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Shotshell Reloading

oldgunneroldgunner Member Posts: 2,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited April 2002 in Ask the Experts
I have a clay target launcher that I use frequently. As I stood on my deck last night having a beer and staring at the barrel full of empty hulls sitting in my yard, it finally occurred to me that it might make sense to reuse them instead of hauling them to the dump. I have no idea where to start, except I need at least one reloader. I use both 12 and 410 gauges, and would like to use the same equipment for both as far as possible. I need whatever advice I can get. What equipment do I need, will one reloader with extra dies or something do it, or will I need a reloader for each? My first purchase of course will be a reloading manual, but from there I need lots of help. If you prefer, my E mail is jkel@pghmail.com.
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Comments

  • oldgunneroldgunner Member Posts: 2,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    After being away from shotshell reloading for about 20 years, I am getting back into it. The problem is there are so many new powders on the market and none of them are familar to me.(titewad,clays,Intl., etc.) I have Red Dot, Unique, etc. but I can't find any load recomendations for what I have. Can anyone guide me in the right direction, or should I give up on my old powders and get into the 21st century.
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  • Tailgunner1954Tailgunner1954 Member Posts: 7,734 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    You will find it easier and a lot less hassle to purchase a pair, somthing like the MEC-600 model, get the primer feeder attachment also. Check with a local shotgun club to see if someone has a used unit for sale. #9 shot works well for what your doing and they both use the same primers, some powders may work for both (check the loading data sheets). Sort out your hulls and keep the Winchester AA and Remington target (both are 1 piece compressioned formed plastic). Trash the rest as they are not worth reloading (don't hold up well) and Data for them is scarce.
    Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
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  • CAPPERCAPPER Member Posts: 139 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The most important thing you can do is get a friend who has a lot of experience reloading shotshells. If you don't know anyone, go to a skeet range and talk to the shooters. Most ranges have a bulletin board for used guns and reloading equipment. If you buy a second hand reloader, the seller will usually be glad to show you how to operate it and give you advice. The seller may also include some hulls, components and a reloading manual.

    I would recommend that you buy a used MEC 600JR in good condition. buy a 12ga reloader first and learn how to use it. A used 12ga 600JR will be easier to find than a .410. 12ga hulls and components are abundantly available, .410 hulls and wads are harder to find. .410 shells are also a little harder to reload.

    After you have gained some experience with 12ga, you might want to buy another 600JR for the .410's. Shotshell reloaders are not like metallic shell reloaders, when you change dies, everything has to be readjusted to get the wad pressure and crimps right. It's not worth the trouble. Get a machine for each gauge.
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  • ddhotbotddhotbot Member Posts: 1,426 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I HAVE BEEN RELOADING SHOTSHELLS FOR YEARS AND HAVE RELOADED EVERY GAUGE EXCEPT THE 28 ,ONLY BECAUSE I NEVER OWNED A 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN LOL.THE ABOVE POSTS HAVE STEERED YOU CORRECT,BUY 2 DIFFERENT PRESSES.PREFER THE MEC 600.I LOAD ALOT OF 410 3" HULLS AND THEY CAN BE HARD TOO FIND.I USE WINCHESTER 296 WITH 410-11/16OZ LOADS,YOU CAN USE THIS POWDER IN 12 GA LOADS ALSO.NEED ANY HELP EMAIL ME AT DDHOTBOT@HOTMAIL.COM BE GLAD TOO GIVE YOU A HAND .
    KEEP ON BANGIN BOYS ,DON
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  • oldgunneroldgunner Member Posts: 2,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Sounds like good advice guys, and I'll take it. I don't know about finding a club, I recently retired and am living full time in my hunting camp deep in the east TN mountains, but you agree on the equipment I need, and I'll get started with the 12 gauges.

    Thanks!
    Jim
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  • oldgunneroldgunner Member Posts: 2,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Don..I forgot to mention, I'm going to keep your E mail address and ask your advice when I get started.
    Thank you
    Jim
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  • ddhotbotddhotbot Member Posts: 1,426 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    no problem glad too help, don
    keep on bangin boys
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  • gruntledgruntled Member Posts: 8,218 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would reverse the process. You will save a great deal more money on the .410. The store bought .410s are more expensive & the reloading costs a little less (less shot) so the total savings are much more.
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  • ddhotbotddhotbot Member Posts: 1,426 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    you know gruntled you have a very good point . your savings are going too be alot greater on the 410 loads, as they cost a small fortune at the store.i have found this site and ebay a great place too pick up 410 hulls .expect too pay at least .10 a hull.try too stay with remington or winchester hulls .dont know what you are wanting too load 2-1/2 or 3"hulls.2-1/2" are a lot easier too find as most your skeet shooters use the 1/2 oz 2-1/2" hulls.well keep on bangin boys ,don
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  • IconoclastIconoclast Member Posts: 10,515 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    oldgunner, as Capper said, you have to readjust everything changing gauges. But another issue is that you have to futz around like that almost every time you change from one hull manufacturer to another or even between different lines by the same manufacturer. Plus you would need to stock different size wads for almost every hull type. Royal PITA. Component substitution is an even bigger issue w/ shotshells than metallics - more ingredients, lower operating pressures, etc.

    Strongly recommend your first purchase be the loading manual. I bought the Lyman many years ago & found it very good. Determine, from auction listings &/or your purchase patterns, which hull is most readily available. Then take a look at the loads for those hulls and purchase just one bag of wads to start.

    Bottom line, to save yourself money, time & aggravation, keep it as simple as possible.
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