Recipe for a Low Pressure 20 ga.

[Bobby Cash]

I've been poking around for a low pressure 20 gauge reloading recipe.
AA hulls, Win209 primers, Immitation Win wads.
Hogdon published data seems to fly at around 10-11,000 psi.
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks, Bobby

[Dave Miles]

Go to:
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/index.aspx

You'll find some loads in the low to mid 8000 range.

[Jim Williams]

I would consider ditching the AA hull for a low-pressure load, and look at loads using straight-walled, paper base-wad hulls like the Federal promo hull (just from a design standpoint). However, the WW209 primer seems to be a consistent component in many low-pressure loads.

It's tough to get the smaller bores to operate on the low side. Please report back on your final choice!

[Marc Retallack]

Bobby

I agree with Jim's suggestion for straight walled hulls. Either Cheddite or Federal. I looked over all the load data I have. I could not find any load under 10,000psi with that specific combination of components.

Keeping the AA hulls, I found this load in Hodgdon's 2008 manual-
7/8oz, 16.5gr 800X, Rem 209P, Rem RXP20, 1200fps @ 7500psi.

Using Cheddite hulls (Lyman's 5th)-
7/8oz, 17gr 800X, Rem 209P, Rem RXP20, 1200fps @ 6600psi.

Marc

[John Dallas]

Primer substitution can make a difference. Here's some 12 gauge data:

http://www.armbrust.acf2.org/primersubs.htm

[Dave Miles]

I would buy shells from RST, before I used 800X powder.
That's the worst metering powder I've ever used.

[Bobby Cash]

I would buy shells from RST, before I used 800X powder.
That's the worst metering powder I've ever used.

I'm beginning to think you're right.
So which ones? Pressures aren't listed, but they are all labeled "Lite". Anyone know the PSI ?
I'm shooting Skeet, will Spreaders make a noticeable difference as I'm choked .024and .020?

As always:bowdown:
Bobby

[Jim Williams]

I would buy shells from RST, before I used 800X powder.
That's the worst metering powder I've ever used.

I've heard that said before, but I've never tried it. What specifically happens when you are trying to load it? Can you not get consistent drop weights (ranges all over the place) or is there another problem?

[Dave Purnell]

800-X is a strange powder. Its shaped like small round discs so it doesn't go through a bushing very accurately, but it shoots good, and is probably the lowest 20g pressure recipe out there.

Dave

[Dave Miles]

800-X is a strange powder. Its shaped like small round discs so it doesn't go through a bushing very accurately, but it shoots good, and is probably the lowest 20g pressure recipe out there.

Dave


No, you can get low pressure with Longshot and Cheddite hulls.

[John Dallas]

I used 800X for my long range, low pressure Springer Field Trial load. Worked beautifully - pattern held together due, I think to the slow initial acceleration of the shot charge resulting in fewer fliers. I never noticed a metering problem in my PW 800B.

[C Roger Giles]

I stay away from CCI primers as they are hot and change the dynamics of the loads and burn hell out of the end of star crimps. My choise is WW primers

I also stay under 1200 fps as after 1200 fps you lose some of the pattern (like holes) and pressures seem to lessen when staying on the slower side of fps.

I use either 700X or 800X powders, just my personal choise

When reloading I also take into consideration the gun that the load is going to be used in as each gun has it own personality, kind of like hunting dogs, ie stubborn Labs etc.

Rog

[Fred Preston]

Rog, I thought you were a PB man, powder and gun.

[C Roger Giles]

Fred;

I do use PB but so little that it is not worth a long drawn out explanation on the BBS.
I would have to kill you if I gave out PB formula as it is one of my secret loads for special occasions ie money shooting.

Rog