Shotgun reloading

[redneck2]

been here for a long time. Tons of threads on pistol, rifle. Can't remember the last one on shotgun. Time to plow new ground

I'm in the process of getting a 10 gauge. Ammo is painfully expensive and rare.

I have the opportunity to get an almost new MEC for about 1/2 of normal price.

So......what do I need to know...

any type of hulls better than another?? any special tips, tricks, or techniques?

anything to know or know to stay away from would be appreciated

I do know that you HAVE to stay with a given load combination of primer/powder/hull/wad with no variation. Other than that, I'm a newbie

 

[HSMITH]

Look up Ballistic Specialties and get a catalog. They carry more 10ga stuff than everyone else put together, and they have a good tech line.

 

[facedown]

I do know that you HAVE to stay with a given load combination of primer/powder/hull/wad with no variation.

Absolutely correct, but you can always use less powder than the recipe. Sometimes your powder bushing choices will throw a bit more, or a bit less than called for. Resist the temptation to load "just a little over". ALWAYS use the lower one.

"Regular" shells, i.e. using shot, are pretty easy with a little practice. Buckshot defense loads are a sonofagun to crimp smoothly. Sometimes placing a card over the top of the shot stack helps.

Good luck!