I've reloaded rifle and handgun ammo for about 20 years and I have absolutely no problems with it. However, my experience with shotgun shell reloading is extremely limited. I've used a Lee hand loader and I'm ready to move up to a honest-to-goodness press. I'm looking at a MEC Sizemaster. My main problem is finding a recipe that uses components that are locally available. I've been trying for months to find a recipe using Rem or Fed shells, Red Dot or Unique powder, Rem RXP12 or SP12 wads, and CCI, Fed, or Rem primers. None of the manuals, powder mfr web sites, etc seem to have any combination that fits what is available to me. I know I could mail order the exact components but the cost of hazardous freight delivery for primers and powder is obscene. There doesn't seem to be any point in getting a press if I can't find a recipe that works. Any suggestions?
Getting frustrated at shotgun reloading
- Thread starter Backfired
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308win
Member
Lennyjoe
Member
I have an ungodly amount of Fiocci hulls from work that I use to reload. I just found a 1 1/8 oz load that I wanted to use and purchased powder, wads and primers to suit. Don't quit the search. I'm sure you will find some combination that will suit you.
redneck2
Member
any particular reason for the wads you listed (other than locally available)??? I'm thinking that may be the problem. The Federal hull, primer, and Red Dot part of the combination should be pretty common
Since wads are so light and there's no haz-mat, you might consider something different via mail-order. HTH
Since wads are so light and there's no haz-mat, you might consider something different via mail-order. HTH
ReloaderFred
Member
Buy the Lyman Shotshell Loading Manual for starters. Every conceivable combination is in that excellent manual. I even found a very light recoiling load for Cowboy Action Shooting in it, with 7/8 oz. of shot and Red Dot powder. The guys love it.
You won't go wrong with any of the MEC loaders. They know shotshell loading inside and out.
Buy the Lyman Manual if you're at all serious about loading shotshells, though. It has everything from the lightest loads to the heaviest loads, and birdshot to buckshot to slugs.
Hope this helps.
Fred
You won't go wrong with any of the MEC loaders. They know shotshell loading inside and out.
Buy the Lyman Manual if you're at all serious about loading shotshells, though. It has everything from the lightest loads to the heaviest loads, and birdshot to buckshot to slugs.
Hope this helps.
Fred
Poodleshooter
Member
I can't find much of anything locally,except primers at local gunshows. Try midway, gamaliel,wideners, ballistic products,etc for components.Backfired said:
Alliant powder's website, their powder guide (available in the mail for free by asking via email), books "Lyman Guide to Shotshell Reloading", "ABC's of Shotshell Reloading".
HAZMAT is $20 per order for primers or powder (usually they ship seperately),which means you have to buy in bulk. Buy in 5000 lots,and that isn't too prohibitive. Buy powder in 8# kegs at minimum. Better yet, split orders with local friends who reload.
If your local gunshop is like mine,featuring primers at $3-4 per hundred and powder at $25 per pound,with said inventories having gone untouched by customers prior to the demise of the Byzantine Empire, then mail order in bulk,and local gunshows are the way to go.
Grumulkin
Member
Reloading Components
You could probably go with locally available primers, cases and shot and order your powder from a mail order vendor. Natchez recently sold me powder with only a $10 HAZMAT fee; the catch was, I had to buy at least 8 lbs. (not a problem for me).
You could probably go with locally available primers, cases and shot and order your powder from a mail order vendor. Natchez recently sold me powder with only a $10 HAZMAT fee; the catch was, I had to buy at least 8 lbs. (not a problem for me).
ATAShooter
Member
Here ya go...
12ga...
Rem STS OR Nitro 27 hulls - resized of course
win 209 ( or fed or cci as long as it's 209 not 209A )
Win WAA12 wad or equiv ( Claybuster CB1118-12 or Rem. RXP12 ) whichever is better for your budget.
RED DOT - Use Mec bsng # 33 will take it 17.8 to 18.0 due to all bushings not perfect.
1 1/8 oz. of 7 1/2 shot ( chilled or mag your choice )
This load has been my trap load for years. It has put many a trophy in the case and is well within ATA specs. I use it in ALL events ( 16 yard singles, Handicap, and doubles ). Recoil is medium, patterning is good, and is pretty clean. One BIG difference is that, in rifle shooting, 2 to 3 tenths of a grain is a big difference, with a shotgun it is more forgiving seeing that shotgun sports is a "point and shoot" game. I shoot alot of trap and load roughly 400 to 500 shells every 3 days. Do yourself a favor and really look at the MEC 650, it saves you from having to switch stuff around alot, also a sizemaster 77 collet resizer. A little more but you won't be diappointed. You'll like it ... Now join the ATA and shoot with us.
Rick
12ga...
Rem STS OR Nitro 27 hulls - resized of course
win 209 ( or fed or cci as long as it's 209 not 209A )
Win WAA12 wad or equiv ( Claybuster CB1118-12 or Rem. RXP12 ) whichever is better for your budget.
RED DOT - Use Mec bsng # 33 will take it 17.8 to 18.0 due to all bushings not perfect.
1 1/8 oz. of 7 1/2 shot ( chilled or mag your choice )
This load has been my trap load for years. It has put many a trophy in the case and is well within ATA specs. I use it in ALL events ( 16 yard singles, Handicap, and doubles ). Recoil is medium, patterning is good, and is pretty clean. One BIG difference is that, in rifle shooting, 2 to 3 tenths of a grain is a big difference, with a shotgun it is more forgiving seeing that shotgun sports is a "point and shoot" game. I shoot alot of trap and load roughly 400 to 500 shells every 3 days. Do yourself a favor and really look at the MEC 650, it saves you from having to switch stuff around alot, also a sizemaster 77 collet resizer. A little more but you won't be diappointed. You'll like it ... Now join the ATA and shoot with us.
Rick
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