Shotshell reloading-component advice needed

[NMexJim]

Oh, btw. Chilled shot or hard shot or shot that has antimony for added hardness vs cheaper, softer shot? If you’re in a tourney and want every shot to count use hard shot (Lawrence). Otherwise, save a few bucks and use softer shot (Eagle). And, methinks 7.5 for all going away edge-on clays (trap). 8/8.5 bounce off too easily.

 

[Random 8]

Am I the only one to see that the OP specifically questioned the use of light loads in an inertia operated gun, assuming one designed around use of heavy 3" non tox loads as most are. I have personally had bad luck with lighter loads in such a gun, as have numerous others. Gas guns are less finicky of light loads, especially with faster burning powders and higher velocities.
Edit to add, my old 2 3/4" chambered 1960's 1100 would eat anything down to mouse farts if you kept the gas system halfway clean, my Stoeger semi auto duck paddle not so much. Ditto for multiple friends with Benelli SBEs.

 

[Wis-Harpo]

Last week I got 2 bags of Magnum ( or Hard Shot) #8 shot at a local store for $45.99each, then plus tax. This week I got a bag of #7.5 Magnum shot for the same price, also at the same store. I shoot 16 yard Trap, and Sporting Clays. I bought Remington 209 STS primers for $54 a 1000--- but that was last Nov. Luckily I bought 2 boxes of 1000. I load mostly Rem Nitro 27's, STS, or Gun Club hulls. I am looking for Win 209 primers for AA hulls , because I am running low. I am saving my Rem 209 primers to use last. Cabela's had 1 ounce Claybuster wads last week , I bought both bags. So what I am saying, you have to have either bought supplies late last year, or luck into supplies now before the next guy does. Both times I bought the bags of shot, I was looking for something else. A month ago I got 4 pounds of Green Dot. I had signed up for it about 3 months before. All things come to those who wait.

 

[NMexJim]

Missed that indeed.

 

[MEHavey]

Fiocchi 616s are an excellent stand-in for Win209s.
The difference in diameters/velocities are miniscule,
and one can interchange back & forth on the same
hull sequentially w/o any significant primer pocket
effects.

If you can find them......



.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BTW: For gas guns... Hornady 1-Shot Cleaner/Lube makes for a 15-sec spray down/off cleaning (max) before leaving the range

 

[Alex G]

BTW: For gas guns... Hornady 1-Shot Cleaner/Lube makes for a 15-sec spray down/off cleaning (max) before leaving the range

Absolutely love this stuff-all my reloading equipment gets coated with it as it’s the best rust preventative I’ve tested to date, and yet it doesn’t make everything an oilly mess. It’s expensive, but worth every penny IMO. Also works great for a light spraying on slides and such too just to keep their luster after a degreasing

 

[Alex G]

I shoot 3/4oz running 1275 (for a cleaner burn) in my gas guns with zero issues

Going in reverse order. You will likely have issues with 7/8 oz regardless of velocity in an inertia gun. Mine is a bit spotty even with light 1 oz if it isn't perfectly clean. When I step up the velocity a bit, to around 1250 fps it's very reliable.

Yes, depending on the semi, you can have problems with lighter loads.

Some semis will let you adjust on the gun, and some you have to change some small gas rings or ports. But, semi guns absorb recoil well, and you can probably shoot a bit heavier without the beating.

the OP specifically questioned the use of light loads in an inertia operated gun, assuming one designed around use of heavy 3" non tox loads as most are.

I’ve got a CZ 1012-it’s chambered for 3”, but at least as far as CZ and various reviewers say, it’s supposed to handle light loads fairly well too. That said, I haven’t tested it with anything under 1oz, so we will see. Also yes, I know it’s more of a field-type gun, but it’s no slouch on clays either, and gives me that versatility.

 

[Howa 9700]

Curious......what is the factory load of Win AA trap loads these days? Could be wrong, but I seem to recall that way back when it was 3 1/4 Drm. Eq. x 1 1/8 oz x #7 1/2 shot. Never knew until now that the reason for the 7 1/2 shot was it needed to be that big to break a target hit on edge.

Skeet loads were closer to 3 x 1 1/8 oz x #8 shot.

If you are shooting competitive, what is competition using? If you go light, are you giving up something to competition?

 

[George P]

Yep, SGW is a great site for shotgun info of all tyoes from guns to reloading

 

[George P]

Curious......what is the factory load of Win AA trap loads these days? Could be wrong, but I seem to recall that way back when it was 3 1/4 Drm. Eq. x 1 1/8 oz x #7 1/2 shot. Never knew until now that the reason for the 7 1/2 shot was it needed to be that big to break a target hit on edge.

Skeet loads were closer to 3 x 1 1/8 oz x #8 shot.

If you are shooting competitive, what is competition using? If you go light, are you giving up something to competition?

Skeet loads are typically using #9s. Many old time trap shooters using 1-1/8 @ 1200 developed some serious flinches after shooting for a while and as a result, use a release trigger

 

[unwashed]

If you want softer recoil, drop that payload to 1 oz or 7/8; targets still break and your shoulder will thank you.

