The dreaded "Is shotshell reloading worth it" question

[Woodcock survey]

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

I, too, regularly have a pipe in my mouth while loading, but my 600jr spills powder each time I drop the shot and the powder keeps landing in my glass, so I don’t drink and load anymore. In 45 years of using 600jrs, I’ve never double dropped a powder charge. The old Lyman press was not a safe press because they used separate charge bars.

Did you consider moving the glass?

[edgarspencer]

Originally Posted by Daniel Carter

Did you consider moving the glass?

Brilliant! See, This is why you're management. I would, however, have to learn how to sip a whisky with my left hand, and that's never worked in the past.

[Double Lab]

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

Brilliant! See, This is why you're management. I would, however, have to learn how to sip a whisky with my left hand, and that's never worked in the past.

But you shoot left handed!

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Daniel Carter

Did you consider moving the glass?

Someday I aspire to be as witty and clever!!

[Woodcock survey]

Originally Posted by Andrew Sacco

Someday I aspire to be as witty and clever!!

You are thinking of Edgar, i am playing the straight man to him.

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Daryl Corona

And then some people drink while they are reloading. I know because I shoot with one or two of them.

I vividly remember shooting trap at National Capitol when it was still in Damascus and at Carroll County , there was an older gentleman that I saw at both . Never knew his name or if I did I don’t now as this was thirty plus ago . But he kept a small flask in his offside shirt pocket . If you were on the same squad he’d offer a taste to everyone before each field . I never partook or saw anyone other than him take a sip . Do that now and you’d be told DO NOT COME BACK

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

Brilliant! See, This is why you're management. I would, however, have to learn how to sip a whisky with my left hand, and that's never worked in the past.

If one grew up in “The South” in the 60’ or 70’s one was rather adept at drinking two handed ! And that was while driving a vehicle . Fifth of Jack in one hand and a bottle of chaser in the other

[Big D]

Better be prepared for "elevens" when you are participating in a driven bird shoot in Britain. After one or two rotations, you'll stop for a little snack and tilt back the flask, then back to shooting

[Andy]

Looking at the MEC600 Jr, I don't see a short kit for 12g. Is that able to load 2 1/2" shells? My VHE is 2 5/8" chambers, plus you never know when I might pick up an English gun. Handled a Thomas Wilde a month ago and damn nearly bought it except I didn't have an extra 6 grand laying around. I think i'm just going to order 1 or 2 600's off the MEC website and wait.

[Harold Pickens]

I believe I got my short kit from Precision Reloading for about $30. I ordered one for a 16--and it also works on my 12 and 20 Mec 600 jr.
Now, just my opinion mind you--thru a Parker fluid steel 12 ga, I dont shoot short shells, I have loaded some, then gave all my 2 1/2" hulls away. Most of my 12 ga are 7/8 oz mild pressure about 1150 fps--shoot those also in my Greener sidelever damascus also, I use green Rem Gun Club hulls. I have a few cases of 12 ga game loads with 1 oz shot, I shoot those also in fluid steel guns.
In 20's, I used to load 2 1/2", but now just shhoot a mild 3/4 oz load using 20/28 powder in AA's and Gun Clubs. Makes life simpler. In between guitar playing this morning, I loaded 2 boxes of that 20 ga load--I dont hesitate to hunt grouse with it either.