Shotshell reloading questions

[NSR500]

1. Is there a tool or method for un-crimping a loaded 12ga shotshell?

2. How much hull is needed for a good roll crimp?

The reason I ask is because I want to try and convert a game/trap/skeet shotshell into a slug load. The tutorials I've seen online always cut the top leaving them with having to glue, or silicone the shell on top after the slug is loaded.
My goal is to either re-crimp with the factory star crimp, or apply a roll crimp.

[Antihero47]

If you have two maybe shoot one of them and then cut open the other one and transfer the contents?

I am unsure of how to un-crimp a crimped shotgun cartridge.

[LGB Loader]

I could be wrong but I think I remember seeing a tool for this on

https://www.ballisticproducts.com/

here it is:

http://www.ballisticproducts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=TRIM1

LGB

[NSR500]

I did see that tool, but I want to keep the shell at 2 3/4 if possible.

[mike100]

1. Is there a tool or method for un-crimping a loaded 12ga shotshell?

...

yeah, but you'll have to get a new primer afterwords...

[mjsweims]

The easiest way to uncrimp the shell is to fire it. Then replace the primer, and powder, add a gas seal or wad, shot then recrimp.
If you want to save the primer and powder then use an awl to pry open the crimp. Pour out the shot. Add felt filler wads, your shot, and an overshot card, leaving about 3/8". Roll crimp. The powder load probably will not be right for your load, though. Best bet is to start from scratch.
Buy some primed hulls and go from there.
For a 12 ga you can leave about 3/8" for a roll crimp and be sure to use an overshot card or a felt over the slug. If you want to do a star crimp you need a reloader; you won't get a proper crimp just folding back the old crimp. The pressure generated when you fire is dependent on the crimp.
If you want a

[NSR500]

Is an overcard really needed for a slug? I've got a few boxes of slugs that are roll crimped on the slug without an overcard.
As for the powder charge, if I take a 1 1/8 ounce birdshot and load it with a 1 ounce slug, would it be okay?

[Bobshouse]

I started loading my own slug loads with the Lyman and Lee slug molds. They can be loaded and crimped into a 2 3/4 or 3 inch hull.

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1270436927.4833=/html/catalog/blackpow.html#shotgun

Never got into roll crimping, took to long. Don't ever pry open a shell and replace the shot with a slug...whole different animal there and it could cause serious overpressure...

[mjsweims]

Is an overcard really needed for a slug? I've got a few boxes of slugs that are roll crimped on the slug without an overcard.
As for the powder charge, if I take a 1 1/8 ounce birdshot and load it with a 1 ounce slug, would it be okay?

If the crimp comes down onto the slug you should be fine without an overshot card. There will likely be pressure problems with the powder charge, if not you're lucky.

[NSR500]

Hmmm...

I guess I should disassemble the birdshot shell and measure the powder charge first. If it looks like it is in compliance for a slug, I'll give it a shot.

[Thefeeder]

Hmmm...

I guess I should disassemble the birdshot shell and measure the powder charge first. If it looks like it is in compliance for a slug, I'll give it a shot.

Thats is not a good way to stay health.......Follow a reloading recipe...or use that med insurance you have been paying for.

[NSR500]

How dangerous can it really be with a shotgun? The range of most shotguns to handle everything from Aguilla Mini shells to 3 inch magnums should be enough pressure range, right?

[rstbkt69]

changing weight of the load and or how the wad seats in the shell and the difference of the resistance of the wad flying through the barrel can and will cause serious pressure problems. My advice would be to A) go buy some real reloading equipment and supplies and follow an established recipe or 2) don't put anyones life on the line and go buy some factory slugs. You wont be able to tell what type of powder is used and you certainly wont have the right wad to use.

I'll give this an edit instead of doubling the post. As a wide example useing the hogden site in 12ga with a 1 18 oz lead shot load you have a choice of about 20 different shell hulls almost as many wad choices and a choice of any of the hogden powders. I chose WSF as an example and you can get 10 to 15 loads from 21 to 30 grs of powder with 7200 to 10,600 PSI. that a lot of different combinations.
Looking at a 1 1/8 oz buckmaster slug you only are allowed 3 choices of hulls and 1 choice of powder charge. chances are anything but that one load would be considered dangerous.

Before you try this let one of your friends hold your beer.

"Here, hold my beer and watch this"

[NSR500]

LOL!