Brass shotshell questions

[goon]

Anyway, I've been wanting a 20 gauge single barrel lately and I noticed the all brass shotshells that are available for them.
So I got to thinking...
Sounds like a pretty useful combination.

My questions -
How long will brass shotshells last with light to moderate pressure loads?
Can they be loaded with smokeless powder?
Where would I find data for loading them?
Last, is there any such thing as a single stage shotshell press?

Sorry if this belongs in reloading - I just sort of split the difference and figured I'd put it here.

 

[rcmodel]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=350795

rcmodel

 

[goon]

Thanks.

 

[Oldnamvet]

Single stage shotgun shell press.
http://www.mecreloaders.com/ProductLine/SizeMaster.asp

Have used them for years. Takes me about 15 to 20 minutes to reload a box -- and I don't rush at all.

 

[rcmodel]

But you can't reload brass cases on it.

Can't de-prime or prime them with the MEC. Smaller primer, not 409.
Can't size them.
Can't crimp them.

rcmodel

 

[Prof. A. Wickwire]

Goon,

If you contact MEC they will happily sell you a replacement priming station for the MEC 600 Jr. style press for about $35.

That way you can reload 209 or small primer style shells interchangeably. That's what I did and I never looked back. On the other hand, you could also order your shells from Hammer Double. Theirs use the 209 primer but are slightly more expensive.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire

 

[MMCSRET]

Get yourself a copy Of "Handloading For Handgunners" by Geo. Nonte. It is primarily aimed at Handguns but lots of usefull info on doing things manually with tools at hand. The old Lee loader hand sets will work with a little inovation and yes I have used smokeless powder. Unique.

 

[Rampant_Colt]

lots of useful info in THIS thread

FWIW - Cabela's sells brass shotshells, too

ps - i think the Lee shotshell loader will work with brass

 

[tkendrick]

ps - i think the Lee shotshell loader will work with brass

It does.