doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com 2.5" load data?

Indeed, there's a certain amount of risk no matter what you shoot. However, having sent a number of shells to Mr. Armbrust for pressure and velocity testing, I've observed more variability in the ones I've loaded--not to the point of being unsafe, however!--than in the factory loads I've sent him.

Okay, now guys are starting to scare me!!! It's begining to sound like reloading shot shells is more of a crapshoot than science, with unpredictable results. The more I get into this subject the more I'm thinking I should NOT attempt it and just be happy with buying ammo. Too many variables for one gauge shell.

Moptop there are always naysayers when it comes to firearms and many other things in life, some say Damascus and laminated steel barrels will blow up if you look at them wrong some say reloading ammunition is hazardous to your health and should you should only shoot store bought ammunition. The truth is that both are safe and enjoyable if you take prudent precautions. Let your conscious be your guide. Like Dirty Harry said "A man has got to know his own limitations" and an extension of that he must also know the limitations of his firearm.

I'd say that's a pretty good summary.

Okay, here I am again asking questions. It seems that International Clays, Universal Clays, & IMR PB powders are the ones that have been recomended the most. I mentioned in an earlier post that I already have Bullseye & Unique. I guess that either of these 2 are not suitable for what I am trying to load for? Are they too fast, too slow?

Once again I'm showing my ignorance in the shotshell reloading world and I seek you guidance oh wise ones!...and I'm sorry to be asking such rudimentary questions.

Suggest you look at Alliant's web site for data. All my manuals are getting some age on them but they at least used to list loads with 7/8 oz of shot using Bullseye as low as 4500 psi & with one oz in the mid 6500 range.
Unique does not truly come into its own in the 12ga until you reach at least a 3De-1 1/8 oz load. By careful selection of the other components pressures can be in the low 7K's to about 8K. Personally I think that Alliant has very wisely refrained from recommending a powder as slow as Unique with very light charges at very low pressures. While some other companies have done so many problems can arise from such use. Personally when I have gun which i want to keep the pressure low for I generally also desire to keep the load light for protection of old wood etc. for this I generally limit shot weight to no more than an pounce & velocity no more than about 1200 fps. For this use Bullseye, Red Dot & Green Dot have served me very well for a number of years.