help loading 12 gage brass shells

[bhilliker@comcast.net]

I have a friend who needs help loading 12 gage brass shotgun shells. If there is anyone who I could talk to for information that would be great---thank you

[Imageview]

I have not yet bit the bullet and tried reloading them, but I’ve been looking into it for a while so I can share what I’ve gleaned (dubious reliability).

There are two styles of shells, the cheap balloon head thin walled style (Magtech is the most common) and thicker walled crazy expensive version (Rocky Mountain cartridge as an example). Type one is primarily intended for black powder, but some folks do reload them with smokeless (mostly SASS type folks, on YouTube I’d take a look at the channel everything black powder as he discusses loading them with smokeless). Supposedly Ballistic Products used to have published data for these, but they seem to have pulled it from availability. Everyone seems really cagey with their homebrew recipes, but you can find them and maybe some informal magazine data. For 12 gauge use 10 or 11 gauge overshot cards and fiber wads as the walls are thin enough that the interior of the shells are significantly oversized.

Type 2 is much easier, RMC suggests using regular published data. Normal components for a non tapered hull should work. This is the route I am more considering, but at close to $10 a shell that’s a tough pill to swallow just for the neat factor. The project I was considering it for was a 2.5” 12g chambered gun, but I’ve since just gotten a couple of cases of loaded ammo and will try reloading the paper hulls. I also have some cheddite 2.5” hulls to load too.

Either way, seal with Dulco cement, wax, or regular glue. Crimping is optional, custom dies are available at exorbitant prices either from rcbs or ch4d. There may be some issue with compatibility with different presses.

hope some of that is useful!

[Imageview]

Dug a bit further as I was cleaning my reloading area. In "Reloading Brass Shotshells" 1st edition, ballistic products by Vandenberg a smokeless load is described for the magtech style shells.

Cbc 12 gauge shell
Federal 150 primer
18 gr red dot
1/8 overpowder wad
1/2" filler
1 1/8 shot
2 .25 over shot wads

His velocity was 936 fps, he speculated that 19.5gr would produce better results and have more acceptable velocities.

P.s. not my data, I don't assume it is safe, I could have fat fingered something, yadda yadda not liable.

[bhilliker@comcast.net]

thanks guys

[NapalmCheese]

I shoot brass shot shells a lot. The process is easy. For 12 ga Magtech shells you need:

A small punch to punch primers out.
A dowel that fits in the shot shell so you can prime said shell.
A hammer.
Large pistol primers.
Fg, FFg, or FFFg black powder or sub.
Shot scoop.
11 ga fiber wad.
11 ga nitro wad.
10 gauge overshot card wad.
Shot.
Elmer's school glue.
Blackpowder lube.

1. Punch out the old primer.
2. Place new primer on flat surface.
3. Dowel goes in shell, hammer the shell over the new primer (I drilled a hole in my dowel to protect the primer pocket, I don't think it's necessary).
4. Use your shot scoop (mine is set at 7/8oz of shot) to pour in a scoop of black powder.
5. Use the dowel to seat your nitro card on top of the powder with some compression.
6. Put some lube on the bottom of the fiber wad (Crisco will work in a pinch), seat the wad ensuring not to get lube on the hull.
7. Pour in a scoop of shot.
8. Seat an overshot card.
9. Glue the overshot card in place with Elmer's.

That's it.

[bhilliker@comcast.net]

Thanks Napalm!!

[md2020]

I have a friend who needs help loading 12 gage brass shotgun shells. If there is anyone who I could talk to for information that would be great---thank you

I reload them... all the time... What questions do you have?

[bhilliker@comcast.net]

It's for a friend whos friend wants to load their buddies ashes in the shells---long story and I don't know it All CASS shooters. My friend knows I load a lot of shotgun so he was asking me for advice/help. I forwarded him some info that was sent above and looks as tho he's changed his mind. Thank you for reaching out--had he still been on that track I would have put him in touch with you. Thanks for reaching out