Powder for reloading 28 ga Repro.
 

Guys, this isn't a very interesting thread, but, as my Universal Clays slowly dwindles away; what AVAILABLE powder do you guys use for your gun?
I kept thinking they would get back into production, but I haven't seen any of the Universal for sale here in Nebraska.

I am hoping some of you old-timers will say "Well, I always used XXXX, and it worked great!"

Sam Ogle, Lincoln, NE

Just like you Sam, I too; am seeing my Universal Clays supply dwindle down to about only two pounds remaining. I've been using UC for both my 3/4 oz. 28-ga. and 20-ga. 7/8 oz. loads. So, in anticipation of the inevitable, I picked up a jug of Alliant 20/28 just the other day to tide me over until we see UC available again. 20/28 comes recommended by those that use it, they say it meters well, you use less of it, it costs less --and-- it was available. It's definitely a little more economical, but from what I hear it's not quite as clean as UC. But then, what is?

I'm in the same boat as you guys. Down to about 2lbs. of Universal. Gonna go to some 20/28 if I can find it.

Sam;
If you can find 20/28 you'll find it works very well. It may not be as clean but it is economical and I now use it for 28,20 and 16ga. loads.

Powder for 28 ga
 

Sam I to used universal, but it is almost gone so I have been using long shot and it works. It develops low pressures but takes more of it. I've found it patterns well with most loads ( all 3/4 oz) and I have 8 lbs of it.

I've been using nothing but Unique for about fifty years.

Longshot, 800x and universal all work well in my repro. I have a 7625 recipe that I plan to try also.

Because it is a large flake powder, 800X has a deserved reputation for poor metering through small diameter powder bushings. When it was first introduced, 800X was billed as a 12 ga. target powder (not) and has since moved to the 12 ga. porch-load niche.

I have used 800X for 1 1/4 oz loads for pheasant fields trials, where long range shots are the norm. I think the load is better than you can buy. Dirty, but who cares - I clean the gun each day anyway

While I'm no reloading expert, and have not dabbled in a wide variety of powders and loads, I have had wonderful luck with Green Dot. A flexible powder in 12, 20, & 28 ga loads. It still seems to be somewhat "available".
Steve Kleist
Ely, MN

Thanks guys. I will take this list to "Guns Unlimited" in Omaha next time I go (Next week, God willing and the snow isn't too deep) I will buy what they offer.
Life without a 28 is just unthinkable.
Sam

Check the Alliant website. They have published loads using Pro Reach. 17 grains,cb-5034 wad and a Cheddite primer in a Winchester HS hull. 1300 fps @8640 PSI. I emailed Alliant and they said the load could also be used in the older compression hulls by changing the wad to the original style for straight hulls. They also list loads for all the other hulls. I've had very good luck with this load, crimps good and doesn't seem to burn out the hulls as quick as 20/28 does.

Between Murphy and I we have been using Unique for a loooooong time. It works great in both 28 and 20ga.

I use Longshot exclusively in my 28ga reloading and have had no issues with it.

My supplier had longshot. I bought a pound, and am now waiting on a MEC bushing.
Thanks so much everyone!
Sam Ogle, Lincoln, NE

Daryl is right in mentioning that Unique is proper for both 20 and 28. Green Dot is a little fast for 28 gauge. I would not recommend it, even though there may be listed loads for it.

+1 for Unique. Been using it for 28 ga. reloads, including a sweet 5/8 oz. dove load, for 30 years. I use Longshot with the newer HS hulls though.

How many grains of Unique do you guys drop for 20 gauge loads. In thinking about 15.5

Dave, I follow the published Alliant loads, deviating very little.

Anyone use winchester 572? For 28 or 20 ga

- MEC 600Jr Mk V
- Winchester AAHS 2 3/4"
- Cheddite 209 Primer
- PT28S wad
- 3/4oz #8 or #9
- 13.2g 20/28 powder
- #17 Bushing
- Pinto bean filler
- 10500PSI 1200FPS
- From Alliant online

I have a ton of Longshot anyone care to share a Longshot 28g recipe?

Nine year old thread and I'm still using Unique for 20 and 28 and I see no reason to change to anything else after 50 plus years. Oddly, in two NSSA World Shoots, I have not missed a 20 gauge bird with my Unique reloads. Yup, 200X200.

I used nothing but Winchester 540 for years shooting 28 gauge skeet . This stuff was great , then at some point they saw fit to quit selling it anylonger . It’s my understanding HS-6 is the same thing , but don’t take my word for it check into it before using . Well read this it says it is the same thing ! https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/hodgdon/hodgdon-hs-6 Quoted from the above link , HS-6 is truly an outstanding spherical propellant and identical to Winchester's discontinued 540

I’ve got close to twenty pounds of W572 but other then a few test loads I’ve not really fooled with it much .

Andy, I use Longshot for my 28 gauge. I have the recipe printed out next to the MEC 600 Jr, which is at my Dad's house. I should be over there at some point this week and I will send you the recipe. It is all I use for my 28 reloads.

I'm new to 28 ga loading and was using Universal, but now with it's unavailability I am switching to save it for my 7/8 oz 16 ga loads. I still have an unopened 4 lber. Recently picked up some HS-6 which has been touted as making good loads( 3/4 oz) over on the 28 Ga Society reloading forum, but havent loaded any yet. Hodgdon does list loads with it. I plan on mostly using 20/28 as I do have 13 lbs of it

I have also used unique powder for about 30 years and now using it for 16 gauge loads as well.

I have a nice target load for the light 5.5lb guns with 800X and Fiocchi hulls if anyone wants the info. Thanks all SXS ohio

Good to know. I had been using Universal for 28g for years. I have plenty of Unique but it's hard finding any Universal. Also have plenty of Longshot so that gives me another option. Vielen Danke!!

Can someone post a recipe for using Longshot for 28 ga loads. Light loads for skeet

I had previously posted this tested recipe in the reloading forum:

* 28 ga. 2 3/4" RST (Cheddite) hull
* Cheddite 209 primer
* 14.7 gr Hodgdon Longshot powder
* SG-28 wad
* 3/4 oz. shot
* 1225 fps
* 9000 psi

Client Green Dot works well.

Alient