doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Double Rifles, Paradox Guns & Gauge Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Reloading advice

Anyone have experience reloading this type of bullets?
As 16ga slugs are not locally available I am having these sent
from Europe. They weigh 27grams (0.95oz)
Any and all feedback will be appreciated.



JC(AL)

They look like some slugs from Latvia, I don't remeber the brand. They could also be a version Of the French Balle Blondeau. The French slug is supposed to be Steel, with lead alloy driving bands.

I have not loaded any 16 gauge slugs yet, but have loaded thousands of 12 gauge. What kind of velocities, and pressures are you looking for? What brands of powders do you have available? In the 15 gauge you will need to use slow powders to achieve velocities over 1300-1350FPS with that weight. In a modern gun, you could use IMR 4756, IMR 4759, Alliant Blue Dot, and Steel. Perhaps Hodgon;'s longshot would also work.

I would start with a plastic case, unless brass is available, then add the powder charge. Top it with a platic gas seal, and a hard filler wad, then a cork wad, and another hard filler under the slug.
Greg

Greg, thank you for your info. They are actually Blondeau and are being sent from France.

Knowing the name I did some searching and found that there is a newer version with a plastic sabot that can be shot even through full choke barrels. It should be safer.

As to locally available powders, I have to gather more information. All I have for now is what is in a catalogue of the local Fiocchi agents that have only one type (described as being of the "simple base" type) and say that a charge between 1,5g and 1,6g should be used in a 12ga. shotshell with 32g of shot.

You will gather that I am totally new to the reloading science and also very aware that a lot of care should be excercised (I have no redundant body parts).

Do you think one could replace the shot charge of a factory loaded shell with this type of slug? If so, how would one go about it?

Thanks in advance.

JC(AL)

I would not replace the shot with a slug. The wad columns are different for pressure, and accuracy problems. What kind of gun is this going to be shot in? Is the bore rifled, or smooth, is there any choke. If the gun is rifled, You can get a mold, and cast your own. That might be easiest, as some sort of lead alloy should be available as scrap. If you give us a better idea on powders I thinke we can help.
G

They are going to be shot out of smooth bore doubles with chokes.

We may get, as an alternative, the Gualandi Borra Proiettile:
http://www.gualandi.it/index2.htm

I am sure they are more suited to our meager reloading means.

Thank you for your help. Will get back as soon as I have more info on available powders.

JC(AL)