Shotshell Rookie!

[HTDUCK]

I've been bitten by the trap shooting bug, so it's time to start reloading for a new hobby. :roll:
I have a Mec 600 loader, bag of wads, and a keg of IMR 700X. Any tips would be appreciated.
I have never loaded shotshells before. I'm thinking 8 or 8 1/2 shot would be good for trap.
Steve

Oh brother, you are on a slippery slope indeed :mrgreen:

I shoot 5 Stand, sporting clays or skeet just about every weekend.
Not a trap shooter though.
For everything but skeet, stick with 7 1/2s. For skeet load 9s.

As for Longshot, yes have used it for years. It will propel 1 1/4 oz of shot at about 1500 fps out of a 12 ga. (Read as hell on late season pheasants and sandhill cranes)
I use it mainly in 20s though as it will scoot 7/8s oz loads along at 1300 easily.
Not the cleanest burning stuff though.

Now BEWARE of another affliction SADD.
Very similiar to RADD but of the smoothbore variety.........

Howard

 

[DrMike]

Now BEWARE of another affliction SADD.
Very similiar to RADD but of the smoothbore variety.........

There are only so many addictions my wife will tolerate. I will do my best to avoid this particular affliction.

 

[ScreaminEagle]

Well ,.... no such luck Steve. I knew I had one, but I must have traded it and forgot.

Well thanks for looking!

 

[HTDUCK]

Now BEWARE of another affliction SADD.
Very similiar to RADD but of the smoothbore variety.........

There are only so many addictions my wife will tolerate. I will do my best to avoid this particular affliction.

Dr Mike, fortunately my wife turns a blind eye..................... :mrgreen:

 

[DrMike]

Howard,

She sounds like a gem. Do something nice for her this week as a thank you.

 

[Wincheringen]

OP, The early Mec charge bars didn't take different powder bushings, so the end of the bar will read 302 118 (or whatever the weight thrown is) and whatever powder bushing would be equivalent. 302 is for single stage presses like yours, 502 is for progressive presses.

You can get a current production bar and it will fit your press, now they take different powder and shot bushing so you only have to buy one bar. You can get an adjustable bar but I don't care for them.

I shoot quite a bit of Trap, and some skeet and sporting clays. My favorite is sporting clays but the nearest course is 250 miles away.

Buying in bulk is the way to go, I only buy kegs of powder and wads and primers buy the case. I make my own shot.