first try at reloading 10&28gauges

[Gordon]

Got me a MEC in 28ga and 10 ga. I got a couple hundred of each gauge shells. I ordered and recieved wads and # 7.5 & # 3 lead shot(you can guess which in what) picked up primers and powder so here goes! I hear that consistency, shell preparation and seating pressure are critical. I am all ears for suggestions! As an experienced mettalic reloader this is gonna be different. I can see the $ savings allready, oh boy!

 

[Bostish]

I'm waiting for the class later this month at PGC, I am also interested in the savings.

 

[kudu]

Universal Clays is about the best powder that I have found for a good 3/4 oz 28 ga target load. I have never bothered to mess with the 10 ga for reloading because I don't shoot it enough to warrent the cost of reloading for a specialty shell that only gets maybe a half a box of shells a year through it for waterfowl.

Heres a link to Hodgdon powdes that is an excellent source for data.

http://www.hodgdon.com/data/shotshel/index.php

 

[Dave McCracken]

Can't help you much on this'un, all my efforts have involved stuffing 12 gauge hulls.

A couple things,though that may help....

First, static electricity mayaffect your powder throws. I grounded my loader, and also use a piece of anti static dryer sheet like Bounce. Variation runs less than .1 gr.

Filling your powder bottle and then tapping it until the powder doesn't drop any further with more tapping means consistent throws from start to finish.

The final crimp depth greatly affects pressures. Keep it at factory depth.

It's easier to overload than underload. Regard the manual as a Tablet of Stone where it defines a max load and stay under it.

Shotguns and grenades have similar working pressures. Keep that in mind when tempted to go hotter.

 

[Gordon]

Thanks for the info! I had selected LongShot as my one powder as it crossed for both guages. I will standardize on 3/4oz of chilled 7 1/2 shot for the 28gauge and 2 oz of plated 3 shot for the 10ga. I am using the lower velocity data load (1150fps) no sense pushing things, the object is PLEASURE not PAIN! As I mounted the Mecs on a 1/4 in. piece of aluminum to provide easy clean up , I won't have trouble grounding the plate.