Need Comprehensive low pressure reloading how-to

[Keith Doty]

Yes, I got some 10 ga. results that differed only in that some had factory primed Cheditte, some I primed with Cheditte 2000s. They were 1Kpsi different! There was a thread speculating on what came in factory primed Cheditte hulls, we still don't really know. That's why I tested identical loads factory vs. Cheditte 2000 (that's what we're all buying). Surprised me. Now, those loads were 4200 PSI vs. 5200PSI for my Damascus guns, Ho-hum, but on the "snotty" end, might matter.

[John Cleveland]

Keith,

I was looking at your reports. I assume that the red ratings were your conclusions based on the report values.

What are you basing the evaluation on? Velocity, pressure; average, standard deviation, or extreme spread of one of them? What made one "Best 12 Ga", 2nd, "Good", or "Very Good"?

What is your target for velocity and pressure; and I guess that these are for your fluid steel barrels? Would you target ~5,000 psi or something else for Damascus?

Thanks!

[Keith Doty]

These are all for steel barrels. The notes in red are mine, based on everything involved (my inventory of components among others). The single one posted by itself came in sometime earlier that the others along with a couple of "failed" ones. I'm looking for 1200 FPS and as low a pressure as I can get at that velocity. With any of these I can back off just a bit (1 1/2gr. maybe), hit my velocity and not worry about pressure. Over the year I shoot at least 20 different shotguns depending on the game, clays, or just my mood that day, and my personal take on it is if I have consistent velocity among my loads I don't have to adjust leads regardless if it's ducks, doves, or quail. Hopefully this makes me a better shot!

[Keith Doty]

On Damascus I want under 6500 for sure, I have some 10 ga 1 1/4 oz. loads that are around 5K, have one that came in over 1200 FPS and about 4250 PSI.

[John Cleveland]

Keith, thanks for that info.

Like I indicated, I will be starting from scratch with shotshell reloading. I guess the first thing to address is equipment.

What brand, model, configuration of reloading equipment is viewed by forum members as the best experience for low pressure reloading? What features should I look for?

[Keith Doty]

I use old Pacific 226s, one for each gauge I load, been using one since high school and I'm comfortable with them, got lots of parts and bushings. MEC is probably the most used brand but I'm guessing. You can go from basic/simple up to high dollar/really nice, kinda depends on how deep in the $$ you want to get and what volume of production you need. I WOULD recommend a good powder scale whatever brand you go with. I have found many times the "published" charge for any powder bushing may be less than accurate. I always check by weight any charge bushing I'm using before I believe the published! I'm sure others here will offer educated opinions.

[John Cleveland]

Keith,

I have been trying to look at shot shell reloaders. In my preliminary searches, most references are to handling 2 3/4” to 3”. Are there specific machines for 2 1/2 or do people just make some adjustments to 2 3/4?

[Keith Doty]

I have heard mention of "short kits" for some presses (MEC I think). My Pacific 266s were never offered in anything but 2 3/4" and 3". I simply machined 1/4" off the final crimp dies and adjusted all the other stations to match, pretty simple with that old, "obsolete" system, especially if you own a lathe and mill. The 10 ga. required shortening up the crimp die 5/8" (die was originally for 3 1/2", I needed 2 7/8"), boring out the primer seating well out about .020 as that press was never offered in 10 ga and the hull rim wouldn't go down on the spring loaded seat. I have seen pics of some guys shimming up the shell holders in the required stations to allow for 2 1/2" hulls. I guess they could adjust the dies to work that way.
I don't know of any new presses specifically for 2 1/2" ammo but there may be some or as mentioned, kits available to modify the units. My experience has been very good with calling the manufacturers tech people for help and advice with reloading issues over the years. I own old Pacific units for shotshells and RCBS for all my pistol and rifle needs. Both have been very helpful with parts and advice.

[Keith Doty]

Just took a look, MEC has several "short" kits in stock at several vendors (Midway and Precision is where I looked) , it looks like, all gauges. Recommend a call to their tech guys, tell them what you want to do and let them guide you to the proper combinations. I don't know the MEC line well enough to say. I do know a lot of our members use MEC units with great success.

[B. Dudley]

If you are wanting to reload 2-1/2”. Just get a Mec Jr along with the spacer plate for doing 2-1/2” and 3”. Or you can just make one out of a piece of 1/4” ply wood.

As for recipes, there are many out there that would be published by the companies for whatever powder you are using. As well as hulls. Keep the recipe pressures under 8,000. Ideally in the 6-7k range and you will be find.