Hi, forgive my noob-ness. I'm not sure where to post this and didn't want to clutter up the various calibre/gun specific reloading threads with this oddball query. Does anyone out there reload handgun shotshells? I periodically dispatch pack rats with 44 mag shot. Not sporting, but quick and efficient and safer near the house. I like to recycle everything, but can't leave the rats for our big ol' turkey vultures for fear of poisoning the birds via the lead pellets. So I got to thinking, could I reload .44 mag with tungsten or one of the other lead shot substitutes? The catch is I don't know where to find the little plastic cup that holds the shot in my factory cartridges (or if said cup can be used with a normal hand loading set up).
Loading handgun shotshells?
- Thread starter SSWilson
- Start date
- Status
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
CCI/Speer sells .38, .44 & .45 Colt Shot capsules as reloading components.
http://www.speer-bullets.com/products/components/empty_shot_capsules.aspx
Loading data is printed right on the box, or at least it is on the ones I use.
There is also a chapter in the Speer reloading manul on loading them.
As for non-lead, steel, or tungsten shot?
Not in one of my revolvers you don't!!!
The risk of bore damage is very high if a capsule ruptures and the very hard shot comes in contact with the rifling.
rc
http://www.speer-bullets.com/products/components/empty_shot_capsules.aspx
Loading data is printed right on the box, or at least it is on the ones I use.
There is also a chapter in the Speer reloading manul on loading them.
As for non-lead, steel, or tungsten shot?
Not in one of my revolvers you don't!!!
The risk of bore damage is very high if a capsule ruptures and the very hard shot comes in contact with the rifling.
rc
oneounceload
member
The capsules work best with #9 or smaller shot. I have used 8's, but there is too much space left unused - they are good to about 5-6 feet to have any lethality on something like a snake, rat or squirrel
loadedround
Member
Rcmodel nailed it once again! Love playing and shooting those Speer shotshell capsules. I do use #8 shot instead of #9 in my 44mags, seems like I get a much better pattern in my 4'' Model 629.
I loaded some shotshells also with #9 shot but will probably go to a different shot next time. I also load 2 lead balls in the 44 mag, now that is fun with 2 holes in target or critter.... .433 Hornady lead balls work great in the 44..
Thanks for thoughtful reply! Sorry for delay in my response. I'm on the road and don't get online often. Also, I'm only just now getting back into shooting after a long, unfortunately urban existence. I think my box of Speer .44 shotshells is over 20 yrs old! Thanks, too for the caveat about hard shot in the pistol barrel.
Okay, now that's a creative idea.
GP100man
Member
I build full length 357 shells from 357 max brass 222 dies, powder, cards from cereal boxes & shot . I like #9 or 10 for denser patterns , 7 1/2 & 8 the patterns look sparse but the bigger pellet will carry more energy farther . I consider 15ft to be max range though.
wankerjake
Member
I use #8 with good results on snakes and quail. I have done the cereal box cardboard thing with 45 colt but it isn't secure enough...the recoil from one shot displaces the cardboard from the others. How do you get them to stay put? I crimp over the top of the cardboard but it just isn't enough. Maybe remove some shot?
ScratchnDent
Member
I use a little hot glue to seal and secure the overshot card. Seems to work well, I haven't had any come loose due to recoil. I leave about 1/16 or less of an inch of space above the card to the rim of the case, give it a little roll crimp, then fill it to the top with hot glue, which really only takes a couple drops.
Last edited:
GP100man
Member
I use a roll crimp & waterproof carpenters glue 24hr dry time though.
for 45 colt, I use a 7/16" punch and heavy card stock ( backs from pads of paper ) , a card over the powder, fill case with shot allowing enough room for a card over the shot, crimp brass around the card and top with elmers glue. They dry up perfectly and seem to have an indefinite shelf life so far ( 2+ years ).
10 Spot Terminator
Member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2008
- Messages
- 217
Havent tried these on Rats but for Snakes I use the speer shot capsules loaded with #12 shot in my 4 inch 357 and it tears em a new one 
RevolvingGarbage
Member
I used wax from mini-cheese wheels, only because its what I had on hand for my .38 special shot shells. They do leave a little wax residue in the barrel, but they work ok. I would recommended a slightly harder wax, or ideally, hotglue.
GP100man
Member
Pete
I found that GCs leaves a big hole in the center of the pattern .
I like the convenince of the capsules , but crimpin em is tricky , not enuff & they slide out & tie up the cyl , too much & ya bust it under recoil then it all rolls out .
I found that GCs leaves a big hole in the center of the pattern .
I like the convenince of the capsules , but crimpin em is tricky , not enuff & they slide out & tie up the cyl , too much & ya bust it under recoil then it all rolls out .
- Status
