Shorty shells for clay/trap shooting?

[JagerDog]

Two reasons actually.. First, I can get unlimited amounts of shotgun shells for free that have "used up" fold crimps. I just deprime and re-size the primer pocket and cut the shell to length before running the all-plastic ones through the laundry (in a mesh garment bag). They come out looking like brand-new!

The original impetus behind the idea came from my Keltec KSG since it can handle even the smallest of shells. By making my shells just a bit longer, I can get them to feed reliably in my other pump-shotguns (that won't feed Aguilas). The reduction in length is the best way to increase load capacity. Making my own loads, I'm far better able to get performance that exceeds factory short-shells.

Lastly, (OK, it's 3 reasons ), I enjoy reloading metallic cartridges and got hooked on loading shot-shells because my aging hands find then easier to work with. So yeah - for me it's FUN! I also really enjoy all of the testing.

Ummmm...that's not what you said. You said you buy dove loads for $5/25 and "modify" them.

[Arrieta578]

One more comment...

If you’re shooting clays out of a heavy target O/U (say around 8lbs or so) and you simply try some Winchester AA 7/8th oz Light Game Loads in #8 shot you are going to notice a considerable reduction in recoil. That’s going to allow you shoot longer with less fatigue and hopefully more accurately.

[JagerDog]

Reworking new shells is a quick and easy way for a newcomer to decide whether getting into reloading is right for them by only spending ~$50 on tools.

I started out that way, but enjoy it so much that I bought all of the tools for reloading shotshells.

As for performance, you clearing do not understand. The warning that I give involves NOT reducing the payload. I'm altering column height by using a super-short CB-1138 wad. I'm using the same payload and powder charge with a wad that has less cushion. These changes affect felt recoil, not performance. Go back and re-read the post and yould find the only major change I make to payload is to ocasionally change 7/8oz of #8 shot into a 7/8oz slug. Since my shotgun is blind, it doesn't know shot from slug..

To each his own. You have no idea what you're doing to the chamber pressure. "Target" loads tend to use fast powder and chamber pressures are already rather high. They burn cleaner (which many tout) and it uses less powder (saving the mfg $).

Given the same payload at the same velocity, recoil isn't altered. The "cushion" is to protect the shot and defines the evolving space for gas expansion in the hull (altering pressure).

[NoHeavyHitter]

Ummmm...that's not what you said. You said you buy dove loads for $5/25 and "modify" them.

Correct, that's how you get started without making a significant investment.

I'm not blaming you for not understanding, because my post was insufficient to fully explain how I got to where I am at. I used this method to get started and YES, I now have the full assortment of tools to make my own from scratch.

Just trying to give suggestions that people can pursue without investing lots of cash. If something costs too much, not a lot of people will give new things a try. I'm trying to help newbies.

If you don't think my suggestions are worth trying then simply ignore them. The kind of shooting and loading that I enjoy may not interest you.

[BOBGBA]

...But will clubhouses accept shorter than 2 3/4 12 gauge shells?

As long as your not loading more shells than allowed (one for singles, two for doubles), I don't think they would care. Those shells were 15/16 once, 1145 fps, close specs to other commonly used shells.

...Just trying to give suggestions that people can pursue without investing lots of cash. If something costs too much, not a lot of people will give new things a try. I'm trying to help newbies...

If you want to really help newbies and keep them safe, you might want to include whether or not you are following any published reloading formulas or if you are using your unpublished experimental loads.

[Arrieta578]

I might add, that altering manufactured shells, by changing wads, loads, crimps or whatever is extremely dangerous.

If you value your fingers, eyes and limbs —don’t mess with reloading recipes and don’t alter premanufactured cartridges.

[Thefeeder]

><

Bigbear-----As mentioned above, there so many low recoil loads on the market now that there is no justification for the price point of mini shells for teaching newcomers.

[globalnomad]

The original impetus behind the idea came from my Keltec KSG since it can handle even the smallest of shells. By making my shells just a bit longer, I can get them to feed reliably in my other pump-shotguns (that won't feed Aguilas). The reduction in length is the best way to increase load capacity. Making my own loads, I'm far better able to get performance that exceeds factory short-shells.

Since Aguila 1.75" mini shot shells don't cycle reliably in most pump or auto-loaders (even with OpSol min-adapter, cf. Paul Harrell YT videos), it makes one wonder whether there isn't a good middle ground e.g. say 2.25" 'mid-shell', where a pump or auto-loader might cycle reliably, and where using a pump with a +2 shell extension would turn a 6+1 regular 2.75" shell into an 8+1 2.25" 'mid-shell' ... thereby increasing load capacity, while also retaining more of a full size round's accuracy & performance vs. an Aguila 1.75 mini-shell.

Probably not enough perceived demand or advantage for manufacturers to consider producing though.