16 GA 2.5 INCH 1 OUNCE LOAD LOW PRESSURE

[Jerry Harlow]

This was worked up for me by Precision Reloading. I like one ounce in the 16 for doves and rabbits. Thought I would share it as dove season approaches and we are loading up.

2.5 INCH UNPRIMED CHEDDITE HULL

209 WINCHESTER PRIMER

18 GRAINS LONGSHOT

2116 WAD

1 OUNCE SHOT

1200 FPS

7270 PSI AVERAGE PRESSURE

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. I DID. I LIKED IT.

[John Farrell]

Did you roll crimp or fold crimp the finished shells?

[Angel Cruz]

WHAT SHOT SIZE DID YOU USE?

[Jerry Harlow]

I use an eight point crimp on the new hulls but the I've tried it and the six point works just as well. I just believe the eight point crimp, which is what most of the target loads use, works better for the reloads after I have fired them.

On those baby doves in early season I use 8.5s in the right barrel and 8s in the left. When they are bigger and wiser I use 8s in the right and 7.5s in the left. Rabbits are 6s and 4s for r and l.

I was always taught to use two different loads in a double, even though a lot of people only shoot the same load on both sides. I remember one uncle who always shot high powered 6s in the full choked left barrel of his 12 gauge, and seconds after everyone had finished shooting he would drop a Bob-white that thought he had escaped dead at forty yards .

[Angel Cruz]

Thanks Jerry. I like that two different loads idea.

[Eric Grims]

Jerry
Thanks for the load info. I plan to use it as soon as my bushing arrives. By chance do you have a 7/8 ounce load for longshot powder RST 2 1/2".
Thanks
Eric

[Harold Lee Pickens]

what wad did yu use? did you mean Z16?

[Jerry Harlow]

Jerry
Thanks for the load info. I plan to use it as soon as my bushing arrives. By chance do you have a 7/8 ounce load for longshot powder RST 2 1/2".
Thanks
Eric

Eric,

I do not have anything for the RST hull because I do not know who manufactures their hull. The Gualandi 16GA Super G Midi Wads TUWG2116 list several 7/8 oz loads for Federal and Remington Hulls. I doubt you will be able to use Longshot for 7/8 ounce though. It is a slow burning powder for heavier loads, thus the name Longshot.

I relied on Precision Reloading for the info for the Cheddite Hull, from whom I purchased them.

Harold,

I hope the answer above answers your wad question.

[Eric Grims]

Jerry
The RST is a cheddite hull. Thanks for the advise. I certainly can use your 1oz recipe probably with no problem on my end. I have a new progressive loader for 2 1/2" and am trying different loads. Found a real difference in recoil between 7/8 and 1 oz and wanted to soften the blow a little. I have good success with sr7625 for both but they are discontinuing making it so I am in search of an alternative. Universal clays looks good but a higher pressure.
I appreciate your info.
Eric

[Daryl Corona]

Jerry;
If you are looking to soften the recoil try a 3/4oz. load in your 16 using Alliant 20/28 powder. A spreadsheet on the 16ga. society has the data. I believe it calls for 14.5gr., a DR16 wad and a Win. or Cheddite 209. You'll love it.

[Jerry Harlow]

Thanks Daryl,

I only use my 16s for hunting so I rely on the one ounce loads.

I wish I could find some 20/28 powder as I've been looking for it and the 3/4 ounce CB wads for low pressure loads for a 20 Damascus. But cannot find it.

