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Shotshell loading
DieHard4
Member Posts: 2,373 ✭✭✭✭✭
So I have a lot of federal top gun 12 gauge shells I want to reload. I have determined by reading and listening that they will use the federal gold medal plastic case info in my Lyman book because the same type of case is sold by different names.
But my question is can I load any amount of shot here as listed, or do I have to do what was originally loaded at factory? Mine came with 1 1/8 oz of #8 shot, target load. But there are also loads with the same case using 1 oz, and 7/8 oz. So does the actual oz matter as long as I follow the recipe? And I can see there are other amounts listed as field loads, heavy field, low recoil. I'm thinking I can use any type of load with this case but want to be sure. There are a lot of options if I don't have to do the original target load.
I am also not sure if I can change the #8 shot to another as that is not mentioned here, but guess I have to keep it.
I'm new at this but getting closer.
But my question is can I load any amount of shot here as listed, or do I have to do what was originally loaded at factory? Mine came with 1 1/8 oz of #8 shot, target load. But there are also loads with the same case using 1 oz, and 7/8 oz. So does the actual oz matter as long as I follow the recipe? And I can see there are other amounts listed as field loads, heavy field, low recoil. I'm thinking I can use any type of load with this case but want to be sure. There are a lot of options if I don't have to do the original target load.
I am also not sure if I can change the #8 shot to another as that is not mentioned here, but guess I have to keep it.
I'm new at this but getting closer.
Comments
Original 1-1/8 oz loaded Winchester AA's can be reloaded with anything from 7/8 oz shot to slug to 1-1/2 oz baby magnums. Buckshot, lead, copper plated. As long as you follow the recipe.
It is best to exactly follow the loading data. That means exactly the case, primer, charge weight of powder, wad, charge weight of shot and the crimp specified.
Components and data are different for steel or lead shot loads.
Some older primers didn't have sealed cups, dangerous pressures could result if a ball powder was used with them. 209 primers are somewhat different Win, Rem, CCI, best to use what the data calls for.
When working up new loads, I do at most a box for actual range testing to make sure they function in the firearm before loading up 100's of them.
My standard load in Win AA's was 3 3/4 DE and 1 1/4 oz. of bird or buck shot. I upped it to 4 DE for the Lyman cast sabot slug.
Check them out because different loads will give you the same velocities, but with different pressures.
In my reloading manual using WinAA hulls, I found a published load that used a powder that gave good velocities with a lower pressure than the other powders listed that is also exceptionally clean.
One thing I've found helpful is the check not just the pattern but the spread of the load.
What I used to do is find a large expanse of water and fire the shotgun while swinging it. You should see an even spread without gaps where the shot hits the water. If your pattern shows gaps, then the shot is clumping and whatever you are shooting at could concievable make it through one of the gaps.
So if I were to drop that to 7/8 oz, it would put it near$1.90/ box for shot.
That's over a $2 savings on each round of trap. Not insignificant, unless you don't do as well. Has anyone tried reducing the shot weight and still maintained your average?
I like skeet better than trap and sporting clays even better. I use the range time as practice for real birds. As such I like to use my hunting loads even if they beat me up in one box rather than low power stuff that I could shoulder or hand held shoot all day.
Shoot it in my old hammer guns.
While I was having chemo I kept shooting and the 1oz loads where hurting, tried some 3/4 oz in my 32" Weatherby SSC and was surprised at the clean breaks I got recoil very soft just used for skeet, shot some good scores
I have determined by reading and listening that they will use the federal gold medal plastic case info in my Lyman book because the same type of case is sold by different names.
I wouldn't lend that any credence if it isn't in a published load manual.
E-mail the folks at Ballistic Products to see if they have any load recipes for that specific hull.
http://www.ballisticproducts.com/
They're more that generous with their help and load info.
quote:Originally posted by charliemeyer007
I use the range time as practice for real birds. As such I like to use my hunting loads even if they beat me up
I'm the same way. Performance in the field is my priority. Nothing compares to knowing how your load is going to perform at any reasonable given range.