12ga Shotgun reloading

[Ryan Williams]

Hey all,

I inherited a bunch of equipment and components for shotgun reloading and I have honestly never set-up a press from reloading. I have a MEC 76 series progressive reloader with charge bars for 1, 1 1/8, 1 3/8, 1 1/4, and 1 1/2 oz. loads and a whole box of bushings.

The press is currently setup for basic trap 1 oz. trap/target loads. however here is my question, I want to set up the press to load some 12 shotshells firing #4 buck. I have the shot, but I am not sure how I should be setting this thing up. Will this re-loader even load buckshot?

Also are there different kinds of hulls & wads should I be using? Any help would be appreciated!

 

[rbernie]

I've not used that specific reloader, so I cannot help you with that. I can advise you to get the Lyman shotshell reloading book and read the section on loading buckshot; it's well worth the cost.

 

[oneounceload]

You sure on that model number? The 77 is the Sizemaster and is a great machine. Shot size that large MIGHT bridge when you try to load it and stick in the drop tube. It can load just about anything.

Reloading has VERY specific recipes as hulls and wads are not just interchangeable and the wrong combination can lead to high and excess pressure - not a good thing.

You need to decide on what powder and wad you'll be using, then find the proper wad. The Lyman book is good as are the various powder maker sites

 

[Steve C]

Get the Lyman Shot Shell reloading manual for some of the best information on loading buckshot. Some of the loads will have special instructions with it like how to stack the pellets or to cut the petals off the wad. Buckshot is usually dispensed by count rather than by weight and a charge bar so just leave the shot bottle empty, count the pellets for your load and add them manually.

Loading buckshot is slower than a typical target or bird shot load because of the large shot but it can be done. Usually you don't want to load as many Buckshot as you do target and bird rounds.

 

[Ryan Williams]

thanks for the advice I'll pick up Lyman's shot shell manual.

 

[copdills]

the Lyman 5th edition is the way to go, Ryan Williams is right on