Reloading shotgun shells

jimbobborg · Jan 29, 2019

I am looking to reload 16 and 28 gauge shells. I am currently running through a couple of hundred shells of 12 gauge a week, would like to shoot more sub-gauges but 16 and 28 are substantially more $$$. So what do I go with? Recommendations on wads, primers, powder and presses would be appreciated. Thanks.

Markpixs · Jan 29, 2019

I use a MEC 9000 but would be happy with the Grabber (use one in 20ga). Normally using WW-HS hulls in 28, 20-28 or Longshot but at the moment using Unique since I have a few pounds to burn and out of 20-28. 3/4 of #8 at about 1225-1250, depending on the powder/pressure, Longshot gives the real speed. Recipes from powdermakers’ websites.

John from MD · Jan 29, 2019

It depends how much you shoot as to whether you should get a mec 600 or mec 650. I shoot 28ga exclusively and use a Mec 650. I also have a Mec 600 in 28ga. The reason I went to the 650 was that I was shooting skeet and sporting clays three times a week and hunting in between. In recent years I have slowed down. If you only shoot 100 rounds or less a week, I would say go with a 600. You can get pretty fast with a 600 once you set up a flow. If you are going to shoot 200 a week, get a 650.

As far as powder, shot and primers, the cheapest place to buy everything is Shyda's in Lebanon, PA. I make a couple trips up a year and stock up on what I need. For wads, sometimes you can get better deals by the case on line. If not, buy at Shyda's. For cases, I buy flats of factory ammo and use the cases. If you can find someone on ebay selling at reasonable prices, then you can get once fired cases from them.

I only use WW cases in the 28 as I find they hold up better than Remington in that gauge. For 12ga, I always used Remington.

I just noticed you are in Virginia. Green Top may have good prices but I haven't been there in years.

jimbobborg · Jan 29, 2019

I will call Green Top tomorrow. Their web site is not easy to navigate. They stock the Mec in 28 and 16. The Cabela's in Gainesville has Remington wads in stock. The rest of their shot shell reloading is all 12 gauge.

PowPow · Jan 29, 2019

I started 12ga shotshell loading with a Lee Load-All II. It works well, especially for the price. It won't do 28ga, but you can buy one in 16ga out of the box or buy 16ga upgrade parts for an existing Load-All II. For $50-60, I think it's a no-brainer for starters. I can make a couple boxes in about 45 minutes, taking my time. Shyda's is a good place for components as John said. As with anything reloading, you can always find something more spendy when you're ready.

John from MD · Jan 29, 2019

Too bad you are down in Virginia. I would have given you a good price on a Mec 600.

Cochise · Jan 30, 2019

I load for 10 12 & 16 gauge. I have MEC Grabbers for the 12 & 16, I use a Mec Jr for the 10 with a Super Sizer for resizing (a size master would be better)
For the 16 gauge your choice or access to hulls will determine the powder and wad choices. Hulls are harder to find especially for free.

jimbobborg · Jan 30, 2019

Any recommendations on brands for wads? Or does it really matter.

John from MD said:
Too bad you are down in Virginia. I would have given you a good price on a Mec 600.

Where are you in Maryland? I'm cash strapped until the 8th, but I'd be interested.

Aamdskeetshooter · Jan 30, 2019

An alternative to the MECs is this Ponsness Warren 375 Duomatic. It’s a single stage press but you can load pretty quickly on it. One thing that’s unique about it is that it will hold two die sets at the same time, therefore it can be set up to load both 16 and 28 with a very easy changeover procedure.

https://www.reloaders.com/collections/new-machines/products/duomatic-375-16ga-28ga-410ga

https://youtu.be/OLMWkeXVO5Y

John from MD · Jan 30, 2019

I live in Davidsonville and the MEC 600 is set up for 28ga. I have a whole bunch of dies and bars etc. that I don't use and may have enough to convert it to 12ga also. I won't swear to that though.

"Any recommendations on brands for wads? Or does it really matter."

Jim, if you are reloading for 16 yard trap, or shooting skeet, the wad is not as important as if you were shooting handicap trap or sporting clays. That said, you still have to buy the wad that fits the hull you choose to reload. Different hull geometry requires different wads for the most part. That is why most reloaders stick with one type of hull. You can save money by buying aftermarket brands rather than buying OEM wads. I use Claybusters myself as they work well in the 28ga WW hull.

Here is a company that has lots of good reloading info. Their prices aren't the cheapest but the site is good for information.

Aamdskeetshooter · Jan 30, 2019

Don’t buy Remington wads or primers. Their primers are priced 23% higher than Winchester’s. It’s ridiculous.

jimbobborg · Jan 30, 2019

John from MD said:
I live in Davidsonville and the MEC 600 is set up for 28ga. I have a whole bunch of dies and bars etc. that I don't use and may have enough to convert it to 12ga also. I won't swear to that though.

I would make that hour drive. Pm a price to me, I can get out there the weekend after the 8th.

pcfixer · Jan 31, 2019

jimbobborg said:
I would make that hour drive. Pm a price to me, I can get out there the weekend after the 8th.

I can speak to the Mec 600 Jr. fantastic equipment. Takes some time to get into rhythm of loading. I did that 'years' ago. I loaded my own while in Germany learning to shoot skeet. :thumbsup:

usa259 · Jan 31, 2019

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/

K-43 · Feb 4, 2019

Looking for cheap order Claybuster wads. They have clones of everything.
Downrange wads for the best plastic and performance (as in little plastic fouling) and good price. Also made in Nebraska vice China or Vietnam. They have clones and original designs. You don't need Spolar Gold to get good patterns. They're for people who brag about scotch, cigars, and $24k Italian shotguns. :innocent0

A Wad substitution chart is on their respective websites or in most shotshell reloading manuals.
Hodgdon's has a great recipe list on their site if you like IMR/Win.Hodgdon powders.
Alliant has a good recipe book too.
Those two will cover most powders people use.

I have a 20 gauge MEC 650 20, had an older MEC 600 12, and they work. Autoprime was touchy on the 650 progressive though.
Most of my loading is on an old Pacific 366. Very good if you find one used.

STeveZ · Feb 20, 2019

A used MEC Grabber from ebay or the net is easy to use and puts out a decent amount of reloads. I wouldn't suggest a non-progressive reloader and would really like to switch over to self-indexing 9000's. Hodgden powder, Claybuster wads and Cheddite primers help keep costs down. I use a fair amount of reclaimed shot since lead is the largest cost item in a reload. Gun Club hulls are popular but I find brass AA or STS are easier to reload so I just buy a bunch from time to time.

fabsroman · Mar 11, 2019

I run a Mec 9000G for both 12 gauge and 20 gauge. Have a separate one for each gauge. Then, I have a Mec Steelmaster for waterfowl loads. I started with my dad's Mec 600jr around 1993. Back then, I was going through 500 rounds a week. I was spending more time at the reloading table than I was shooting, but back then I had time to spare.

End of the day, I want a Spolar Gold. Might have been able to afford it this year if it wasn't for all these gun control bills. Saving up my money to see what, if anything, they are going to force me to buy this year.

Reloading shotgun shells

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