shotshell and slug data
Does information exist the tells you how to go about experimenting with shotshell powders and wads? Are there any guidelines on how to switch to different powders in handmade slugs? A friend and I would like to do some experimenting, but don't have any way to test pressures. We were looking for written guidelines for starting points and comparisons.
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Well any official manual will tell you to use only those exact components listed to cover their rear ends.
However, tell that to the plethora of free shell hulls I pick up at the range, many of which have no published reloading data.
What I do to work up a load is find the lowest powder charge for my desired shot weight and powder type for ANY hull, primer, or wad. I use that to start, then slowly work up. You want a round that is long enough internally, from the powder column, wad, and shot, that the top crimps over nicely but doesn't cave in or bulge; and that is safe to shoot. The former is easily determined. The latter not so much.
It worries me a bit less in that I'm loading 2 3/4" shells in a gun chambered for 3" shells, so I figure whatever I fit in there isn't going to overpressure what the gun was designed for.
However, it is a risk to go outside the published info, and you have to be comfortable with that and accept it. If you aren't- don't do it.0 -
Thanks Jonk, I've played around with switching shotshell components for years, mostly by necesity. We now play a game called "protectors", and in a tie we move back for a "shoot-off". We sometimes shoot-off from as far back as 35 or 40 yards and are trying to develop tight patterns and fast loads for our specific guns. Everybody had to start somewhere, I was just kinda looking to see if anyone ever released comparisons. Thanks again! 0
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