Can shot shells be converted?

[misplacedpants]

I know Strange title. I was wondering if it was possible to convert cheap un-fired game loads to something else? Such as 00 or slug? What I am asking is can someone open up un-fired loads and re-pack them with 00 buck, other shot, or slugs? Has anyone done this? I was just thinking about the difference in cost between value pack ammo, and 00 and slugs....

Please go easy on me, I'm a shotgun noob whom would not attempt this. Just curious.

[misplacedpants]

I have read before that the federal stuff is not good for reloads, I was talking about the Winchester stuff. I was just wondering what the real difference in them was. There is just such a difference in cost.

[misplacedpants]

Never mind, just realized its a really dumb question. I'm sure there are many good reasons that I have not taken into consideration.

[AndrewMendez]

The charge in not nearly strong enough to push anything like that out! Can you imagine how much money you would have though? Check out the difference between the two loads.

[misplacedpants]

I had heard of old timers taking bird shotshells apart and replacing the shot with rock salt, to take care of trespassers. The original less-lethal. Makes sense that the charge would be less, one could probably bump it up a little to that of a factory 00 shell. Then you might as well start reloading from scratch. Just thought it would be cool if you could take decent value pack shot shells and add a little component costs to the mix, and have an sht load of 00 buck for next to nothing. Or even make some less lethal rounds.

[jordan870]

no the cheap remington stuff reloads the best out of those cheap stuff

[Spirit 1]

Posted for informational purposes only, note various cautions & warnings in thread, your face may vary:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=118797

[CSACANNONEER]

It's called reloading. Generally done only with high brass shells. It's something you do to spent shells.

I know many shooters who reload tens of thousands of rounds a year of low based hulls. Many trap ranges won't even allow high based shells on the line!


To answer the OPs question, I would fire the shotshells and then reload them with 00 or slug after consulting a couple reloading manuals for loads for your exact hulls.

[misplacedpants]

Thanks for the input, and for not flaming me about asking this question.Oh and about the modified shot loads, or the GHETTO SLUGS sounds interesting.....

[CSACANNONEER]

I said that because reloading High Brass shells is the most cost effective and most common. I know people that reload Low Brass bird shot but they tell me that it cost about the same as buying them from the store.

I really doubt that more high based shells are reloaded than low based shells. Millions or reloads are shot at trap and skeet ranges every year. Most of these ranges have a restriction against high based shells. My dad is one of those old grumpy men who shoots trap several times a week. I bet he shoots between 10K and 15K rounds a year and, I doubt that he has ever reloaded a single high based shell. I'll guess it's the same for most trap, skeet and sporting clay shooters. Also, it is not fair to do a price comparision between any low end, mass produced ammo and high quality reloads. Decent low based shotshells (AA, STS, etc) will set you back close to $9/box now. As far as Walmart bulk packs go, yea, they cost about the same as loading your own but, you should be able to load better rounds for the same price.

[M9Man]

I believe this will help you guys out

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/08/24/turning-birdshot-into-slugs-for-self-defense/

[ireload]

You can reload or change out the shot to buckshot as long as the weight is the same or close as possible. I've switched #6 7/8oz. birdshot with 9 - .308" round balls using wheel weights that I have casted. The shells are Federal cheapy.
The trick in opening the shell is to use a precission flathead screwdriver. Then slowly pushing to the side the crimp. Then when crimp forming use enough pressure to push back since the plastic has a memory. Then the final step of crimping.
I obtain a decent grouping at 15 yards.