black powder shotshell reloading

[Paul Harm]

I don't believe you can change performance a lot in the way a BP shotgun shell is loaded as far as compressing the BP a little or a lot. You're not trying to shoot a one hole group. You've got a 30" circle with lots of BBs. They may get there a bit faster, but not anything you'd notice. Equal amounts of shot and powder is all that's needed. You'll get a good pattern with decent velocity. Don't try to make it harder than needed.

[William Davis]

Exactly,

William

[Eldon Goddard]

Made my fist attempt at reloading today. Short 10 with 4 1/4 drams FFG Goex and 1 1/4 oz of 7.5. I had some observations that I would like an opinion on.
The over powder nitro card wad (.125") was rather tight going in. I could push it in with my wad pusher but had to apply more force than with the cushion wad or top card. Is this normal?
My other question is how much roll crimp is acceptable. Measuring the space before roll crimp I had around .330 to .370" inches depending on the shell. Is this to much space to roll crimp?
In comparing my finished shells OAL to some factory remington loads they were about .100" shorter.