Shotshell Reloading

[Dimis]

i have read through the new to reloading sticky and found that it covers only pistol and rifle ammunition reloading
i was wondering if anyone could post something similar for shotshell reloading equipment im completely new to reloading and wanted to reload 12 gauge and 410 and have been told that you need different equipment for shotshell
i have looked at a bunch of reloading websites and most everyone covers pistol and rifle with little information for shot so i am having alot of trouble finding out what i need to do to start
i will be greatful for any help
please let me know what equipment is needed books i should look into and supply manufacturers i should find

thanks in advance

 

[Wildyams]

i'd start out getting the lyman shotshell reloading handbook. it has all the data in it, from 10 gauge to 410. it also has information on the equipment. I got into it last year, its pretty simple and straight forward. I think that book would be a good place to start.

 

[243winxb]

This is a good site for shotguns. http://www.shotgunworld.com/ Most use a Mec loader. To start, model 600Jr Mk5 will work. I load about 100 shells an hour with them in 12 20 28 & 410. Mec does make other, faster, more costly models. You can find loading data at Hodgdons site and other. When you load for shotgun, you find a recipes that fits your needs for the empty reloadable hulls you have. http://www.mecreloaders.com/ Loading shotshells is easer then rifle, pistol. Hope this helps you get started. http://www.chuckhawks.com/reloading_shotshell.htm

 

[Jon_Snow]

I'll second the Lyman manual. I've been reloading for rifles and pistols for 2 years. I picked up the Lyman book and was amazed at how detailed and helpful it was. I just wish I had found a similar book when I was starting with metallic reloading.

 

[oneounceload]

Go to shotgunworld as pointed out above - they have sub forums for everything shotgun related, even by brand and sub gauge

Yes, you will need different reloading equipment to reload shotshell; there are even different reloading books. One thing that can carry over is a good scale to verify powder drops. Some shotshell reloaders can be changed to do different gauges, but usually, it is easier and better to just get a machine for each gauge. 410 and 28 both greatly benefit from reloading as the factory ammunition is really expensive. For a beginner, I would recommend a MEC single stage press, (there are a few models), the Lyman book, and the data available from the powder companies. You will shot, powder, primers, wads and hulls. The best way to get hulls might be to buy some good target-quality factory and shoot them, saving the hulls. Remington STS or Winchwester AA hulls can usually be reloaded many times before failure. You will need to follow recipes as outlined in the manuals, as different hull and wad combinations can produce dramatically different results.

One of the best places to find components should be at your local shotgun club, (not indoor range). If they do not stock components, most help fellow members get together and place large bulk orders to keep costs down. You might also find some folks who would be willing to teach you about reloading, and you might even find nice used equipment for sale as someone upgrades or quits reloading.

 

[lgbloader]

i'd start out getting the lyman shotshell reloading handbook.

Yup

This is a good site for shotguns. http://www.shotgunworld.com/

Yup

Most use a Mec loader. To start, model 600Jr Mk5 will work.

Yup.

Take your time and read read read. I have handloaded metallic few quite a few years right now and I just started with shot shell not too long ago. I treat it the same way I did when I started out with metallic years ago. I read one chapter at a time and if I don't understand something, I read it over and research it till it's known before I move on to the next chapter. Hey, a B minus is not good enough for handloading. You gots to know your shiznit.

If you know somebody who handloads shot shell, more power to you. DO NOT deviate from the books or make short cuts, they do kill.

LGB

 

[Dimis]

WOW thanks guys for all your help
basicly i want to reload to factory specs for 12 gauge remington 00 9 pellet buck and winchester 000 410
as these are my two shells of choice for shooting but its getting harder to find the 000 410 shells and the prices of 00 is going up around here
i may toy around with loading target loads of # 7 1/2 but as im just starting out ill have to take it slow

 

[jinxer3006]

+1 for Lyman manual.