doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com most common components

I`m starting for the first time to reload for my double. My question is: What are the most common components like cases, powder, primers etc. so I can get the most out of this and have the most experimental freedom to get the best load. I`m loading for a 12ga. 2-9/16. Also, what`s a good resource for data ?

Thanks to all,
Burch

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/Index.htm
http://www.ballisticproducts.com/bpi/1welcome/welcome_shotgunners.htm
http://www.precisionreloading.com/

These should get you started. I've always used Winchester AA hulls, but of course they are 2 3/4".
Joe

Not trying to be a smart alec but you should consider that reloading for most of us who aren't obsessed with chronographs and pressure test equipment is more like baking a cake by the book than it is like experimentation. Tried and true loads from a powder or munitions company and of tested and verified performance, learning your equipment and components so that you aren't distracted from care and safety in the duplication of those loads, and subjective assessment of their performance on the quarry or target sport of your choice is chore enuf without the "experimentation".

jack

Burch,
Short chamber load data is a bit harder to come by than 2 3/4" data. I've taken the path of loading low pressure 2 3/4" shells for my 2 5/8" chambered guns. The number of acceptably (to me) low pressure loads available in the publications I've searched is fairly small. I settled on one for the last few years.

I do have pressure and velocity equipment, but that takes a lot of time and effort to go do the testing to actually develop new loads. I picked one and verified the pressures and velocity in a short chamber gun. I'm happy with changing the shot size for various uses from quail to pheasant. Used it on both, works great.

By the way, I chose to use Federal Gold Medal paper hulls, Federal wads and Federal primers. Not all that common and not the most data available in the lower end of pressures. If the "Gucci-ness" of paper hulls is not important to you, I'd recommend the Remington STS hull as opposed to the Winchester hulls. There has been a lot of controversy over the new Winchester hulls with the separate basewad that has been reported to come loose and cause an obstruction. I don't know if any of it is true or the causes if it is true. I just avoid the problem by using other components. I believe the STS hull is as good or better and they appear to have an integral basewad. And, STS hulls are fairly common at ranges.

Just my two cents.

Burch, most guns of the 20th century with 2 9/16" chambers were intended to use 2 3/4" hulls. The theory was that the hull mouth would extend partially into the forcing cone, theoretically providing a better gas seal. Tests over the years has shown no appreciable increase in pressure using the longer hulls. I recommend you use regular hulls and keep pressures reasonable.

Good shooting!

I concur with Chuck on the estimable qualities of the compression-formed Remington hull. STS and the cheaper green Gun Club and black version are all made the same way and all are usually available for free at ranges with shotgun target games. "New" AAs are also usually available and, with the exception of the horrible gray Supersports, worth scavenging or saving if from a box you purchased. Having dissected several "new" AAs I can say that the separate base wad is thoroughly bonded to the wall of the hull. However suspicions about this hull linger.

jack