Reloading shotgun ammo?

[Kurt505]

I've recently gotten back into shotguns and up until now haven't even considered reloading for them. I wouldn't even know where to start, so I'll start by asking a few questions here.

1) Is it worth it?
2) Does it take a special press?
3) What types of powder work best, particularly with slugs in mind.
4) Can I get molds to forge my own slugs?

I have a pile of tire weights and a roll of roofing lead, enough to make about 200lbs+ of slugs anyway.

Thanks in advance.

[flange]

1. It can be for slugs
2. It would be easier with any of the mec shotshell presses but you could use a
roll crimper.
3. I like HS6
4. Lyman and Lee slug molds are common. Others are made as well.

Simple way to reload slugs at a minimum cost would be to buy target loads.
Remove the shot and replace it with a slug of the same weight. Roll crimp and you're done. I believe the Lee slug doesn't spec or recommend a roll crimp but others do.

[densa44]

I gather that you want to reload 12 ga. slugs. Is that correct?
Find out what the powder manufactures say about the typw of powder and the amount.

Our resident expert is Cat in the Hat, he even makes his own shot. He loads 12 ga. black powder ammo that kills birds dead. He makes perfect roll crimps, I'd ask him.

[Kurt505]

Originally Posted by flange

1. It can be for slugs
2. It would be easier with any of the mec shotshell presses but you could use a
roll crimper.
3. I like HS6
4. Lyman and Lee slug molds are common. Others are made as well.

Simple way to reload slugs at a minimum cost would be to buy target loads.
Remove the shot and replace it with a slug of the same weight. Roll crimp and you're done. I believe the Lee slug doesn't spec or recommend a roll crimp but others do.

That's a great idea (modifying the target load), but I would need to get a press to roll crimp? Sorry for the stupid questions but this morning was the first time I've ever even thought about reloading for shotguns.

[Kurt505]

Originally Posted by densa44

I gather that you want to reload 12 ga. slugs. Is that correct?
Find out what the powder manufactures say about the typw of powder and the amount.

Our resident expert is Cat in the Hat, he even makes his own shot. He loads 12 ga. black powder ammo that kills birds dead. He makes perfect roll crimps, I'd ask him.

I'll be meeting up with him next week, I'll pick his brain a bit. Thanks for the reminder about him, I should have thought about that, lol.

[bobinthesky]

reloading a few slugs and game loads per year isn't cost effective but it's a good hobby. Target 12 and 20 gauge loads can be purchased for about the same price you can reload them for but there is savings to be had if your loading 16, 28 or .410 loads. Again though, you have to be shooting these quite a bit to offset the price of the equipment.

[Dean2]

Shotgun ammo is so cheap I quit loading for 12 or 20 gauge and sold all my presses and gear 15 years ago. When you can buy target loads at 7 a box you can't load cheaper due to the price of lead shot. Same with steel at 12-15 a box.

As far as loading slugs and buckshot, you can buy them bulk in 175 to a can packages for 75 cents to a dollar a round. You won't save much on them either.

If I shot Black Powder, 2.5" shells, Damascus barrels or other specialised guns I would still reload, but for regular 12 and 20 gauge, not worth the cost and work.

[Kurt505]

Originally Posted by bobinthesky

reloading a few slugs and game loads per year isn't cost effective but it's a good hobby. Target 12 and 20 gauge loads can be purchased for about the same price you can reload them for but there is savings to be had if your loading 16, 28 or .410 loads. Again though, you have to be shooting these quite a bit to offset the price of the equipment.

I was thinking since I have so much lead laying around it would be a good idea to turn it into slugs.

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

I was thinking since I have so much lead laying around it would be a good idea to turn it into slugs.

Cast it into balls for Muzzle Loaders and sell them or make cast bullets for your hunting rifle for practice. There is a pretty big market for cast round ball.. That said, for just fooling around homemade slugs would be a pretty good bit of fun.

[flange]

Roll crimping info here:

http://www.ballisticproducts.com/Ori...ctinfo/ROLL12/

Target load would be 30 to 35 cents if bought by the flat.
If your lead is free and you have some free time it may be worth it.
Really only a question you can answer.

Some people value their time into reloading as part of the cost. Strangely the same people often discuss what's on Netflix/TV. If that's how you want to spend your time that's your decision. 1 hour less in front of the TV each night typically won't do you any harm and you can load a lot of ammo. IMHO.

As others have mentioned for specialty loads and sub gauges it makes a lot of sense.

[Kurt505]

Originally Posted by flange

Roll crimping info here:

http://www.ballisticproducts.com/Ori...ctinfo/ROLL12/

Target load would be 30 to 35 cents if bought by the flat.
If your lead is free and you have some free time it may be worth it.
Really only a question you can answer.

Some people value their time into reloading as part of the cost. Strangely the same people often discuss what's on Netflix/TV. If that's how you want to spend your time that's your decision. 1 hour less in front of the TV each night typically won't do you any harm and you can load a lot of ammo. IMHO.

As others have mentioned for specialty loads and sub gauges it makes a lot of sense.

I have Netflix set up in my reloading room......

I enjoy spending my time doing DYI projects of all sorts, it's not so much about the time I spend doing the task, it's about learning how.

[flange]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

I have Netflix set up in my reloading room......

I enjoy spending my time doing DYI projects of all sorts, it's not so much about the time I spend doing the task, it's about learning how.

Not a judgement just pointing out we all value/prioritize our time differently. No right or wrongs just different.

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

I'll be meeting up with him next week, I'll pick his brain a bit. Thanks for the reminder about him, I should have thought about that, lol.

