8 GA. Shells

[Bill Zachow]

I do not know if they are still in business, but I purchased my 8 gauge brass empties from Rocky Mountain Arms (google them). They are the finest brass shells I have ever seen. They are cnc machined from solid brass stock and take a 209 primer. When I purchased them, they were around $6 each, but that was over 10 years ago.

[Bill Murphy]

I think the Rocky Mountain Cartridge Company brass shells are about ten bucks apiece. I bought 30 at Cabela's closeout bin a few years ago for a bargain price. I have no idea why they had them. Maybe there are some still floating around the Cabela's stores even now. If you want to make it easy, they are the shells to use. Gary Herman may still have some Bismuth eight gauge ammo for sale for those who attend side by side events in the East. He is a bit under the weather now, but may be set up at the Southern.

[6pt-Sika]

Anyone here ever tried using the brass shells with roundballs the way (I assume the brits) used to load them by pinching the brass in at the top of the shell in 6 or 8 places ?

[Bill Murphy]

I see no reason to crimp a brass case with a ball or bullet unless you are actually carrying the gun in the field. There is no crimping with Rocky Mountain Cartridge Company cases.

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

I see no reason to crimp a brass case with a ball or bullet unless you are actually carrying the gun in the field. There is no crimping with Rocky Mountain Cartridge Company cases.

If I wasn't planning on using it in the field I wouldn't load it in the first place .

And I don't know if this is actually what one would call a crimp as such . To me it sort of looks like a large torx bit .

Oh incidently if it was done before I think it's safe to assume that it CAN be done again with Rocky Mountain cases regardless of what your PERSONAL opinion may or may not be .

[Bill Murphy]

I'm sure you are correct.

[edgarspencer]

Originally Posted by CraigThompson

If I wasn't planning on using it in the field I wouldn't load it in the first place .

And I don't know if this is actually what one would call a crimp as such . To me it sort of looks like a large torx bit .

Oh incidently if it was done before I think it's safe to assume that it CAN be done again with Rocky Mountain cases regardless of what your PERSONAL opinion may or may not be .

I think you might want to speak to RMC. I seriously doubt their case is thin enough not to crack, if crimped. The loads I have seen do not have a "shotshell crimp", but just the most modest turned in edge like a rifle cartridge crimp, and they were drawn brass cases. There was also a canalure in the (Conical) bullet.

[Roundsworth]

RCBS makes a set of 12 gauge dies that applies a slight turned over crimp, similar to that used on a lead bullet handgun load. If used with a stiff overshot wad, this might be a good alternative. I have only seen this done on thin, drawn hulls, such as Magtech. Good luck!