New to reloading shotshells

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

I bought a Mec Sizemaster set up for 12 Ga for $25, saw the price and couldn't resist. I'm looking to reload buckshot and from my understanding I am going to have to load the buckshot into the shell myself. What do I need to start reloading exactly? What kind of powder do you recommend for buckshot and how much? The powder bushing that came with it has a 34 on it so I don't know what it means exactly.

 

[ReloaderFred]

Buckshot is loaded differently than birdshot. The first thing you need to do is lay your hands on one of the Lyman Shotshell Reloading Manuals. It explains the process and gives specific recipes for loading just about any kind of shotshell you'd need, including buckshot and slugs. With shotgun loading you can't just switch around components like you can with metallic reloading.

Get the book and do some reading. It will have bushing charts and will tell you what your # 34 powder bushing will approximately drop with all the commonly used shotgun powders. You still have to check and see how close you are with a scale, though. It will also tell you which wads, primers and payload to use with each brand of shotgun shell.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[NCsmitty]

Keeping it short and informative, you'll need a load manual to learn about using a reloader, and to provide data using specific components to build a useable load. Each bushing, is capable of dropping a specific weight of powder in grains, and that information can be found at www.mecreloaders.com or in the manuals, or at the powder manufacturer/distributor. The web sites have some limited data for shotshells.
www.hodgdon.com
www.alliantpowder.com

Read and learn and understand before getting into the actual act of reloading, especially if you haven't done it before.



NCsmitty

 

[gamestalker]

It's really simple and safe if you don't stray from the process and start substituting this componaent for that. In other words, if the book load is using an STS hull, 1 1/8 oz. wad, Win 209 primer or what ever the make up is, don't change the combination of components. The powder bushings are volmetric measuring devices meaning one must check the powder charge on a scale or you could very easily wind up with an incorrect powder charge. Contact Mec and ask them for a bushing chart. The bushing chart will help you to find the proper bushing for the appropiate powder charge. Just to be clear about the bushings, it is in my opinion, absolutely necessary to check a bushing against a scale. I've been loading shotshell's for over 30 yrs. and have always weighted a few thows to make sure the bushing is good with that powder and lot. One powder bushing, in this case being the #34, isn't really much to work with.
The #34 is listed as throwing:
Bullseye 26.4 grs.
Red ot 20.6 grs.
e3 20.5 grs.
Amer. Select 21.8 grs.
Dreen Dot 21.0 grs.
Unique 21.0 grs.
Herco 24.5 grs.
Blue Dot 31.6 grs.
2400 - 36.9 grs.
410 35.9 grs.
Those are only some of the charges that #34 will throw.
I would take a look at the chart and then buy several that are within the range of what you want to load, and then throw the charges into a scale to make sure they are within an acceptable weight. Bushings are only a couple of bucks each, no big deal. And yes, $25 for that Size Master is a very good deal if it is complete, and in good working condition.
There are some basic essentials to check as follows. What charge bars or bar did it come with? Does it have both the 6 point and 8 point crimp start and finish dies? Those are inexpensive as well but you'll need to identify them. Does it load 2 3/4" and 3" hulls? What ga. loading is it set up for? I hope you asked before buying it.
Mec will send you the complete instruction manual for that press either at no charge, or very little.