New reloader looking for hunting load info

[ARau1993]

I'm brand new to loading shotshells and I'm looking for advice on load data for 12, 20 , 28, and 410 gauge. Mainly looking for load data and component info for loads to hunt pheasant, chukar, and dove/quail. I have 2 Lee Load-Alls and a MEC Jr for presses. Also have a variety of once-fired hulls and steel and bismuth shot. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[tabascoz28]

https://www.shotgunworld.com/

I think I was pointed to this forum when I started loading. They say to stick to published loads and components as they say you can't tell pressure signs with shotshells. Good luck finding 209s, I'm glad I only shoot one load for all my 12g shotguns and don't hunt with it. If I did, I'd just buy the rounds.

[NapalmCheese]

Ballistic Products sells all sorts of manuals.

I've found the RCBS shotgun manual to be good.

[ar15barrels]

Lyman shotshell manual is a great place to start.
You can also look at hodgdon's reloading data center online but it's more limited than a real printed loading manual which you should own and read before you reload any shotshells.

https://www.amazon.com/Lyman-Shotshell-Handbook-5Th-Edition/dp/B085YCBDTL

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234835090612

Older manuals are also useful as they will have more data for older hulls and powders:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/185782526871

https://www.ebay.com/itm/155417030568

[Revoman]

All of the above info is good.
I just wanna make sure that you are talking about reloading for STEEL as hunting the proposed species are ALL steel shot in Komifornia.
If hunting out of State, then yes, lead is okay.
Load away!

[PoorRichRichard]

https://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/default.aspx?page=/reloaders/RecipeList.aspx&gauge=12&gtypeid=3

https://hodgdonreloading.com/

[JagerDog]

All of the above info is good.
I just wanna make sure that you are talking about reloading for STEEL as hunting the proposed species are ALL steel shot in Komifornia.
If hunting out of State, then yes, lead is okay.
Load away!

[kcstott]

All of the above info is good.
I just wanna make sure that you are talking about reloading for STEEL as hunting the proposed species are ALL steel shot in Komifornia.
If hunting out of State, then yes, lead is okay.
Load away!

steel is the most common shot used but there is bismuth, hevi shot and tungsten so there is a bit more than steel.

[ar15barrels]

I just wanna make sure that you are talking about reloading for STEEL as hunting the proposed species are ALL steel shot in Komifornia.

Steel is NOT required for california hunting.
LEAD is just not allowed for california hunting.
Bismuth is fine.
Hevishot is fine.
Tungsten is fine.
Steel is fine.

[NapalmCheese]

Has anyone mentioned that it doesn't have to be steel shot in CA, but can be one of a variety of approved non-lead metals yet?

[JagerDog]

Steel is NOT required for california hunting.
LEAD is just not allowed for california hunting.
Bismuth is fine.
Hevishot is fine.
Tungsten is fine.
Steel is fine.

Slight clarification: Shot is to be approved. Some go the trouble of carrying docs (from say Rotometals) with them. I don't (though I use Rotometals bismuth shot). Been checked at the 'fuge. They just gather a shell and put it in the "Hot Shot". Passes and you're on your way.

There's a few folks who make their own bismuth shot.