I'd like to duplicate a factory shotshell round

[possom813]

I shot a box of Winchester Super X 12 gauge steel shells today

3", 1550 vel, 1 1/8oz, 4 shot, waterfowl


I've never loaded steel shotgun before, plenty of lead shot, but no steel yet.

This box has the best pattern I've ever shot through the 835. Consistent and tight. Better than the $25 a box Black Cloud

I'd like to get as close as I can to duplicating this shell.

Does anyone have data as to what components are being used to build it?

 

[rfwobbly]

Hodgdon now handles all the Winchester load data. Best advice is to call the Hodgdon load center and ask if it's not already posted on the Hodgdon site.

 

[oneounceload]

You won't be able to exactly duplicate as the ammo maker do not use the same powder available to us. Their powder is bulk blended and made to a certain performance level. You might get close, though, by going to Hodgdon's site and looking at their reloading data for steel shotshells

 

[possom813]

I tried navigating Hodgdon's site, but I can't figure out the shotshell navigation.

The shell is 3" Xpert High Velocity, and I want to load 1 1/8oz of 4 shot, but I can't manipulate the site to give me a good idea of what powders and wads to use. Everything that pops up is 'longshot', but there have to be other powders that I can use with steel.

I don't have to have exact duplication, but it would be nice to get as close as possible.

 

[splattergun]

yeah, their website is a bit cumbersome, but you can get through. click on 'Data' to get the drop-down menu, click 'loading data', agree to the terms, then click 'reloading data center' and choose 'metallic' or 'shotshell'. Enter the compnenets you want to use and the powder brand, etc and it generates a list of the data for your choices.

It won't tell you what data matches factory loads, but you will get velocities, so you can match that.

 

[BigJimP]

If you can get the velocity off the box of factory shells you bought / or from their website ....that's the best data you're going to get in order to come close to duplicating the load.

Its possible that Longshot is the only powder they've tested for that load of steel ....you might have to check other powder websites for alternatives....but there is nothing wrong with using Longshot in my opinion.

 

[MSgtEgress]

I am an avid reloader and I cannot justify the expense of loading steel, yet. Factory ammo is too cheap for the amount of shells I go through (3"). I may change my mind soon because I have a 3 1/2" in goose gun now and shells are just getting too cost much $. ($26/box) I go through quite a few in a good goose hunt. I may split the cost with my hunting buddy.