Download 12ga to 1/2oz?

[Caliper_Mi]

So, we've been looking at getting something for starling control in the yard. The plan had been to pick up a small single shot 20ga or .410 bore shotgun so as not to tear up the yard too much. (28ga just doesn't seem to exist in an inexpensive gun)

But, as I was reading up on everything, it occurred to me: I am set up recently to reload 12ga and we have a few 12ga guns, why not just really lightly load 12ga? I've got 7/8oz wads, could I put some filler or fiber wad material in to take up space and drop 1/2oz of shot on top? Would so little shot in a 12ga be a problem? Any reason not to try this?

 

[Uniquedot]

I have loaded 3/4 oz. in the 12 gauge using the method you describe and got pretty good results, but i have not tried .5 oz loads. You need to sift through the data and find the 7/8 oz. load that gives the highest pressure with the fastest burning powder and start there. and increase the powder charge .5 grains at a time till you get a clean burn and acceptable pattern. BTW the nef single shot is available in 28 ga at bargain prices...i had one a couple of years ago.

 

[Liberty4Ever]

When I saw this thread, I was hoping it was going to be some crazy high tech super fast slug load. Kinetic energy increases with the mass of the projectile but it increases with the SQUARE of the velocity, so light fast loads would maximize energy. Dang! Now I have another Dr. Science reloading project!

WRT your inquiry, I don't have any load data, but it shouldn't be too much of a problem to develop such a load for a pump shotgun, and the previous advice sounds good.

I'd only add that you might want to experiment with copper plated steel BBs in the bottom of the 7/8 ounce shot cup with some inert granular buffer on top. The shot cup should keep the steel BBs from scratching your bore, and the steel should be a lot better in your yard than lead shot. I think some of the lead fear mongering is unjustified, but lead is definitely toxic and I wouldn't want it in my yard. Steel should perform fine at the short ranges you describe, and the only down side to steel might be ricochets. You'll put your eye out! Shoot into grass and you should be fine. Or... get some bismuth or other expensive non-toxic shot.