Birdshot to Buckshot

[G33InMyPocket]

Is it safe to convert a birdshot recipe to buckshot? For example, 16 pellets of #2 buck weighs between 1 1/8 and 1 1/4 oz (pg 70 of Lyman 4th ed.). Can I take a 1 1/8 or 1 1/4 oz birdshot recipe and substitute 16 pellets of #2 buck (or whatever else is that weight)?

 

[41 Mag]

Personally I would do some reasearch on it. I know that I used several different wads for different loads, and when doing some testing did note that it made a dramatic difference in some cases.

If I remember correctly, there were some buck shot loads in the back section of the Lyman shotshell manual. Other than that you might contact Hornady as they had some data once upon a time as well.

Not saying it won't work, but due to the compression differences with some of the shot sizes and such it might be better off being safe than sorry.

 

[RecoilRob]

Agree that the problem you will encounter is not the weight, it is the volume difference in the shot.

Big shot takes up a LOT more room than small shot..per oz. More air space between pellets. So, if you try to substitute the big shot in a birdshot recipe, you will end up with the shot overfilling the cup and not being able to close the crimp.

You CAN use the recipe...powder amount wise as it only cares about the weight of the 'projectile'...but you must change wads to get the column height correct to make the crimp work properly.