[Mark Garrett]

Jerry
The RST is a cheddite hull. Thanks for the advise. I certainly can use your 1oz recipe probably with no problem on my end. I have a new progressive loader for 2 1/2" and am trying different loads. Found a real difference in recoil between 7/8 and 1 oz and wanted to soften the blow a little. I have good success with sr7625 for both but they are discontinuing making it so I am in search of an alternative. Universal clays looks good but a higher pressure.
I appreciate your info.
Eric

Eric , just curious what progressive do you have that will load 2 1/2" 16ga hulls , I have been thinking about getting one , I think MEC will make one special order but have not seen a factory progressive for the 2 1/2" 16ga

Thanks ...........Mark

[Eric Grims]

I called Mec and ordered it direct and they made it special order. They wanted me to send them a few of my 2 1/2 inch 16 gauge components so they could set it up. I bought the grabber as I have it in other gauges and it has been great. Loaded a couple of flats right off and am trying some spreaders. Very pleased.
I too have noticed a big difference from 1 oz. to 7/8 for recoil. The 1 oz. kicks hard in my "0" frame 16's but is a little better in the 1 frame Trojan but the 7/8 is what I'll load for clays. I myself though have found for me that the 16 ga 1oz is probably the best patterning load I have ever shot in all my guns and ill shoot it when I can and definitely for hunting.
The discontinuance of 7625 is a shame. I was able to find some American select for a recipe that has been floating around with good reviews for 7/8 loads I plan to try. I'll PM it to you if you wish.
Good luck
Eric

[Dave Suponski]

I thought I read somewhere about some low pressure 1 oz. loads using 20/28? Am I dreaming here?

[Mark Garrett]

Eric , thanks for the info , the grabber is the one I would want also . I will have to call MEC .

Ya it is a shame about 7625 it is one my favorite powders , luckily I have a small stash of 7625 and PB that should last me for a while .

I save my 1 oz loads for hunting only and shoot mostly 3/4 oz and 7/8 oz for practice . My scores have been just as good with the 3/4 oz loads so that is what I shoot the most , and save the 7625 for my hunting loads .

Green dot and International are also great powders for light loads in the 16ga.

I would also definitely be interested in your American Select load if you don't mind sending it to me.

Thanks...Mark

[Rich Anderson]

If your using load data for a 1oz load you really shouldn't have to change anything to drop the shot charge to 7/8's oz. I have kept everything the same loading 2 1/2 RST hulls in 16ga and have had no problems and enjoyed less recoil esp in an 0 frame gun.

Daryl is right on with his 3/4oz load they are truly wonderful. I loaded up a couple of cases in 20ga and they broke targets just fine and will make a great Grouse/Woodcock load.

I have Mec 9000's in 2 1/2 inch settings for 16,20, 410 and will be getting a 12 soon. Great people to deal with..

20/28 will make a good low pressure 16ga load. If it will do the job in a 7/8oz 20 there is no reason it won't do the same in a 16. Fortunately I have a large supply of 7625 so I won't be changing powder for my 16's.

[Mark Garrett]

I have seen some nice ( tested ) 20/28 - 7/8 oz loads for the 16ga but none for 1 oz .

I would imagine you could get that with about 17 grains in a straight walled hull and the Sg16s wad . I would definitely have it test first . Better yet call Tom Armburst and he could get you real close to what your looking for.

[Daryl Corona]

Dave;
Checked my files (courtesy of the 16ga. society) and could'nt find any info for a 1oz. load using 20/28 but as Mark suggested contact Armbrust if you really need 1oz. That being said, I find 3/4 or 7/8 extremely effective on targets and game, and very nice on the shoulder/gun. I follow the 16ga. society forum and am amazed at the loads people want to stuff down a 16ga. bore. (1 1/8 and even 1 1/4):shock: Just buy a 12 if you need that much. As Americans we feel that bigger is better. As it turns out, the older I get the more I enjoy lighter guns and light loads.

[Eric Grims]

Some discussion here but no hard 20/28 recipe for low pressure 2 1/2 hulls.
http://16ga.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14193&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0&sid=dec9336db110b44df6de59b5ced2194d

[Mark Garrett]

Eric ,

Do you know what mods MEC did to the Grabber to make it load the 2 1/2 " hulls ? , I may have line on a used one at a good price and was thinking I might be able to modify it my self .

