20ga. RST 2-1/2" Recipe needed

[Matt Valinsky]

Just came by some RST 20ga. 2-1/2" hulls. Would like to load 3/4 and 7/8 oz. loads. Powders I have on hand are, Green Dot, Unique and 20/28. Primers, Win209's. Anybody have a recipe they would like to share?

Thanks in advance.

[Gary Laudermilch]

I have been shooting a bunch of 3/4 ounce loads in 2.75 inch STS hulls with great success. 13.8 gr of Green Dot, claybuster 1075-20, Win 209 primer. They crimp a bit deep in the 2.75 hull so you might try it in 2.5. I loaded this same load down to 12.0 gr. of Green Dot for first time shooters and they ejected through 1100's but just barely and broke targets to 30 yards with authority. Getting the right wad will be key to your success.

[Gary Laudermilch]

Matt, I left out a critical piece of information. The load I listed is for 3/4 ounce loads. Sorry!

[Steve Havener]

Mat pick out a published 7/8th ounce load for 2 3/4 inch Cheddite hulls that you like and substitute a 1 ounce wad of the same manufacture for straight wall hulls and you should be just about right.

[Wild Skies]

I got this recipe from another PGCA member:

* 20-ga. 2 1/2" RST hull
* Win 209 primer
* 17.1 gr. Hodgdon Longshot powder
* Ballistic Products TC-20 wad
* 7/8 oz. shot

1250 FPS
7500 PSI

[Matt Valinsky]

Around here the only powder we see for shotgun use is Alliant. The Alliant web site shows very few recipes for 20ga., and none for Cheddite hulls. Their reloading manual shows a few more recipes for 20ga. but again, none for Cheddite hulls. Pickings are rather slim. I'll get something figured out.

Thanks folks.

[Paul Harm]

The RST hull is a straight walled hull, same as a Federal hull. All the import hulls are straight walled. Use the same data as for a Federal 2 3/4. You'll have trouble loading 2 1/2 hulls with a fold crimp - a short wad is needed. With a 12ga, I use a wad made for 1 1/8 but only use 3/4 or 7/8 oz of shot. The wads made for more shot have a higher cushion. With BPI, their TC20 wad seems to have the shortest height. Maybe call them [888-273-5623] and say what you're trying to do. You'll also need a 1/4" spacer under the crimp and drop stations [ or Mec short kit ]. Claybuster wads are about 1/2 the price of other wads - phone is 800-922-6287

[Matt Valinsky]

Thanks Paul