Reloading shotshells for first time

[Pyro]

I followed this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ4IBv0Bg9U) and created a reloading "block" for shotshells (even made two holding stations for loading shells).
I have cut and sanded the crimps off of the shotshells as well as de-capped them via the hammer/nail method.
I plan to load them with black powder tomorrow but I need more. The Gander Mountain nearby sells nothing but substitute so what there can I use? Nothing FFFg I assume.
I will be using 1 ounce loads of shot (need to pick some up tomorrow too).
I have some copper plated BB's, would that work?
The video says about 60 grains for a good load, my shotgun I will be using is chambered for 3 inch magnum shells. Is there a 3 inch equivalent load for black powder? How high of a load can I load without turning it into a bomb (not that I would try it, just so I know how high is too high).

 

[rfwobbly]

Not all videos on YouTube contain viable, safe or true information. They are simply videos for entertainment.

I would go about this just like you were loading a metallic round: First look on the web for a published load put out by a black powder manufacturer. And follow those instructions to the letter.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Um what are you trying to do?
a Lee load-all can be picked up for about 20 (used) to 40 (new)
and a decent manual, Black Powder acts differently than smokeless, so...
it's just the part where you cut the crimp (which keeps it all in) and um, the rest, yeah, try not to die with that. I would suggest investment in proper equipment.

 

[Pyro]

Not all videos on YouTube contain viable, safe or true information.

Which is why I am asking here before I do anything.

I have heard that using the same amount of volume for shot and black powder is one method.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=596470

 

[Shadow 7D]

Just cause you can, doesn't mean it's smart,
look up your powder and check to see what a recommended load is.
get a TESTED load, not some, um, hillbillies last words.
this goes in the 'hold my beer' class of info, it may work, or it may kill you.

 

[Shadow 7D]

OH, BTW, steel is shot in a special wads, in semi customized steel shot loads, because it can and will eat up your barrel.

 

[rfwobbly]

Which is why I am asking here before I do anything.

But friend, IMHO what you're doing then would be just as fool-hearty as if you asked a stranger on the street. Think about it. You're getting a loading method off of YouTube, and then going to verify it on a public forum. Are you sure you want to base the future of your eyes on such loose evidence ?

Even if every response on THR was from Scout Masters and Sunday school teachers, you'd still need a published guideline from a black powder manufacturer.



I can tell you that with smokeless powders, there is a world of difference between loads for lead and steel shot. You can easily verify that on the Hodgdon web site.

 

[Shadow 7D]

OH, and just cause one FFG is FFG, and another FFG is FFG, doesn't mean they are the same, it means they are in the same class, mostly.

 

[oneounceload]

Is this for REAL? SERIOUSLY? WOW.

Follow PUBLISHED data from reputable companies

Use the PROPER components

Amazing

 

[Pyro]

Thanks for the info!

 

[snuffy]

Fill in your profile so we can keep an eye on that part of the country for news articles about a gun blowing up in some kids face!

Reloading ANYTHING is a place for proper equipment and data that has been proven and is safe. You-tube is full of unsafe practices and Darwin award winner wannbes, not a place to find how-to videos.

 

[Pyro]

Loaded two test shells today.
Followed Goex loading table.
Wish me luck!

 

[esheato]

This is downright comical. You are joking right? I mean with a name like Pyro, this is just to make us laugh?

 

[kingmt]

I've watched his videos & I thought they were good information. His shoot shells are the same as have been loaded for years.

I don't use BP much because it is so dirty. I would suggest looking into smokeless.

This is the same way I load brass shot shells for both shotgun & handgun except I use smokeless.

 

[FROGO207]

I can understand if the only way to do it was to go by the seat of your pants and experiment. I am sure that it CAN be done this way, HOWEVER I would at least invest in a used Load-all Lee loader and at least the ammo you load will have a chance of being repeatable in the accuracy department as well as knowing that it will always chamber without problems. Just cause you CAN make something work does not equal HAVING to do it that way. I also can see possible problems with your attempts that could be avoided for safety reasons alone. My 2 cents.

 

[Pyro]

This is downright comical. You are joking right? I mean with a name like Pyro, this is just to make us laugh?

I have only caught my house on fire twice. True story, I don't remember the second time though.

I don't use BP much because it is so dirty. I would suggest looking into smokeless.

In time I will turn over to smokeless, I have much more experience when it comes to black powder. BP rifles and revolvers are like having a loading station built into the firearm. I'll have to turn though, I don't know how many loads I can put through before the plastic starts melting.

I can understand if the only way to do it was to go by the seat of your pants and experiment.

Which is exactly what I plan to do here. I had a load of spent shells I saved and figured I'd try this, I was saving them for when I do buy a Lee Loader. Saw the video and thought it looked fun.

 

[Uniquedot]

60 grains of ffg or any of the equivalents on the market is about right for a lite one ounce load. Don't use p grade pyrodex although 60 grains isn't dangerous it will usually blow your pattern. The standard 12 ga loading was 89 grains of ffg blackpowder and 11/4 oz of shot. in the short shotshells the standard was 70 grains. I did not watch the video you posted so i have no idea of it's content, but i have hunted with muzzleloading scatterguns and loaded black powder shells for 20+ years. You need to buy 13 ga card and fiber wads to use inside a 12 ga. hull.

 

[gamestalker]

If your really serious about reloading shot shells invest in a reloader. I've owned and used a Lee Load All once upon a time, but also had a Mec 600 Jr. experience and sold the Lee, bought a Mec. The only real issue with the Lee is it isn't a very solid press, kind of flimsy. But on the other hand, it will work much more efficiently than doing everything with make shift methods. Also, it's rather important to resize the hulls so you can avoid chambering issues and possible pressure issues that can present from not resizing. But the best part is being able to load several boxes an hour that have been properly assembled.
Oh ya, I was wondering what you are doing to crimp them? I know back in the day it wasn't uncommon for people to fold them closed as well as possible, and then seal them with a little bit of candle wax, so it can be done this way, it's just another time consumng step that would be super fast with a press.
So far as using black powder or the substitutes available, I can't help. I've never loaded anything with black powder except cap and ball and black powder long guns shooting bullets not shot and it's been a long time ago.
If it works for you, and your not getting hurt or hurting your shotgun, go for what ever floats your boat or in this case, pulls your trigger! Good luck and be safe!

 

[Pyro]

You need to buy 13 ga card and fiber wads to use inside a 12 ga. hull.

I bought a punch and a few different type of paper (fiber and some thick type of paper) to make my own wads. Local stores are all getting rid of their reloading equipment.

I was wondering what you are doing to crimp them?

Until I get a crimper I put a puddle of Elmer's glue on top the overtheshot card.