Which shotshells are reloadable

It may have to do with the seemingly thicker hull walls. MEC makes a valid point that shells vary in their dimensions, capacity, etc. Keep in mind that some shells are shorter than others for what appears to be the same load. I have a ceiling-high tower of boxes with shells in them. I mark the date I collected the shells, and whether the conditions were at all wet. Then I use the oldest box, and throw out ones with obvious rust. Some people recommend running shells through the washing machine before using them.

About the only affordable way for the average guy to support a steady clay target shooting hobby is to reload About the only affordable way for the average guy to support a steady clay target shooting hobby is to reload. This is especially the case with sub-gauge loads.

I started reloading shotshells primarily because I shoot 28 gauge and. With the prices of ammo soaring, hunters who expect to do a lot of trigger pulling, or who want a very specific load, should consider learning to roll their own. Compared to reloading rifle ammunition, shot shell reloading is elementary work, especially if you use a progressive machine, which performs reloading steps on several shells at once and produces a finished shell with each throw of the handle.

In that case, most of the work is done just setting up the machine. However, no matter what style of loader you use, there are some simple tips that will make your reloading experience easier, faster and safer. This is not a complete guide to reloading. Use Good Hulls You can save money in the long run by reloading, but you still need to make an investment. Always follow the instructions for the loading tool you are using as to the specifics of how each step is completed. In a single stage press, the shell is manually moved from station to station on the press for each step of the loading process.

Always be cautious and careful. The first step is to resize and deprime the empty shotshell. This is usually done in one motion with the loading press. The sizing die or tool will squeeze the outside of the case back into the correct dimension while the depriming rod will push out the spent primer. Next a new primer is inserted into the case and seated under pressure with your press to the correct depth. The powder charge is then dropped into the case, followed by inserting a wad and seating it with the proper pressure using your press.

When I first started loading shotshells back in the s we were using fiber and cork wads. They had to be combined for the correct height and then compressed in the case to a specified pressure.

Most sources recommend, at minimum, 20 lbs. Check your manual to see how to adjust wad pressure on your loading press. The next step before closing up the hull is to add the correct amount of shot to the wad cup. The next stage starts the crimp and shapes it in preparation for the final crimp and the last stage forms the finished crimp. Beginning the crimp with your press will basically fold the edges of the hull where it needs to be folded to bring it into a star shape.

The final crimp will bring all those folds down together tightly so as to keep the shot in the hull. The crimp is probably the most important aspect of the finished shell. It must provide enough resistance to allow the powder to ignite properly, but still open cleanly to release the contents of the shell.

Make sure you have the correct tools in your press for the type of crimp on the hull you are loading. Most target loads use an eight-point crimp, while field loads often use a six-point crimp. You must match that with your crimp dies.

The crimp is where most shotshells will fail first. If you see any indication of splitting or crimp failure, that hull has served its life. Trash it. When hunting or shooting in an important match, it might be wise to use fresh hulls that have not been stressed with multiple loadings. The bottom line is that shotshell handloading allows you to shoot more and no truly great shotgun shooter I have ever met achieved their skill without burning a lot of powder.

Below is a video showing you how to use it to reload a shell from start to finish, as well as some tips and tricks regarding the quirks of this particular press. Step-by-step instructions for building a modular, do-it-all reloading bench that's endlessly functional and looks great. Is it a necessary feature, or a useless appendage of the AR and AR rifle platforms? Items accumulating cobwebs suddenly had great value. It was time to dust off the reloading gear. Reloading shotgun shells really begins with reliable data, followed by a suitable collection of empty shotgun shells.

The necessary components determined by the data include a loading manual, shells, primers, powder, wads, shot, and reloading press. These items can be used to remanufacture a serviceable shell if a reloading press is available — or, maybe, even without one!

Looking for reloading supplies? Prices and availability vary, so always compare costs. First Concern, Safety! Anyone capable of safe power tool operation should have what it takes to reload. The same general rules apply, including use of safety glasses. Common sense goes a long way. That, and safe data! Shotgun shells operate at lower pressures than most metallic cartridges, but you can still get in a heap of trouble without reliable recipes which must be followed to the letter.

Even a simple primer substitution can be dangerous. I often refer to the Lyman Shotshell Handbook now in its 5 th edition , which has lots of pressure-tested loads; sometimes dozens from one shell type. The Lyman manual also contains in-depth coverage of the entire reloading process. The brass bases also resize well many others are actually plated steel. That said, most buckshot shells are six-petal. See Winchester ammunition components. I installed a bushing in the charge-bar of my press to meter Until the s most wads were stubby fiber plugs or cards.

Most younger folks have probably never seen the early types, although they can still work in a pinch. In fact, you can even make them for peanuts using craft supplies more to follow below.

But, especially with plastic wads, the right combinations are necessary. A good manual has done the homework regarding pressure testing — and also proper fit. My press is adjusted to seat them firmly with around 45 lbs. Pellets come in different sizes from buckshot the largest to birdshot. The cheapest alternative to lead is steel shot, often used in larger sized pellets BB, 2 — 4 for ducks and geese.

FYI, a higher numbered pellet is smaller. Buckshot or slugs can also be reloaded although the latter normally require a special roll-crimp.

Those shown in the picture above are actually copper-plated lead 6s. Think reloading shotguns shells requires a reloading press? Ideally, but I started reloading at the age of 14 without any press at all.

Instead, I used a basic Lee Loader hand kit.