16 gauge - Where to start?

[Lo2w]

Have a Winchester 37 steelbilt 16 gauge on Layaway at the local shop. Got a deluxe Lee Loader kit off ebay (the vintage kits that let you load without a press) and the 16 gauge manual from BPI, though I've since read mixed reviews about it.

Looking for some suggestions on where to start. Intend to use the 37 for small game and turkey. Seems like target loads can be had online reasonably, so I'll probably be reloading just the hunting loads.

Any suggestions on a better manual? Is there a recommended set of start up components - 2-3 small jugs of powder etc. - that give me some options to find a good load?

Thanks!

 

[Bull Nutria]

Lyman shotshellmanual, powder Co online manuals. I like Alliant powders.
Bull

 

[Browngirlsdad]

I would start by joining up on the forum at 16ga.com. The reloading section on there was invaluable for me when starting up loading. It is a great group of guys over there. There is also a yahoo group with a spreadsheet of loads collecting all of the listed loads from different suppliers as well as tested loads by the members.

I go by bbrown over there if you run into me.

Read, read, and read before you buy any components, then start simple and work your way into it.

 

[Blue68f100]

Just remember with shotgun shells that you follow the load data. No working up loads like you do in metallic (rifle/pistol). The only deviation that your allowed is on wadding. And this is only if there the same, just different mfg. Every thing is designed around a load stack that gives you a specific wadding pressure against the powder. In some respect it's easier than metallic. The difficult part is dealing with the crimp.

 

[J-Bar]

Test how your loads pattern on paper. A slight change in a load can have a big effect on pattern uniformity. A load that works well in one gun may look like crap in another.

 

[Lo2w]

I would start by joining up on the forum at 16ga.com. The reloading section on there was invaluable for me when starting up loading. It is a great group of guys over there. There is also a yahoo group with a spreadsheet of loads collecting all of the listed loads from different suppliers as well as tested loads by the members.

I go by bbrown over there if you run into me.

Read, read, and read before you buy any components, then start simple and work your way into it.

I'm waiting for it to approve on 16ga...I'll check out the yahoo one.

 

[Lo2w]

Just remember with shotgun shells that you follow the load data. No working up loads like you do in metallic (rifle/pistol). The only deviation that your allowed is on wadding. And this is only if there the same, just different mfg. Every thing is designed around a load stack that gives you a specific wadding pressure against the powder. In some respect it's easier than metallic. The difficult part is dealing with the crimp.

Thanks ...I had been reading that. interested in brass shells like the magtech that could give me longer use than plastic and fiber/card wads. Not sure what data exists.

 

[RussellC]

Interesting, I have an old Belgian made Browning A5 in 16....

Russellc