Put a list of questions together and PM me Kurt, I'll respond with pics now that photobucket wiped the ones out from here!
Cat

[qwert]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

I've recently gotten back into shotguns and up until now haven't even considered reloading for them. I wouldn't even know where to start, so I'll start by asking a few questions here.

1) Is it worth it?
2) Does it take a special press?
3) What types of powder work best, particularly with slugs in mind.
4) Can I get molds to forge my own slugs?

I have a pile of tire weights and a roll of roofing lead, enough to make about 200lbs+ of slugs anyway.

Thanks in advance.

1) Only you can determine personal value / cost.
Component and factory loaded ammo cost, AND AVAILABILITY can easily and quickly change (but seldom for the better).

2) I have and used/tried an original 12ga Lee loader, which is best described as 'possible', and certainly better than nothing.
At one time RCBS and Lyman? and other brands marketed 1 1/4" dies and universal shell holders, for use in a common Rock Chucker type single stage press.
(I want to buy a complete 18 piece, RCBS 12ga die set #99000 or parts.)
RCBS currently markets a similar 14 piece, 'Cowboy Brass Shotshell die set' #99060 which has an aluminum main body but lacks the tooling needed to start and close the folded crimps (recommended) for Lee slugs.
(I ordered 2, but RCBS sent me only 1, and told me was the last spare part crimp starter they had.)
I can make very good slug and buck shot shells using a universal ss press and RCBS dies,
but I also purchased a used MEC single stage for less money that does the same work faster and easier and maybe even better.

3) I use HS6 mainly because I have loading data, and can also use it for 9mm & 45acp pistol.

4) I use a Lee 1oz Foster type slug mold. Like most Lee products it needed some careful hand finishing, and must be used carefully.
Finding the correct wads can be difficult, or others can be cut to length.

Originally Posted by flange

Not a judgement just pointing out we all value/prioritize our time differently. No right or wrongs just different.

I do not load to save money, I buy factory target loads.
I was already a boolit caster and had all my other lead tooling and only needed to buy a mold.
I custom hand-load to optomize ammunition, better understand the technologies and procedures, and to ensure supply.

Good Luck, YMMV.

[Norwest Alta]

If you can figure a way to get it I've got a shotgun reloadìng set up. Wads, shot, books, powder and whatever else. Gotta take it all though.

[bobinthesky]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

I was thinking since I have so much lead laying around it would be a good idea to turn it into slugs.

Lead is the highest cost component and like I said, it's a good hobby. I just find that in the quantities of 12 and 20's I go through, I don't find it's worth my time. I'll focus on the less popular gauges to reload for and buy factory stuff in 12 and 20.

[Kurt505]

Originally Posted by Norwest Alta

If you can figure a way to get it I've got a shotgun reloadìng set up. Wads, shot, books, powder and whatever else. Gotta take it all though.

Where are you at?

[Norwest Alta]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

Where are you at?

To late. Qwerty has first dibs.

[Kurt505]

Originally Posted by Norwest Alta

To late. Qwerty has first dibs.

Lol, dam.

[Norwest Alta]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

Lol, dam.

He supposed to call tomorrow. I'm up by grande prairie if he decides he don't want it.

[Huntsman]

Originally Posted by Dean2

Cast it into balls for Muzzle Loaders and sell them or make cast bullets for your hunting rifle for practice. There is a pretty big market for cast round ball.. That said, for just fooling around homemade slugs would be a pretty good bit of fun.

COWW (clip on wheel weights) are an average of 9-13 on the Brinell hardness scale. They are a PITA to start and seat down the bore-too dang hard of lead.
Which also requires thinner patch which will more likely burn thru when fired.
Same with conceals ie; Maxi-ball style, Lee R.E.A.L. bullets etc.
*Pure lead is ideal for patched round ball with a BH of 5*

For shotgun slugs the lead decent. I use WW for my 30-30, 38-55 & 45/70 and SRU sabot shotgun slugs.
http://www.slugsrus.com/
You get a decent mould fill. Some shooters/casters add tin but this will increase the hardness and in some cases reduce overall slug weight.

I took a stab at reloading shotgun slugs back in 2005/6 with the Lee 1oz Drive key slug. Results were miserable and I gave up. This was with a Win 1200 28" smooth barrel and rifles choke tube and a Mossberg 500 with fully rifled ported barrel. I followed the load data supplied with mould.
With a smooth bore barrel and IC choke the groups were hilarious.

I've since found a good load and method years later;
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=296030

My intention was to produce slugs for deer hunting, the Lee slug IMO was not going fast enough for shots over 75 yards. I had my fun and success with this slug but have since moved on to the Slugs R Us "Hammerhead" slug.
I purchased the mould and sabot pressure wads and so far have had success right outta the box so to speak. I'm shooting these with a Rem 870 w/fully rifled cantilever barrel and Nikon slugger scope. Practically same hole at 50yds and 3-4" group at 100. More work with these slugs will continue.
This is a pic of the group you can achieve at 100yds with this slug taken from Castboolits.com


Feel free to ask me any questions

[colroggal]

Tangentary question: does anyone still find lead wheel weights? Everywhere I've gone dried up a couple of years ago. I even resorted to salvaging them at pick n pull until I was asked not to

Colin

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

I'll be meeting up with him next week, I'll pick his brain a bit. Thanks for the reminder about him, I should have thought about that, lol.

You forgot to ask your questions!
Cat

[Kurt505]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

You forgot to ask your questions!
Cat

Doh!

We'll have to meet up again.

I had to polish the heck out of that receiver to match up with that shinny barrel!

Thanks Cat!!!