Reloading Estate 12 ga

[Maddawg2020]

Anyone have any experience reloading Estate 12 Ga? Anybody know of loading data for these hulls? I normally load AA hulls but have access to a large quantity of Estate Hulls that would be a waste to throw away.
Thanks
Maddawg2020

 

[Grumulkin]

I'm relatively new to shotshell reloading so take this for what it's worth. I have done a LOT of metallic cartridge reloading.

Using the Lymann manual, I loaded the above shotshells with the load recommended for Winchester hulls. You'll notice that one is an Estate shotshell. I had no problems with any of them except crimping frequently collapsed the front of the Winchester shells a little. They all shot fine as least judgeing by my powdering clays in my front yard.

Yes, I know the dictum that when reloading shotshells you should EXACTLY follow ALL component recommendations. For the attentive ones who read books on metallic reloading, you'll find they say the same thing which is routinely ignored. I haven't found a problem with interchangeing hulls. As long as you don't go with a hotter primer, those could be interchanged as well. As for wads, they're intended to hold a certain weight of shot and take up the space between the powder and shot column while allowing a good crimp. Apparently there are some wads best suited for straight internal walls and some for slightly tapered walls.

I also concluded that Winchester hulls are some of the worst for reloading. I like Federal the best though the Estate hulls were also pretty good.

 

[blarby]

"Several years ago Federal bought the Estate company. Estate used to use Cheddite hulls. If the metal head is stamped with a alternating pattern of a star and the gauge number then its a Cheddite. Use Cheddite data. If the head is stamped with something like "12 Gauge U.S.A." then it was loaded by Federal using the same hull type as Top Gun, Game Shok or Multi-Purpose. Use Federal data. If they have been wet KEEP AWAY. They become dangerous."

-targeteer


The source info is good, there ya go.

 

[oneounceload]

Estates, while fairly crappy, are usually good for 1-2 loadings. You need to use recipes for Federal hulls and wads, do NOT use tapered wads or data

I know the dictum that when reloading shotshells you should EXACTLY follow ALL component recommendations.

Not necessaril;y true at all. There are acceptable subs with certain wads and primers

 

[morcey2]

I get lots of once-fired estate and federal target load hulls for free and I'll reload them once. I've used both federal and winchester wads and I've had more success with the winchester wads even though they're tapered. I couldn't ever get a good crimp with the federal wads for some reason.

I usually use them for light loads, 7/8 oz at about 1200 fps and toss them. It works great for when I take my nieces and nephews shooting. My own kids have no problem with full power loads and my grandkids aren't quite big enough for the shotgun yet.

Matt

 

[Maddawg2020]

Thanks

Thanks guys for the info. Will give them a try.