Shotshell Reloading

[golden240]

So I've got the itch to start reloading for 12ga shotgun. I literally have not picked up my shot gun since ammo restrictions went into place and never stocked up on birds hot, as the range only let's you use birdshot for clays, but have a ton of 00 Buck.

Been reading and watching videos but god damn all the info as it pertains to hulls and wads and shot. Been loading for pistol and rifle for years but this is a new monster to tackle, at least just starting out.

Trying to narrow down to a specific recipie like

Win AA Hulls (seem to be unicorn as it's the most popular)
Cheddite 209s (what I've seen in stock most everywhere I check.

Now wads I learned are pretty easy to pick the right ones as I want to do 1oz shot and 2 3/4 hulls.

Now shot I figured steel for sure but is the zinc coated special or no. This is just for clay shooting so I'm sure anything but lead shot would be fine.

Powders should not be an issue, just need to get the manual and find one and stick to it.

Don't need a ton of hulls but I think 500 to start. Not sure how many times a lighter load bird shot shell can be reloaded, Win AA being the best I figure a few times, or maybe a lot more. Just would like to hear advice from you all.

The off season is best time to stock up, not during hunting season. There will be some good sales on shotshell reloading equipment and components once duck season is over. I've had good luck with recipes for both steel and lead with BPI's manuals. Lots to choose from.

[CSACANNONEER]

Reloading metallic cartridges is like cooking, small changes can safely be made by experienced chefs.

Reloading shotshells is more like baking, small changes can be catastrophical. When loading shotshells, follow the recipe exactly, same hulls, same wads, etc. When it comes to AAs, there are two different types of hulls. Make sure you're using the right data for the right hulls.

[sigstroker]

A Lee LoadAll will work OK, I used to use one way back when. Honestly though for about the same dough (or maybe a bit more) you can find a used MEC 600jr, and it is a better press.

I live in Idaho, or I'd be happy to give you a pile of hulls.

Yeah, the smaller MEC machines are cheap. Our gun club had those and they last forever.

[whutsup40]

Thanks Bossman.

Amd because I won't be making a ton of shells, I'm probably going to buy the Lee Load All. I've seen it as low as $60 right now and shopping for componants it's real cheap except primers are more and powder.

Those are not that great, You can pick up a used mec jr for a 100 or less, look at the hodgdon reloading chart everything you need is there, find a hull you want to reload and everything else falls into place!! Any questions just hit me up will be more then happy to help.

[PoorRichRichard]