Reloading - How to get started?

[J.B. Books]

Originally Posted by Jerry Harlow

The adjustable charge bars are a bargain because one bar will do everything you need. Of course that means having a powder scale to make sure you drop the correct amount, but one needs to do that anyway.

Secondly, you need a $10 food scale from China-mart to make sure you are dropping 1.25 ounces instead of 1.125 or 1.375. It works well in dialing in the right amount of shot.

Every different size shot drops a different charge weight from the same bushing or setting on the adjustable bar, so the adjustable bar lets you dial it in.

I believe it is best for the beginning reloader to learn the basics and simply use the standard MEC bars and bushings. Shotguns are not like rifles where accuracy and pressures are changed by incredibly small changes. A grain or two less of powder and a 1/16 of an ounce less of shot is immaterial when it comes to shotgunning. Getting good crimps and reliable safe loads is goal #1. As one becomes comfortable and proficient with the process one can choose to focus on the finer details of shotgun reloading. It is a learning process but the novice reloader will never go wrong using the MEC bars, bushings and follow the information in their bushing chart.