1-1/8oz steel or non-toxic loads in 2-3/4 Federal bird/target hulls?

[SquidBilly]

I've got a few hundred 2-3/4" Federal low base hulls saved and I was hoping to use them to reload me some decent hunting loads.

Can I get away with something simple like a waa12 wad and 1-1/8 to 1-1/4oz shot weight regardless of difference of data for the particular weight, wad and length of hull...as long as I stick to weight and powder charge for 2-3/4" hulls?

I see alot of data for the Federal Gold Medal 2-3/4 shell, but I don't know, or believe that this is what I have. Just generic low base target shells.

I have not reloaded smokeless shotshells before and I do notice a lot of data regarding specific hulls and wads.

What can I do with what I have?

This will all be dowel, block and hammer type handload. Enough to see what I can pattern and hunt with and go from there. I will only need a handful for Turkey season and high demand isn't an issue. But I would like to make 1-1/8 or 1-1/4oz steel or heavier than lead loads, or whatever will work best in these 2-3/4" hulls.

I have 700x, Unique, Bullseye and HP38 to work with.

Any help appreciated

[SandDiegoDuner]

Federal hulls are straight walled and should use something like a 12S3 wad for 1-1/8 oz loads. Different wads can increase pressure and primer manufacturer will also cause changes in burn rates. The powder I would use to reach high velocity with heavier shot loads would be Longshot or Blue dot and maybe 800x.

No matter what, using a dowel, block, and hammer will not yield good results. Wads need to concentrate the powder in the hull, while also setting the column stack height of components within the hull. You will then need a tight crimp to help control the powder burn to reach consistent velocities. Without a proper shot shell loader, it will not payoff over buying factory shells.

[SquidBilly]

Thanks for the tips. Maybe I need to re think how to go about it.

Looking into the Lee Load All press is very affordable.