shotshell and slug data

grizzclaw

November 07, 2008 01:17

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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  jonk

  November 10, 2008 08:17

  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.

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  grizzclaw

  November 10, 2008 12:53

  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!

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