Crushed shells - 12ga reloading

[jwc]

I am taking another shot at reloading 12ga shotshells and would like some advice to solve a problem I am having with crushed shells.

The load I am trying to make is:

Winchester 2 3/4 AA hull
Cheddite 209 primer
16.6gr Clays powder
Claybuster CB2100-12 wad
7/8 #7.5 shot

I am using a Lee Load-All II, so there are not many adjustments I can make other than varying the pressure I place on the handle at each stage. The cases appear to bulge/crush when I insert the wad.

The shells I have made chamber, but not without a little push. The first two photos below show and example of the shells with the problem I described, the third photo shows a factory shell in the chamber and the forth photo shows one of the shells I made after dropping it in the chamber with no pressure other than gravity.

Is the crushing I am seeing with these shells normal or acceptable? If not, what can I do to eliminate it?

[alfred1222]

definitely not normal... though idk how to correct for it

[Dutch3]

I don't know much about shotshell loading. Have you tried another type of wad? From your description, it sounds like the wad may be causing the issue.

[BigBronco]

Do you like the Lee load all. I could fix you up with a Mec 650 cheap.

[Bill Steele]

Those wads are intended to work best with straight walled hulls, the Winchester hulls are tapered. Maybe try a taper hull wad like a WAA12L (CB0178-12 Claybuster equv.), or WAA12SL (CB100-12 Claybuster equiv.).

Good luck, Have fun.

PS - A great place to cruise for shotshell loading advice is shotgunworld dot com.

[NoNOS67]

At first I thought you were describing an issue I've had a time or two, but after seeing the pictures, it's something different. How much pressure are you using when you seat the wads?

[jwc]

Those wads are intended to work best with straight walled hulls, the Winchester hulls are tapered. Maybe try a taper hull wad like a WAA12L (CB0178-12 Claybuster equv.), or WAA12SL (CB100-12 Claybuster equiv.).

Good luck, Have fun.

PS - A great place to cruise for shotshell loading advice is shotgunworld dot com.

Thank you for the suggestions. I did not know about straight wall hulls vs. tapered.

hodgdon.com recommended three different wads for use with AA hulls and Clays power - the Claybuster CB2100-12 (12SO equivalent), Rem TGT 12 and WAA12L.

I was just out in the garage trying the load again and concluded trying a different wad might help too before I read your message. It's certainly worth a try.

[jwc]

At first I thought you were describing an issue I've had a time or two, but after seeing the pictures, it's something different. How much pressure are you using when you seat the wads?

I have tried to load several shells with different pressure while inserting the wad. If I do not insert it deep enough there is not enough room for the shot. If I insert it just a bit more the hull bulges where the bottom of the wad is seated.

I suspect using the Claybuster CB2100-12 wad with AA hulls is at the root of the problem. The Hodgdon website recommended this combination with Clays powder, but it does not seem to work for me.

[Bill Steele]

Thank you for the suggestions. I did not know about straight wall hulls vs. tapered.

hodgdon.com recommended three different wads for use with AA hulls and Clays power - the Claybuster CB2100-12 (12SO equivalent), Rem TGT 12 and WAA12L.

I was just out in the garage trying the load again and concluded trying a different wad might help too before I read your message. It's certainly worth a try.

I think I have most of the possible candidates on hand. I could send you a few of each type that might work in the 7/8oz -1 1/8oz range. PM me if you would like to try some of the other WAA options.

Good luck.

[NoNOS67]

I have tried to load several shells with different pressure while inserting the wad. If I do not insert it deep enough there is not enough room for the shot. If I insert it just a bit more the hull bulges where the bottom of the wad is seated.

I suspect using the Claybuster CB2100-12 wad with AA hulls is at the root of the problem. The Hodgdon website recommended this combination with Clays powder, but it does not seem to work for me.

No experience with those wads, but I think Bill might be on to something. I know he mentioned getting some wads out to you; I'll look and see what I have as well.

I'll likely be switching to Remington hulls once all of my AAs are used up. The old ones could be tricky, but the new ones are horrible!

[jwc]

I picked up some 12L wads and just tried them. They solved the problem completely.

Thanks again for the tips Bill!

[rsrocket1]

Glad you found the problem. Yes the 12S0 clone is best for Federal and Estate Hulls. Just because a load is published doesn't mean it is good, it only means it's safe. OTOH, if you used a WAA type wad in a Federal hull, you would probably find some powder leaking around the base of the wad, but "it will work".

You could still use those 2100's in Top Gun, Estate, or other Federal Hulls which are typically "everywhere" on ranges. Just be sure the paper bases haven't been exposed to water, they can loosen up and get stuck in the barrel.

[jwc]

The replies to my original post are a perfect example of how great it is to learn from people on this forum. 99% of my interactions with Calgunners have been great, including buying and selling. Thanks again guys!

[NoNOS67]

How do you like your Lee? All my shotshell presses are MEC, but I have a few friends that are looking to try reloading and are interested in the Lee.

[jwc]

The Lee Load-All appears to be a very good value. I just made 50 rounds and it worked great once I had all the proper components.

You get a lot for the money, including a good selection of powder and shot bushings. I am sure there are better systems out there, especially if you want to make a lot of shells fast but it worked better than I thought it would. I weighed several drops of powder and shot and it was right on every time. It crimps great too.

Overall, I'm impressed.