Been gone a while---Need Shot Shell advice

[bhilliker@comcast.net]

All,

Been on the road now for 18 months. Been home a couple times to visit but been a long time on the road. 6 months to go to retire. Pretty comfortable with my pistol and riffle reloading but think I want to venture out to shot shell.

I am having a hard time figuring everything out. I like my Dillon 750---pretty simple. Gt a tool head, dies conversion kit etc, set it up use it and set it aside then go to the next caliber. Rock Chuckers--self explanatory. Where I am having problems is finding a press I can do multiple gauges and lengths. It seems like you have to have a press for each gauge and each length. Was looking at the Hornady 366 but after going to the Hornady MFG yesterday I was told when you set up a press do not change it so why would you spend 1400 bucks for a single gauge set up as opposed to buying a bunch of single stage MECs. Confused and looking for a shot loader mentor to get me on the right path. Looking to do 12 gauge---2 3/4 and 3 inch, 20 gauge, and e3 inch .410. Set me on the right course please. Thanks

[Elgatodeacero]

A reasonable balance of ease of change and quality of output is Ponsness and Warren 375C. Wait times are at around one year.

You are not going to find a shot shell reloader with quick change tool heads like a Lee Turret or Dillon.

https://www.reloaders.com/collections/all/duomatic-375

[Revoman]

Yep, not gonna find a shotshell loader to do all gauges, they will be separate. You can however, if using a MEC, load on the same loader for 2.75" and 3" shells at least in 12 gauge (not certain on other gauges).
MEC 600 is the basic model, they go up in ease of loading and price of course. There are many used loaders on most of the shotgun sites especially.
If you're going to load lead, it's pretty easy. You need to follow the recipes exactly as it makes a difference in how it's 'stacked' to allow a good crimp.
If loading steel, it's a bit trickier and may require more than a single wad. You may need to use 'cards', which are basically pieces of round cardboard stock to make the correct stack for the final crimp.
I would highly recommend buying the Lyman Shotgun Reloading book, it is full of excellent information and recipes.https://www.amazon.com/Lyman-Shotshe.../dp/B085YCBDTL

mike

[sigguy552]

If you got the money, get a Spolar. Gauge changes take about 5mins

[anyracoon]

PW 375 is a great press for Shotgun reloading. I have 2 of them great little presses. Just rotate the tool head to change gauges, swap the wad insert and shell holder and you are cranking out a different size hull.

[bhilliker@comcast.net]

Thanks guys---thinking maybe the 375 for 12 and 20 then maybe a MEC for the .410 as the 410 is for a friend. Six months till I'm home and retired so time to try and find a 375 as the back log is pretty long at the moment. Was home for a few days at thanksgiving and had the time to get on the rock chucker for a little 308 action----always feels good to get on the bench---almost as fun as shooting itself!!!!

[Revoman]

"almost as fun as shooting itself!!!!"

I couldn't agree more!

mike