Yes, I know but it didn't start out to reduce the recoil. At the time I was short on green dot, so I reduced the load to get what I needed and took a lets see what happens, I loaded them up and it worked and now I get the powder savings with reduced recoil. Also, at the time I didn't want to buy new wads and work up a new load.

 

[unwashed]

Good to know, thanks!

How versatile is Clays over a range of shot weights? Can it handle anything from 7/8oz up to 1 1/8oz without issues? I’ve got some HS-6 powder on hand that I use for pistol, but it seems to only work with the heavier shotshell loads.

Sounds good!
Between clays, Titewad, and 700x, which has the most versatile range across shot weights and velocities?

The reason I choose 700X for my game loads was it gave me the best fps for my combination of shotshell. 700X data says 18.5 grs for 1250 fps but the chrono says average 1300 which I consider adequate for game. IMO it's hard to get 1 powder for shotshell across the range of components, I use 2 powder, green dot and clays and still had to add another(700X) to get what I wanted with the same combo of components. But some with more experience may know better.

 

[Thomasss]

I assume you are target shooting, like trap, etc. AA hulls are very good, but I will add Federal Gold Medal or their Top Gun or Remington Gun Club are also very good and easy to load. 1oz. can be faster with less recoil than 1 1/8, but 1 1/8 seems to be better at 16 yard trap. I load 1 1/8 @ 17.8 grains of Red Dot and get near 1160 fps. 8 shot is better in the summer than winter and 7.5 shot is better in winter. But I have shot both year round at one time. The reason being the target's ability to break in winter changes dramatically. Depending upon the bullet weight and style in 9mm will determine the powder you may want to look for. Unfortunately powder availability may prevent you from getting a perfect match. I shoot a Missouri Bullet Co. Hi-Tek 9mm 125 gr. powder coat and can load it with any Alliant powder. for example. Years ago the gun choke determine the pattern, these days it's the wad. Plan for how you are going to load your shells and plan for the what you will use them for. I have three wad types. AAs wads good for handicap and small game, Wind Jammers great for 16 yard trap and XL-1s for 1 oz or 1 1/8 oz loads for either trap or hunting.

 

[NMexJim]

I assume you are target shooting, like trap, etc. AA hulls are very good, but I will add Federal Gold Medal or their Top Gun or Remington Gun Club are also very good and easy to load. 1oz. can be faster with less recoil than 1 1/8, but 1 1/8 seems to be better at 16 yard trap. I load 1 1/8 @ 17.8 grains of Red Dot and get near 1160 fps. 8 shot is better in the summer than winter and 7.5 shot is better in winter. But I have shot both year round at one time. The reason being the target's ability to break in winter changes dramatically. Depending upon the bullet weight and style in 9mm will determine the powder you may want to look for. Unfortunately powder availability may prevent you from getting a perfect match. I shoot a Missouri Bullet Co. Hi-Tek 9mm 125 gr. powder coat and can load it with any Alliant powder. for example. Years ago the gun choke determine the pattern, these days it's the wad. Plan for how you are going to load your shells and plan for the what you will use them for. I have three wad types. AAs wads good for handicap and small game, Wind Jammers great for 16 yard trap and XL-1s for 1 oz or 1 1/8 oz loads for either trap or hunting.

When they first came out and before folks found out how well Gun Clubs hulls reloaded, they were throwing thousands away, I loaded up a few thinking I wouldn't have to try and save them from the trash bins on the Sporting Clays courses the way I did w/ my AAs (out of my cold, dead hands). They loaded so well I just started using them although I had a couple of thousand AA. I'll probably be buried w/ my older AAs. They won't have to pad my coffin at all.

I hull-whore all white and pink Federal Premiums hulls that I see. They come in handy as a straight wall case like that of any Federal has a bit more room for powder and shot especially buckshot.

I hear all kinds of things about Rio and Fiocci and other hull manufacturers (Euro Trash), and there are several threads on the size of European primers. Whatever. I also use Rio for buckshot. The only problem with messing w/ all kinds of hulls is having the wads needed.

For skeet, 8 1/2. I've used "dust" but I can't say it did much for me. For 5-Stand 71/2 and a few 8 1/2 for rabbits and close stuff. For full clays registered courses, I carry both because every shot does count. I don't shoot in a vest but rather a two-pocket apron-type shell belt. 8.5 in one side. 7.5 in the other. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Chokes need to be discussed. An understanding of choke patterns at various yardage is a must. Watching folks spin chokes in and out on a clays course can be funny. If you're going to shoot skeet, you'll be hurting yourself if you use much tighter than cylinder or skeet. You can find all kinds of these but this is a pretty good from Briley chokes.


Welcome to the game. Don't blame us if you get hooked and spend a lot of money.

 

[George P]

Gil and Vicki Ash did extensive choke testing and found Mod to perform the best overall. For most beginners shooting a fairly easy beginner course, an IC usually works the best. For courses with some more distance, a LM or M will usually be the best overall.

