wads for 12 gauge?

[BullRunBear]

I haven't loaded any shotshells for many years (been using my SxS muzzleloader) and I've forgotten the details. I have a bunch of the red AA 12 ga. hulls. Can I use the same wads for trap with 7 1/2 shot and small game with size 5 or 6 shot? I still have the old Lee Load-All press.

Thanks.

Jeff

 

[kudu]

The shot is pretty much interchangable. The weight between 7.5's and 5's won't make enough difference to be noticed. Find a load for a older AA target shell and go for it.

 

[Magnum Shooter]

Yea, you can use any size shot except Buckshot. Have you priced shot these days? It’s just crazy. I remember buying it for $ 12.00 / 25lb bag. Guess I’m getting old.

 

[gamestalker]

Anything that is published for 7-1/2 I have been using for any shot sizes, smaller or bigger, until you get into the buck sizes, which is where things change dramatically. And of course, don't ever use steel data for lead, or vise versa.

But what does matter is component matching. The wads, hulls, and even primers are pretty critical and need to match up. Your safest approach is to get some shot shell reloading books, I have accumulated ton's of shot shell data, but I think the one I use the most is "One book, One Caliber". It isn't much of an instruction book at all, but it does contain ton's of recipe's.

GS

 

[BullRunBear]

Thanks guys. That's exactly what I needed to learn. And yeah, the cost of a bag of shot took my breath away. It helps that I have about 50 lbs of 7 1/2 and a bag of #6 from days of yore.

Jeff