opposed to Cheddite, Fiocchi, NobelSports, etc. The reason is that the Euro primers are metric and just ever so slightly larger and can stretch primer pockets so if you later go to US primers, you might have an issue. Claybuster and Downrange both make wads for your choices.
Go to both of those sites, plug in 12 gauge, the hull type, then load size and get the recipes and they will fill in which wads and primers to safely use. Unlike metallic, you really do not just mix and match components. The main issue I am seeing right now is that primers are almost unobtainable, and shot is now zooming towards $90/bag from $50/bag just a few months ago.

Good luck in your quest!

One ounce loads are great. 7 1/2 and 8 shot are good choices. Hodgdon's was substitution chart is your friend. Probably best to get your manual and cross what components you think you can find with published data before you go further.

Magnum shot is a little harder and is likely to pattern a bit tighter than standard shot so it's preferred by some shotgun gamers.

Don't buy anything until you find a steady source of shot. If you can't find shot with a delivered price of ~$40 or less, then don't even bother. You can buy factory loads much cheaper.

I say you got the right shells.

rfwobbly said:

If you can't find shot with a delivered price of ~$40 or less

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Please tell me where such animals live these days.....
I'm seeing naught else but 2-1/2 times that cost.

rfwobbly said:

Don't buy anything until you find a steady source of shot. If you can't find shot with a delivered price of ~$40 or less, then don't even bother. You can buy factory loads much cheaper.

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Not true in today's market place at all. Ammo is maybe yes, maybe no for availability. Shot hasn't been $40 for over a year

You should make sure you have a source of shot and primers first. Both are difficult right now. Shot is starting to come around, but prices are up.

Wads. The WAASL is the gold standard for 1 oz loads in the WAA hull. Very good knock offs are produced by claybuster and others. I notice no difference between these and the more expensive Winchester branded ones. Another versatile wad for 1 oz in that hull is the relatively new Windjammer 1 oz (yellow). These are reasonably priced, and seem a bit more versatile as they have a little bit of crush factor working with a wider variety of hull/wad/powder combinations. It wouldn't break your bank to pick up a bag of WAASLs when you find them, and source the other components going forward.

The most common powders for 1 oz trap loads are Red Dot (or Promo), WST, 700X. Some others will work. They may have some utility for light 9mm loads, check the data. Green Dot, and some of the slightly slower hodgedon shotgun powders such as International may be a better fit for 9mm. Some other suitable shotgun powders,..not optimal, but workable...are American Select, Extra light, Win Super Handicap. Edit to add. I forgot about Clays powder, another gold standard. A quick look at hodgdon data showed compatability with Clays, 700X and titegroup (I wouldnt' recommend) for 12 Ga 1 oz and 9mm 115 gr cast.

I find 1 oz of #8 to be about optimal for trap shooting at around 1200fps.

http://www.claybusterwads.com/index.php/product-by-gauge/by-gauge-12
Wads for everything at a good price.http://www.claybusterwads.com/index.php/product-by-gauge/by-gauge-12

If you don’t have a copy of https://www.lymanproducts.com/the-lyman-shotshell-reloading-handbook-5th-edition, might want to get one. Great info on hulls and wads.

AA hulls changed a bit in recent years. https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...chester-aa-and-winchester-aa-hs-hulls.665318/ Here’s a thread on the change. I’ve not had any problems with the 2-piece hulls although some don’t like the ridge inside the newer hulls.

I shoot skeet and sporting clays, but all my trapper buddies load 1 oz if 7.5 at 1200 to 1250 FPS. Clays and Titewad are great if you can find it. If you can find either, I recommend you go on the reloading data page of Hodgdon https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/?_ga=2.264845519.1133830719.1622600506-2126571488.1622079614

To avoid developing flinch, keep your speed down as much as you can. Full house 1 1/8 can get brutal at the end of a day. There’s a reason clay guns are heavier than field.

I agree with rfwobbly. Shot’s your biggest issue. Loaded shells like Gun Club or Fiocci or Rio might be a cheaper alternative. https://www.clay-shooting.com/features/best-clay-cartridges-from-budget-to-blow-out/

And, do a cost analysis. I load a lot of 12 and 20 ga, but the real cost savings is in 16, 28 and .410.

Join up with Shotgun World (shotgunworld.com)

A quick look at ammoseek is showing $.50 per round for the cheapest options of clay target loads from a reputable seller. Consider paying a bit more for shot, the days of $4.99 per box bargain trap load at Wal Mart are at least temporarily defunct.

Random 8 said:

A quick look at ammoseek is showing $.50 per round for the cheapest options of clay target loads from a reputable seller. Consider paying a bit more for shot, the days of $4.99 per box bargain trap load at Wal Mart are at least temporarily defunct.

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My club sells Gun Club at $7/box. My cost for a premium reload is $5.50, but I’m working off a stockpile.

Random 8 said:

A quick look at ammoseek is showing $.50 per round for the cheapest options of clay target loads from a reputable seller. Consider paying a bit more for shot, the days of $4.99 per box bargain trap load at Wal Mart are at least temporarily defunct.

