Shotshell relaoding component substitution

[Jason_W]

I tend to learn things just a little too late.

Over the last couple of years I started handloading slugs and buckshot. It's a challenge, but also very interesting.

What I didn't realize is that a shotshell reloader doesn't have the same leeway for experimentation that a metallic cartridge loader does. One of the slugs I've been working with is the lee cast one ounce. The standard load involves a Winchester AA hull and wad and varying amounts and types of powder as provided by the manufacturer. They shoot sort of ok.

I modified the recipe switching out the AA wad for a BPI wad that fit the slug a little better, switched out the hull for a Fiocci, kept the powder charge the same, topped it off with a clear plastic overshot card gave it a near perfect roll crimp. They look gorgeous.

Always second guessing myself, I did some research (after the fact, of course:banghead and it turns out component substitution is a real no-no when loading shotshells and that often the only high pressure sign you'll get is an exploding gun.

Now I have to disassemble 10 beautiful looking slug rounds

 

[Dave McCracken]

Better to disassemble those rounds than have them disassemble you and/or the shotgun.

In The Temple Of The Shotgun Gods is a Tablet of Stone Writ on by a Finger of Flame.

It says" THOU SHALT NOT SUBSTITUTE COMPONENTS NOR MAKE LOADS WITHOUT PUBLISHED DATA.....

 

[oneounceload]

There ARE substitutions of components that ARE acceptable. Certain primers can be interchanged, certain "clone" wads can be interchanged, certain hulls can be also. Powder, not so much.

Example: Remington STS, Gun Club etc. can all be used with the same recipe; generally the AA can as well

NobelSport primers can be used in lieu of Winchester

ClayBuster and DownRange wads can be used in lieu of the more expensive Winchester and Remington wads

Lyman's has a decent manual, and the two major powder folks Hodgdon and Alliant have a lot of data on their web sites

Those two clone wad company sites have their substitution list on them as well

 

[Jason_W]

I didn't exactly wing it completely and I based my creations off of existing data.

In retrospect what really concerns me is my substitution of a roll crimp for a fold crimp. I feel like that may be a move that could spike pressures.

For what it's worth, the powder charge is 20 grains of green dot.