[Rich Anderson]

Mec will custom build the press for the 2 1/2 shell. I doubt you could modify the existing press but you might be able to buy the parts from Mec.

[Eric Grims]

I really don't know but when I get a chance later this week I will set it up beside my 12 or 28 and see if I can tell. I do know that there is no short kit for the Grabber. If we cannot figure it out might not be a problem to call the and see what they say or see if they will do it. They are very friendly.

[Mark Garrett]

Thanks Eric,

I know that they are permanent mods and it will be a dedicated press, which is fine with me ,

If you could look at them side by side that would be great . I thought about calling them to see if they could modify a 2 3/4 press also but then I think I might be better off just getting a new one from them . I think if I had one to look at I could figure it out , ( I don,t know any one close that has one either) Don't think it would be too complicated .

I appreciate all the Help !

Mark

[Eric Grims]

I took some pictures but they were bad and would tell nothing. Only thing to do would be disassemble dies and compare to a standard 2 3/4. One could still try to adjust for the 1/4" but not sure how that would work in the first 3 stations. Sorry I couldn't shed more light on this.

[Mark Garrett]

I have talk to few others about try to convert one and have come to the conclusion that it would be to much trouble to do it . also talk to the guy at MEC and he did not shed to much light on it , but did say that if I sent the 2 3/4 press that they would the conversion , but by the time I shipped both ways and paid to get done it is not worth it . So I will order a new 2 1/2 press and be done with it .

Eric, I appreciated all your effort .

Thanks .........Mark

[Chip Beckford]

Has anyone tried using PB in a 16 Ga 2 1/2 with one oz.? interested in a loading if you did.

Just curious.

Chip Beckford

[Paul Harm]

I'm guessing, but I would think the only mod needed is to drill a new hole in the main bar to lower all the dies a 1/4". Maybe with the existing holes it isn't possible and a new bar with no holes is used. At least with a single stage press when going from 3" to 2 3/4" shells all you do is change what holes are used. Just an idea.

[Dave Erickson]

This was worked up for me by Precision Reloading. I like one ounce in the 16 for doves and rabbits. Thought I would share it as dove season approaches and we are loading up.

2.5 INCH UNPRIMED CHEDDITE HULL

209 WINCHESTER PRIMER

18 GRAINS LONGSHOT

2116 WAD

1 OUNCE SHOT

1200 FPS

7270 PSI AVERAGE PRESSURE

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. I DID. I LIKED IT.

Has anyone used a Cheddite primer with this load?

I’m out of W209 primers, but I have plenty of Cheddites. I’m getting some other loads ready to be tested by Tom Armbrust, so perhaps I’ll add this load with a Cheddite primer to the group.

[Tom Shaffer]

I have a load for 7/8, w/ PB, but nothing throwing an ounce.

Has anyone tried using PB in a 16 Ga 2 1/2 with one oz.? interested in a loading if you did.

Just curious.

Chip Beckford

[Bernie Cross]

Thanks for the data.
I am just starting to load for the short 16ga shells to feed my VH 16ga. w a twist barrel. I am extremely leery of psi
I have set my MEC 600 Jr up to crimp the short shells and will also use the in a pre-war Sauer & Son 16 I own. I have found very limited data for the 2 1/2" shells
You've been extremely helpful

[Rich Anderson]

You can join the 16 gauge society and get access to all kinds of data.

[Doug Schoenung]

Has anyone used a Cheddite primer with this load?

I’m out of W209 primers, but I have plenty of Cheddites. I’m getting some other loads ready to be tested by Tom Armbrust, so perhaps I’ll add this load with a Cheddite primer to the group.

Here are a couple of loads I had Tom test earlier this year.

[Dave Erickson]

Here are a couple of loads I had Tom test earlier this year.

Doug, much appreciated!

I really like that top load and I have all of the components including short, red Cheddite’s! Perfect hunting load for my current magic wand.