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Not temporarily; not with the rapid inflation due to endless printing of currency and the huge increases in oil products and wood products

I use Win AA hulls, Federal 209A primers, 1-1/8 oz 7-1/2 shot, CB1118-12 wads, 18grs Green dot and 16grs hodgdon Clays. The Green dot is below the listed data which gives me a softer recoil in the pump and O/U and doesn't effect the performance. Thinking of doing the same with the Clays powder. Also have used #6 and #8 shot and seems to work. As others have said, shot and primers are an issue, shot can be found but anywhere between $56-$85 for 25lb bag. I'm using 700x for my game loads which gives me ~1300 fps.

unwashed said:

I use Win AA hulls, Federal 209A primers, 1-1/8 oz 7-1/2 shot, CB1118-12 wads, 18grs Green dot and 16grs hodgdon Clays. The Green dot is below the listed data which gives me a softer recoil in the pump and O/U and doesn't effect the performance. Thinking of doing the same with the Clays powder. Also have used #6 and #8 shot and seems to work. As others have said, shot and primers are an issue, shot can be found but anywhere between $56-$85 for 25lb bag. I'm using 700x for my game loads which gives me ~1300 fps.

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If you want softer recoil, drop that payload to 1 oz or 7/8; targets still break and your shoulder will thank you.

Alex G said:

One other question-is there a notable reason to go with standard vs magnum shot or vice versa? Just realized I forgot to ask.

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Magnum shot has a little more antimony so while the volume is the same, the actual weight will be ever so slightly less than chilled shot - not enough to even bother about.

Alex G said:

Good to know, thanks!

How versatile is Clays over a range of shot weights? Can it handle anything from 7/8oz up to 1 1/8oz without issues? I’ve got some HS-6 powder on hand that I use for pistol, but it seems to only work with the heavier shotshell loads.

Sounds good!

Yes sir! I actually ordered one a little while ago, but it’s back ordered and hasn’t shipped yet.



Between clays, Titewad, and 700x, which has the most versatile range across shot weights and velocities?

No issues dropping down to 7/8 oz in an inertia semi-auto shotgun?

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I shoot 3/4oz running 1275 (for a cleaner burn) in my gas guns with zero issues

Going in reverse order. You will likely have issues with 7/8 oz regardless of velocity in an inertia gun. Mine is a bit spotty even with light 1 oz if it isn't perfectly clean. When I step up the velocity a bit, to around 1250 fps it's very reliable.

Clays and 700X are more versatile than titewad at target load payloads and speeds. Add Red Dot and Promo to that group. Green Dot and American select are more versatile with heavier payloads and charges.

Clays is versatile in my experience from 1 to 1 1/8 oz at most useful velocities. I haven't personally tried 7/8, but the data is there. You can make a useable field/heavy trap load with your HS-6 and a WAA12 wad. I've use a very similar load on Grouse and light pheasant. It's not very efficient for target shooting...heavy powder charge, lots of un-needed speed, recoil and blast...but these are tough times. It does sweep medium to heavy game birds from the sky like lightning pushing #6 lead, and makes a good hail mary shell for "Annie oakley" shoots with #7 1/2, so it has it's place.

Titewad can be difficult for a beginner. It takes up less space in the hull than the others listed above, crimping can be problematic. Once you're dialed in, its a great target powder though, even though it looks and smells funny.

https://recobstargetshop.com/product/cb-1100-12-wads-1oz-pink-wads-cbsl-replace-waa12sl/ Here's your wad in-stock. They also have the 1 1/8 oz version if you desire some heavy field loads with your HS-6.

Random 8 said:

Going in reverse order. You will likely have issues with 7/8 oz regardless of velocity in an inertia gun. Mine is a bit spotty even with light 1 oz if it isn't perfectly clean. When I step up the velocity a bit, to around 1250 fps it's very reliable.

Clays and 700X are more versatile than titewad at target load payloads and speeds. Add Red Dot and Promo to that group. Green Dot and American select are more versatile with heavier payloads and charges.

Clays is versatile in my experience from 1 to 1 1/8 oz at most useful velocities. I haven't personally tried 7/8, but the data is there. You can make a useable field/heavy trap load with your HS-6 and a WAA12 wad. I've use a very similar load on Grouse and light pheasant. It's not very efficient for target shooting...heavy powder charge, lots of un-needed speed, recoil and blast...but these are tough times. It does sweep medium to heavy game birds from the sky like lightning pushing #6 lead, and makes a good hail mary shell for "Annie oakley" shoots with #7 1/2, so it has it's place.

Titewad can be difficult for a beginner. It takes up less space in the hull than the others listed above, crimping can be problematic. Once you're dialed in, its a great target powder though, even though it looks and smells funny.

https://recobstargetshop.com/product/cb-1100-12-wads-1oz-pink-wads-cbsl-replace-waa12sl/ Here's your wad in-stock. They also have the 1 1/8 oz version if you desire some heavy field loads with your HS-6.

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I used Clays successfully for 7/8 as well. Titewad works really well with 7/8 and 3/4 oz 12 gauge loads - it is me favorite for 3/4oz 12 gauge loads, even over ExtraLite

Yes, depending on the semi, you can have problems with lighter loads. That’d be more along the lines of 1125 to 1150 FPS. Once you a bit above 1200, you shouldn’t have problems.

Some semis will let you adjust on the gun, and some you have to change some small gas rings or ports. But, semi guns absorb recoil well, and you can probably shoot a bit heavier without the beating.

Clays will handle the range you listed easily. I haven’t used 700-X so can’t help you there. I buy Clays and Titewad by 8 lb jugs, Universal and International by the 4 lb. When you run out of Clays and there’s none on the shelf to buy, Titewad works really well. Universal and International work well for heavier and longer range and are decent backups as well. My all time favorite is Winchester AA Super-Handicap for longer range.

When I start to load heavier loads like waterfowl or turkey or buckshot, I go to Herco or HS-6, or Unique, or The Dots (red, blue, green).

Shotgunworld World probably has threads on you particular shotgun, and folks there are comparable to the good folks here. Ask a question, and you’ll get really good answers. Full section on reloading.