Is this all i need to start reloading shotgun shells?

[oneounceload]

I started, way before the internet, with a LLA II. For loading anything with any consistency, it is the wrong tool.

The difference between even a simple MEC Jr. and a LLA II is more than night and day. Wad pressure adjustments, sizing adjustments, crimp adjustments are all possible with a MEC and not possible with the LLAII.

When someone wants to try loading different loadings and experimenting, having those abilities to adjust things is critical

 

[USSR]

If you are after loads in the 1145 fps range for target loads you use a faster powder, but unique and universal are standard field load powders for 1 1/8 oz loads in the 1310 fps range. They can do no better than standard factory velocities with heavier loads such as 1 1/4 oz at 1220 fps. (sure there are some exceptions) If he want's heavier charges then he will need a slower powder. If he wants target loads he needs a faster powder it's as simple as that.

Sorry Uniquedot, but there ain't nothing I'm gonna kill with a 1-1/8 ounce load, that won't be killed by a 1250fps load. Plus, the ability to shoot a lot of trap and skeet points to using powders such as Solo 1000 and 700-X for 1-1/8 ounce loads.

Don

 

[jaguarxk120]

Follow what oneounceload recommends, he's been doing this a long time.

 

[Uniquedot]

Sorry Uniquedot, but there ain't nothing I'm gonna kill with a 1-1/8 ounce load, that won't be killed by a 1250fps load. Plus, the ability to shoot a lot of trap and skeet points to using powders such as Solo 1000 and 700-X for 1-1/8 ounce loads.

Don
___

Well then where's the problem with unique? It's good for 1 1/8 oz loads at 1200 fps it's great for those loads at 1250 fps and it's excellent for those loads at 1310 fps. It's not quite as efficient at the lower speeds, but it's a heck of a lot more versatile if he isn't planning on loads lighter than 1 1/8 oz. So why give bad advice to someone who is asking for advice? i suppose once he obtains a loading manual or two he will find all this out for himself or he could probably just as easily visit Alliant's website and find some of those loads as there are literally tons of published loads available for unique in the 1 1/8 oz loading from 1200 to 1300+ fps. I consider unique pretty worthless for anything over 1 1/4 oz though. Where it shines is with 1 1/8 to 1 1/4 oz. field loads. For 1 3/8 i like herco or 800x and anything over that i start with blue dot.

I don't use solo 1000, but i do use 700x for some 1 0z. loads, but loading 1 1/8 at 1250 with 700x is running at max pressures which is a good thing for some autoloaders, but anywhere i can get the same or better performance at lower pressures i do.

I personally like the efficiency of green dot for 1 1/8 oz loads when i want faster loads than red dot with lower pressures, but unique is admirable in the load and he can also use it in his buckshot loads.

 

[oneounceload]

And if you like Unique, Universal Clays is another powder to consider - burns a little cleaner than Unique

 

[Uniquedot]

And if you like Unique, Universal Clays is another powder to consider - burns a little cleaner than Unique

The reason i stopped using universal was simply because it wasn't made in the USA. I have not compared it to the newer unique though and the last time i purchased it was when unique was still Hercule's (if i recall correctly, but it could just be several years before they cleaned up unique) and that stuff was pretty nasty back then. Is universal cleaner than the newer unique? it doesn't seem to be to me, but i have not compared them. I do actually have some of the last universal that i bought, and have loaded a few slugs with it not too long ago, but i ended up giving those to someone else.

 

[daveruybal]

It would be wise to get a reloading manual and do some good reading before setting out. I recommend Lyman Shotshell reloading 5th edition. This will give you insight into "why" you're choosing your components, which is probably more helpful than someone just telling you what to buy and use.

 

[Uniquedot]

This will give you insight into "why" you're choosing your components, which is probably more helpful than someone just telling you what to buy and use.

You can't ask for any better advice than this.

 

[blarby]

Lees tables tend to favor a little on the light side, but this should get you started.

They are all safe.

You will get these with your load-all, So I'm just giving them to you in advance for study.


You will find that some persons are only capable of repeating what is in their load-manuals for specific clay busting loads at X distance with Y loads.

Some will offer you more advice- both publicly and via private messaging, about the truer nature of shotshell reloading- as in what is really possible and safe, and what isn't.

Like all free advice- choose your sources wisely, and with a reasoned grain of salt.

 

[jojo200517]

Right now i'm only using universal for my birdshot and buckshot loads. I haven't experimented with any of the others yet. I bought a big ass can of it because it can be used for pistol powder too, tho I still haven't got a pistol reloading setup yet.

As far as some things you may still need. Some kinda funnel, for loading powder and shot into the machine (no need for anything fancy but it needs to be clean). A scale to check your charge drops to ensure they are correct. Load data for the loads you are wanting to create. Make sure you got the right wad, primer, hull, powder charge, and shot charge combos on the data for the loads. Don't assume anything and stick to the data given.

Also if you don't have a relatively tall work surface something to set on will be essential. And good lighting also.

 

[oneounceload]

You are correct in that Universal can be used for pistol - if I do not have Unique, I use Universal for everything from 32 ACP to 45 ACP