ShotShell Reloading (12ga) halp!

[BartSr]

So, now I have a coach shotgun and I've been saving the hulls.

Today I purchased 209 type primers and yesterday I purchased RP12 wads.
I have some shotshell powder, Alliant Blue-Dot (and Reloader-15, Bullseye).
I just purchased a Lee single-stage (used) with some assorted dies, not shotgun.
I did pick up two Winny brass 2-1/2" shotshells for grins.

I've not reloaded anything, yet.

(I've been to the PDX gunshow today, does it show?)

What Next?
Where do I get lead pellets? (What, make my own?)
Why are there so many kinds of "wads", the plastic tubing shaped kind?
What kind of reloading tools, etc. do I need?

Paul

 

[SASS#23149]

you can buy bags of shot a BiMart,runs about 35 bucks a bag.The bigger the number,the smaller the shot. ie: no 8 is farily fine 'bird shot',no 6 is medium size rabbit getter,etc
you need a recipe for your hulls because inside deminsions vary with different brands,and differetn wads are needed for different amounts of shot/different amounts of powder.
The MEC 600 jr,also available at Bimart is a good entry level loader,most scatterguns don't require that the shells be resized,and I understand the MEC does not resize.
don't buy a Lee LoadAll,pain in the butt compared to ANYTHING else. been there,done that

 

[NCsmitty]

The MEC 600 jr,also available at walmart is a good entry level loader,most scatterguns don't require that the shells be resized,and I understand the MEC does not resize.

The Mec 600 JR does indeed resize the case. It's the 1st station on the far right.
The Lee loadall is a base entry level loader for those wishing to keep costs down. They will produce good loads at a much slower pace. You do need to match components for best results as there is few adjustments available.

NCsmitty

 

[ilmonster]

Not sure if you have one yet, but a reloading manual is a must for any reloading. Also, there are reloading manuals that also describe the reloading process. Make sure you read these and understand completely what you are doing. Remember, you are lighting off essentially a bomb inches away from your face at 7-10,000 psi with 400-500 little lead projectiles in it! Read a few manuals on the subject before beginning, and then go slow. Don't deviate from the recipe in the manual. It will tell you with a particular shell, how much lead to use, which wad, which primer, etc.

As an aside, I also started with a used MEC 600 and it was great. Learned the process. I now reload with a MEC 9000G (fully progressive). Good luck!

 

[rcmodel]

I have some shotshell powder, Alliant Blue-Dot (and Reloader-15, Bullseye).

Blue-Dot is a Magnum shotshell & Handgun powder, RL-15 is a medium burn rate rifle powder, and Bullseye is a light target handgun powder.

Why are there so many kinds of "wads", the plastic tubing shaped kind?

Because there are so many different kinds of shotshell cases.
Depending on the type cases you have, you use a different wad size to fit them and crimp correctly with the shot weight & powder you are using.

You really DO need to get the Lyman Shotgun Manual and read it six or seven times before you go off half-cocked and shoot your eye out, so to speak.

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0044344216324a.shtml

rc

 

[ants]

Get the book

Ooh, Boy, do you need a Lyman Shotshell reloading book!!!!

Congrats on the new equipment.
Unless you got a shotshell press, I suspect that your single stage may be for rifle/pistol cartridge only.

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, until it becomes enough knowledge to be safe.

 

[ilmonster]

That's the one I was thinking of (which I have and have read over and over), the Lyman Shotshell Reloading Manual. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 - get that book and you'll be on your way!