 

[Thomasss]

I walked the trap and skeet field back in the 1970s Vic Reinders. We looked at broken and unbroken targets. Vic Reinders had a theory on breaking 'birds'.
We found that in order to break a clay pigeon, a target had to be hit 7 or more times with 8 shot, but only 4 or more hits with 7.5 shot. We also looked for chips. We found many targets that were side-swiped, like ricochets with lots of pellet dents and scrapes but didn't break as well as ones with one to three clean holes, but no chips.

 

[Alex G]

I assume you are target shooting, like trap, etc. AA hulls are very good, but I will add Federal Gold Medal or their Top Gun or Remington Gun Club are also very good and easy to load.

Just got some Gun Club’s from the trap range yesterday that someone had thrown away! Does anyone know if they use the same wad type as AA’s? (Also I feel crippled without a manual...back orders are frustrating..)

Chokes need to be discussed. An understanding of choke patterns at various yardage is a must. Watching folks spin chokes in and out on a clays course can be funny. If you're going to shoot skeet, you'll be hurting yourself if you use much tighter than cylinder or skeet. You can find all kinds of these but this is a pretty good from Briley chokes.

Thanks!

Gil and Vicki Ash did extensive choke testing and found Mod to perform the best overall. For most beginners shooting a fairly easy beginner course, an IC usually works the best. For courses with some more distance, a LM or M will usually be the best overall.

Ive stuck with a Modified in this shotgun so far with decent luck. Probably 99% of my shooting with it is going to be a trap-style shooting, so I’m assuming a modified would be a good option for reaching out on the departing clays. (Correct me if I’m wrong I’m assuming this)

 

[NMexJim]

I’ve got a lot of reloading info on Gun Club. What powder do you have and what wads? I’m assuming we’re talking shot size somewhere between 6 and 9?

I’d be happy to look for you.

Just out of curiosity, I take you don’t have screw in chokes? Or, just the modified right now?

If you have screw-Ins, just go w/ the modified for the time being. You’ll know when you need other choke tubes.

 

[George P]

Just got some Gun Club’s from the trap range yesterday that someone had thrown away! Does anyone know if they use the same wad type as AA’s? (Also I feel crippled without a manual...back orders are frustrating..)

Thanks!

Ive stuck with a Modified in this shotgun so far with decent luck. Probably 99% of my shooting with it is going to be a trap-style shooting, so I’m assuming a modified would be a good option for reaching out on the departing clays. (Correct me if I’m wrong I’m assuming this)

Mod is a great choice for most sporting clays and 16 yard trap. A tad tight for skeet, but then a skeet choke isn't expensive.

 

[Alex G]

I’ve got a lot of reloading info on Gun Club. What powder do you have and what wads? I’m assuming we’re talking shot size somewhere between 6 and 9?

I was actually able to pick up 2 lbs of Hodgdon Clays from my LGS this afternoon! Shot size looking to go with either 7.5 or 8, though I haven’t been able to find any yet. I have not been able to nail down wads yet either, though they are on the list. So far, powder and hulls have been what I’ve been able to get. (Also got some Remington gun clubs at the trap range the other day-some guy just threw his once fired out and I snatched them up!)

Just out of curiosity, I take you don’t have screw in chokes? Or, just the modified right now?

Yep! The CZ 1012 actually comes with all 5 chokes, from cylinder to full, so I can customize as need be.

 

[George P]

I was actually able to pick up 2 lbs of Hodgdon Clays from my LGS this afternoon! Shot size looking to go with either 7.5 or 8, though I haven’t been able to find any yet. I have not been able to nail down wads yet either, though they are on the list. So far, powder and hulls have been what I’ve been able to get. (Also got some Remington gun clubs at the trap range the other day-some guy just threw his once fired out and I snatched them up!)

Yep! The CZ 1012 actually comes with all 5 chokes, from cylinder to full, so I can customize as need be.

Make sure you look on Hodgdon's website for the data you want to use for whatever load you decide on so you get the right wads to go with the hull, powder and primers you have

 

[Alex G]

Lucked out on getting powder, wads, and a load manual! Now all I need is shot and primers. Any recommendations on finding shot these days?

 

[George P]

Brownells had it but it was STUPID expensive
Check your local sporting/trap/skeet club.
Another possibility is CAC Associates, maybe Power Valley for shot.
Primers? LOL..........maybe fond someone who has some to trade or buy from because right now everything seems to be going to production

 

[Random 8]

https://www.ballisticproducts.com/Lawrence-Shot-Magnum-Lead-25bag/productinfo/MLLAW/8/

Act fast. A bit pricey, but available. Can't help with primers unless you live near Central MN. As above, buy some extra shot and maybe you can trade with someone at your club.

The link will direct you to #7 which is out of stock. Scroll to #8. Did that to baffle the bots.

 

[Alex G]

Update:
Was able to get 50 lbs of #8 magnum lead shot for $42/25 lbs, and 1k Federal 209A primers! I was worried about finding a load for them as the Lyman manual doesn’t include data for 209A’s with 1oz of clays in a AA hull w/WAA12SL wads, but thankfully Hodgdon had the data on their website. Hopefully getting some loaded tomorrow!