reloading buckshot rounds

[loadedround]

I am an experienced reloader having spent many years reloading pistol, rifle and shotgun(mostly trap) rounds. Now I need some advice on loading 2 3/4" 00 shotgun loads. I have the shot, Win AA hulls, and load on a Dillon 800 progrssive press. What rcommendations can you give me on proper wads and powder for heavy loads for home defence or possible SHF scenario. Also would like some advice on loading lead slugs for the same purpose. Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

Best get a Lyman Shotgun reloading manual. Otherwise, go here and look up what components you need:
http://data.hodgdon.com/shotshell_load.asp

Shotgun loads are very specific to the brand & type of case you are going to use.

rc

 

[ants]

The Lyman shotshell book referenced by rcmodel has a whole chapter on buckshot and a chapter on slugs. Good reference.

Since you already load shotshells, you have all the basics and know the rules. In a very simplistic manner, you can consider buckshot as very large bird shot. All the basics apply, and you can even use the same hulls and wads for a 1oz or 1-1/8oz load with a normal folded crimp, and pattern it to find your best load. Here's a tip on getting a consistent pattern: Place the buckshot in the wad one at a time and try to get them in layers. That helps consistency a lot.

Lyman and Lee make slug molds. Roll crimp works best.

 

[243winxb]

Ballistic Products

https://www.ballisticproducts.com/ For buckshot to pattern well, a buffer is loaded with the buckshot at the factory. A buffer is available from Ballistic Products. You can NOT use standard reloading data when using a buffer agent. The buffer makes more pressure. The Lee and Lyman sabot slugs need to be cast or bought. Loading data for the Lee key drive slug is on Lee's website. The Lee slug will work in smooth bore or rifled barrels as it is cast of pure lead and is soft. Best accuracy is in a rifled bore. They can be loaded using a standard crimp and wad.

 

[snuffy]

Buckshot loads are very specific, you can't just substitute buck for shot. It has to be loaded BY THE NUMBERS. By that I mean they're counted, and loaded in layers, or nested, only a specific number can go in certain gauges.For instance, 00 buck can only be loaded 9 to a 2-¾ inch shell.

Normal buckshot is swaged nearly pure lead. As such they deform greatly under acceleration. That's why buffer is needed if you want any kind of tight pattern. Ballistic products sells nickel plated buckshot, it's plating makes it stay round, then with buffer besides, you have real tight patterns.

http://www.ballisticproducts.com/

The Lyman shotshell handbook has many recipes for buckshot. They tell you powder charges, wads used, hull types, and whether to fold or roll crimp the shell.

Unless you live in the middle of nowhere, I wouldn't suggest buck or slug for home defense. Both will penetrate walls, once in another room, or outside, you can't see who else might get hit.