Reloading #4 Buckshot

[miichael]

Ok Guys and gals im new here and i got a question about re-loading buckshot. I currently load birdshot loads and have never loaded any buckshot. My current load for birdshot is

Hull: Remington STS
Shot: 1 1/4 oz. shot (546 gr.)
Poweder:Hodgdon Longshot powder 30.1 Grains
Primer: Win 209
Wad: WAA12F114
PSI: 10,400
FPS: 1385

Now my question is can i load this safe?

Hull: Remington STS
Shot: 25 #4 Buckshot (518 gr.)
Poweder:Hodgdon Longshot powder 30.1 Grains
Primer: Win 209
Wad: WAA12F114
PSI: ??????
FPS: ??????

I know most books call for 27 pellets with WAA12R wad but 25 pellets fit perfect using the same WAA12F114 wad. I always thought shot size didn't matter it was total weight but some people say that isnt true. I dont care about how tight of a pattern just wanting to load up a box or two for home defense purpose.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[gamestalker]

Michael, I'll dig out my shot shell data book and get back to ya in the morning. I happen to love Longshot for my shotshell hunting loads and have loaded that same #4 buck load using STS hulls. But I don't recall off the top of my head which wad, and, or, if the use of any cards is needed with it.

My Sons nick named that 1 -1/4 oz. Longshot load your using, as an SOL (speed of light) because they really fly fast and knock down pheasants very well.

GS

 

[miichael]

thanks let me know what data you have for loading with longshot. I hate buying a lb of powder just to load up 40 or so shells. I know 25 pellets of #4 fits good in the WAA12F114 but no way will 27 go in there. They crimp pretty good to. i also tried out a load with 25 pellets using a WAA12R and it had a little better crimp.

 

[miichael]

my main question is can you load buckshot using birdshot data as long as the buckshot weigh the same as the bird shot??

For example

Hull: Remington STS
Shot: 1 1/4 oz. shot (546 gr.)
Poweder:Hodgdon Longshot powder 30.1 Grains
Primer: Win 209
Wad: WAA12F114
PSI: 10,400
FPS: 1385

Can i substitute 546grains of buckshot instead of 546gr of birdshot and use same data?

 

[miichael]

still no answers but i did find one load using longshot powder. different primer and wad but more weight and powder than i was gonna use so i should be fine.

 

[GE-Mini-Gun]

.....my main question is can you load buckshot using birdshot data as long as the buckshot weigh the same as the bird shot??

Yes. The powder, primer and wad do not know the difference between shot size. As long as the shot weight charge is the same your good to go.

 

[oneounceload]

You will need to hand place the pellets as they most likely will not fit through the drop tube on the reloader.

Since your payload is slightly less than the other, you should be fine.

Whether you should use reloads for HD is another thread

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

Check out the hodgdon load data page and select shotshell. There is a wealth of information on there.

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

 

[miichael]

25 of my casted pellets actually weigh 510gr. i weigh out my pellets and dont count them. it easier for me to weigh my shot than count out 25. i just get digital scale zeroed with powder scoop on there and start dropping pellets. they range from 506gr to 514gr per 25

 

[303tom]

What do you or do you use a buffer, I use #12 shot, makes 1&3/8 oz. rounds, right around 1100 fps..............

 

[miichael]

I don't use any buffer. I just pour in the pellets and tap them down and try to make top layer as level as possible for a good crimp. Tried using the waa12r red wad and 25 fit better in those wads. Could get 26 in with those wads but I just loaded 25.

 

[oneounceload]

Cheap buffer,if you want, would be Cheerios crushed up

 

[miichael]

So how do you apply the crushed cheerios just put shot in and add buffer and shake buffer down in with shot?

 

[oneounceload]

Just about. When I reloaded 3/4 in 7/8 wads, I placed one on top and then crimped. It worked out fine.