I'm a fairly experienced rifle and pistol loader, this weekend I'm inheriting a MEC 650 to start working on trap loads. Any advice some of you seasoned shotgun loaders can offer would be appreciated. I'm pretty sure it won't come with any directions. Recipes are good too...
Look for advice for loading Shogun shells
- Thread starter Whitman31
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Poper
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1. Get the latest Lyman Reloading Manual and use it religiously.
2. Never, never, never substitute components. If you do not have the complete recipe, don't load until you have it all exactly correct.
3. Give serious consideration to an adjustable charging bar. It will save you hours of time and many dollars if you load multiple gauges or for different uses.
4. Work up your own loads for your favorite gun. All guns are a little bit different and it is a rare thing that a favorite load in one will work as well in another.
5. Always use quality components and tools. Cheap stuff is just that. You'll pay for it eventually either way. Might as well be the right way the first time.
6. Have fun and enjoy a new twist to your handloading addiction!
I hope this is helpful.
Poper
2. Never, never, never substitute components. If you do not have the complete recipe, don't load until you have it all exactly correct.
3. Give serious consideration to an adjustable charging bar. It will save you hours of time and many dollars if you load multiple gauges or for different uses.
4. Work up your own loads for your favorite gun. All guns are a little bit different and it is a rare thing that a favorite load in one will work as well in another.
5. Always use quality components and tools. Cheap stuff is just that. You'll pay for it eventually either way. Might as well be the right way the first time.
6. Have fun and enjoy a new twist to your handloading addiction!
I hope this is helpful.
Poper
jim147
Member
Is this a 12 gauge setup?
See if you can find out what components it is setup for.
jim
The Lyman shotgun book mentioned above has such excellent information and data, you won't have to go anywhere else unless you want to.
On the other hand, I also use Hodgdon's data a lot. Although I get about 10% less velocity than listed by Hodgdon. And I gotta use mid to high loads if I'm shooting the Rem 1100. It's gas operated and takes lots of gas to do it. It won't cycle on low to mid loads.
On the other hand, I also use Hodgdon's data a lot. Although I get about 10% less velocity than listed by Hodgdon. And I gotta use mid to high loads if I'm shooting the Rem 1100. It's gas operated and takes lots of gas to do it. It won't cycle on low to mid loads.
Wildyams
Member
I agree with what ants said. I got a reloader a couple years ago and reloaded a bunch in the low-mid powder charge range. They work fine in my pump, but I've had some troubles with them cycling in my friends autos.
Thanks guys, I'll look into that Lyman book. This press is set up for a 12 gauge, 99% of my loads will go through a Beretta 391.
I don't plan on using the system for anything other than 12ga trap loads, should I still consider the adjustable charge bar?
I don't plan on using the system for anything other than 12ga trap loads, should I still consider the adjustable charge bar?
Bailey Boat
Member
IMHO...... The adjustable charge bar is not needed (and represents a potential problem) if the machine is going to be set up for one load only. I'm a skeet shooter and have 650's in all 4 gauges with fixed bars and powder bushings. Nothing changes, I use the exact same components each time and check velocities maybe 4 times a year.
The biggest thing you need to keep in mind is that the Mec powder bushing chart is a guideline only. You still need a scale to measure the actual thrown charge and you'll be amazed at the variances.
I run all of my loads (all gauges) at 1200fps and look for the lowest pressure loads available. Lower pressures are easier on the gun and your shoulder. As was stated earlier, test each load through YOUR gun for pattern and function. Keep good records so you don't duplicate yourself and eventually you'll find the "magic" load and we'll be reading about you in the trade publications......
The biggest thing you need to keep in mind is that the Mec powder bushing chart is a guideline only. You still need a scale to measure the actual thrown charge and you'll be amazed at the variances.
I run all of my loads (all gauges) at 1200fps and look for the lowest pressure loads available. Lower pressures are easier on the gun and your shoulder. As was stated earlier, test each load through YOUR gun for pattern and function. Keep good records so you don't duplicate yourself and eventually you'll find the "magic" load and we'll be reading about you in the trade publications......
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