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Newbie Shotshell Reloading Question
meunke
Member Posts: 1,407 ✭✭✭✭✭
So, I picked up an MEC 250 press in great condition, with a couple of charge bars and 12ga die set for a few bucks at an estate sale. I cleaned it up, downloaded the manual, and it looks to be in great working order.
I've ordered a load manual and watched a few youtube videos on the process. Still a lot to learn.
Here's my question: I know that some hulls are a lot better than others based on some of the chatter ('AA's?). Now, assuming I have picked out a load for 12ga 2.75", can I use ANY 2.75" hull? That hasn't been explained. I know some hulls are better for some things than others, but can ANY hull of the correct length be used for the load?
What about brass length?
Thanks in advance, guys!
I've ordered a load manual and watched a few youtube videos on the process. Still a lot to learn.
Here's my question: I know that some hulls are a lot better than others based on some of the chatter ('AA's?). Now, assuming I have picked out a load for 12ga 2.75", can I use ANY 2.75" hull? That hasn't been explained. I know some hulls are better for some things than others, but can ANY hull of the correct length be used for the load?
What about brass length?
Thanks in advance, guys!
Comments
Case, primer, powder charge and wad all work as a unit. Follow the data and you will be happier
I like AA's.
It will be much easier to use one type of case, random pick up's not so much. AA's can be reloaded many times upwards of 20.
I load 3 and 3/4 DE. 1 1/4 oz shot except the slugs are Max DE.
added sorry the word "base" above should be brass in this post. I use the Lyman Shotsshell Reloading Handbook 4 ed. It has a wonderful explanation of the case types with pic's.
Buy some Win AA red or grey(color is no differnce in recipe), Win 209, WAA12 or WT12 wads, 1or4lb of Red Dot powder (17gr WT12(18gr WAA12)to go with your 1 1/8oz charge bar(7 1/2 or 8 shot). This is a 1200fps load that doesn't waste a lot of powder and is low recoil.
Load only this load(or type of load or one you choose) until you know the ends and outs of your loader.
If you start crushing your hulls or wrinkling them I can walk you through some of the steps.
Later on you will find that you can interchange primers and hulls when you understand the components and how the load recipe was formulated. Never substitute different shot charges.(Ex. using powder amount for 1oz load in a 1 1/4oz load, vice versa)
Remington STS hulls can be used instead of Win AA. I like them equally.
You may need to buy a manual brass resizer if you find your hulls sticking in you chamber. That model will resize the brass, but not as good as a collet resizer.
I'll offer the same advice my supplier offered me when I bought my set up.(similar to what 20gabob stated)
Buy some Win AA red or grey(color is no differnce in recipe), Win 209, WAA12 or WT12 wads, 1or4lb of Red Dot powder (17gr WT12(18gr WAA12)to go with your 1 1/8oz charge bar(7 1/2 or 8 shot). This is a 1200fps load that doesn't waste a lot of powder and is low recoil.
Load only this load(or type of load or one you choose) until you know the ends and outs of your loader.
If you start crushing your hulls or wrinkling them I can walk you through some of the steps.
Later on you will find that you can interchange primers and hulls when you understand the components and how the load recipe was formulated. Never substitute different shot charges.(Ex. using powder amount for 1oz load in a 1 1/4oz load, vice versa)
Remington STS hulls can be used instead of Win AA. I like them equally.
You may need to buy a manual brass resizer if you find your hulls sticking in you chamber. That model will resize the brass, but not as good as a collet resizer.
700X is an excellent powder also.
Here is a link...
http://www.basspro.com/Lyman-Shotshell-Handbook:-5th-Edition/product/10206939/