Shot gun shell reloading.

Guest · Nov 25, 2009

I know this isn't a rifle queston but I need some help selecting components (particularly powders) for reloading 12 & 20 gauge shot gun shells. What forums do I go to for this? If you are interested in sharing info about this please PM me.

old #7 · Nov 25, 2009

I use alot of green dot, red dot, clays and universal clays in my 12 ga.
I have a Lyman shotshell reloading manual. It has countless loadings for all shotguns and different hulls.

JD338 · Nov 25, 2009

Its been a few years since I loaded any shotgun shells. I have MEC progressive loaders for 12 ga and 20 ga. I used a lot of Hi Score 700X. Still have a full keg+.

I also used the Lyman loading guide.

JD338

huntnfool · Nov 25, 2009

Hello 260fan,

I use Hodgdon International Clays for both 12 and 20 ga.

I have patterned both of my Browning O/U 12 gauges and my Savage 20 gauge. Both shoot nice full patterns with no holes.

I use MEC reloaders, Remington STS primers, Claybuster wads, and Remington STS and Gun Club hulls.

I buy my components from these suppliers:

http://www.powdervalleyinc.com

http://www.precisionreloading.com

http://www.gamaliel.com

"Poke" around on Precision's site. They have some specialty items that will help with organizing your bench. Cardboard dispenser boxes to put your wads and hulls in, as an example.

I have found that Powder Valley has excellent prices. They are a small family operation in Kansas.

I use a powder baffle too. This helps equalize the powder pressure between the hopper and the powder bushing and prevent mis-fires.

I hope all of you folks have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Huntnfool

Richracer1 · Nov 25, 2009

What are you using them for? Different uses require different components.

Guest · Nov 26, 2009

Thanks greatly for the input. :grin:

My grand children will use the 20 for hand thrown skeet, doves & crows. I picked up a good used 20 gauge youth Rem for them to start with. I know single shots are usually used but I can plug it down to a single shot and get the recoil reduction of the gas operating systgem. I will shoot the 12 for the same uses. I used to load in the 70s and early 80s but had gotten away from it. Have more time now and enjoy doing it so I am getting back into it.

If I remember correctly the red and blue dot powders were reported to shoot cleaner. I had a Lyman manual back then (I still have it) but need to get a new modern one of some kind. I have a bag of # 8 Lawrence Brand chilled shot. Is the hardness of this suitable for my intended use? Man, shot prices have sure sky rocketed. I also have a good many Win AA hulls for both gauges. I have WAA12, WAA12R, WAA20 & Rem SP20 wads as well. I only have a few Win 209 primers so I guess I had best brace for the sticker shock on primers.

I appreciate the info shared. I knew I could follow a manual but I wanted to get experiences and favorites from some who are more up to date with the shotgun reloading than I.