Reloading
 

I am new here and have a couple of quest about reloading. I found some 71/2 chilled shot while cleaning my dads shop. He has been gone 14 years and I know the shot is older than 14 years. Would this shot still be good to use? Also what primers , shot and wads should I use for RST 2 1/2 inch 16 gauge hulls? I know these are rookie questions but thanks for the help in advance.

Sorry I meant to ask what powder to use. Thanks

I would suggest you go to the Alliant website and look up their recipes for their powder.
You can print it out and keep it handy at your reloading bench.





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As for the shot I think you'll be fine if they aren't corroded. I'm not even sure lead "corrodes." I agree with Dean, I get my most useful, easy information from the powder manufacturers web sites.

No corrosion, shot looks good. Thanks for the info.

I reload this for Skeet in a Cheddite / RST 2 1/2" hull

IMR SR 7625, 19.6gr
Ched. 209
BP/SPTG16

6,400 PSI 1,125

L to R, 1 oz, 7/8 oz, 3/4 oz
https://i.imgur.com/oUmyM4I.jpg

...or this

Hodgdon Universal 19.5
Ched. 209
BP/SPTG16
7,300 PSI 1,125

Thank you Andrew. I really like the 3/4 and 7/8 in the 2 1/2 inch. Just shooting here at the house but they perform well.

This is a tough time to start reloading as most reloading components are hard to find right now. You will have a very hard time find SR7625 powder as suggested because it has been discontinued and out of production for several years. There are other powders currently in production that will give good results. I have attached a spreadsheet from the "16 Gauge Forum" with many tested recipes including 2 1/2" loadings.

My favorite for the 2 1/2" 16ga Cheddite hull is; Cheddite 209 primer, 15.5 grains of Green Dot powder, Ballistic Products SG-16 wad and 3/4 ounce of shot. When tested it had a velocity of 1177 fps and developed 7400 psi. A good choice for composite barrel guns

It is not a bad idea to invest in a small scale to weigh your powdered charges, they can vary. Better be safe than sorry with reloading.

not a bad idea

its a great idea - it should be a requirement - i find very few bushings that throw the weight (they work on volume) listed. and how hard you work the press, if it has any vibration in its mounting all affect the charge

BTW - the 7625 powder is great but has not been made for several years, some of us were lucky enough to hoard some

I seem to always use a bushing 2-3x larger than stated with my MEC600 after weighing. I always find that odd.

I can't recall where I got it, but MEC published a chart of bushing sizes for many powders. Like most of the old, reliable loading manuals, it's been made obsolete because of many of the IMR powders no longer being available, and the addition of many new ones.

Here you go...

https://i.imgur.com/V8lxpBc.png

Thanks Bobby, must be the newest version, as they’ve deleted PB and 7625.

I usually look at the listed bushing in that chart, and then start with the next smallest to check the weight on my digital scale

I have several bushings that started life small and I have turned on the lathe to get exactly what I need. Seems like factory bushings frequently don't throw the charge they claim. I ALWAYS weigh a few charges carefully when using a new/unknown bushing.

Buy a universal charge bar and you will never look back at those bushing days again.

Good point, Daryl. If I could only find mine.
My gripe is the 3/4 oz bar only drops .70-.72 oz. I reamed one of mine.
With the limited supply of components, it’s not always possible to apply some tried and true recipes.

Quite a few people complain about the UCB but I have them on all my Mecs and I find they produce a very consistent load.

Especially in this time of limited availability of your preferred components the UCB has proven it's weight in gold for producing quality reloads.

I like simple. I have found every bushing I need new quite easily on eBay. It’s also why I like single stage presses and separate components for stereo and manual transmission on my Porsche. Shoot. I must be getting old.

Not old Andy, just practical.

SS presses - please. :banghead: The only one I have is for the 10ga because that's all I could fine for that gauge. I just hate pulling a handle 6 times for a shell. With my 9000H it's insert a shell and wad, push the foot petal down, release, and there's a shell. Don't get no simpler. :whistle:

I think back to the 70s when I first started reloading and you bought the charge bar for the amount of shot and the type of powder. No bushings. I didn't know anyone who ever weighed a powder drop. We just assumed it was correct. And no one ever blew up a gun from a bar throwing too much powder. Yes, I have digital scales and adjustable charge bars like a lot of us. My how times change. There is a Reloading forum here. Post your reloading questions over there for best results.

I have never been accused of being practical either :corn:

I still have a few of the old charge bars for powder and shot, no bushings. A lot more convenient now with bushings or a universal bar, but I still weigh every tenth reload. Makes me feel more secure.

I use mec 700’s with a adjustable charge bar and baffles I never have a issue with uneven charges . Works for me . When I load bismuth I way it

PB IS A GOOD POWDER IF YOUR FATHER LEFT SOME. IT HAS ALSO BEEN DISCONTINUED AS 7625 HAS