Author Topic: Fillers for shot loads? (Read 924 times)

the rifleman · « **on:** March 11, 2004, 08:42:23 PM »

I have heard of quite a few different odds and ends being used as a filler in the shotwad, to allow for good crimps. Apparently some people are having problems with concave crimps, probably when using a wad designed for 1-1/8oz ;oads, but are using them for 1oz loads.

So far I have heard of people using:

Popcorn, spent primers, cornmeal, chips of clay pigeon....

Any others? :grin:

Bob_K · « **Reply #1 on:** March 14, 2004, 12:23:00 PM »

You must be hanging around with the wrong group of reloaders. I doubt any of those loads with the range of materials you mentioned have been pressure tested, nor has anyone considered what it does to the barrel. I try to treat my shotguns better than that. The only fillers I have ever used were those specifically called out in the tested, published load recipe. Further, when you look at the test data it seems that even the approved and tested fillers have the effect of raising breech pressures when compared to the same load without fillers. Who knows what the items you mentioned would do? Fillers are not generally used to fill the gap in a load column. Fillers either help prevent deformation of the shot (lead shot load) or dampen the elastic collisions of steel and HeviShot. Heck, just swapping components is strongly advised against in every load manual I know.

rickyp · « **Reply #2 on:** March 14, 2004, 03:03:37 PM »

I have to agree. Do not deviate from the listed loads. the people that wrote the books have better equipment and more knowledge then the people you talked to.

the rifleman · « **Reply #3 on:** March 15, 2004, 09:01:53 PM »

It does sound pretty wild to me too!

Apparently people do it and it seems to work. Maybe just lucky on the pressure aspects. :eek: As far as barrel damage, the wad would protect anything from rubbing the barrel.

I have heard of this from more than one reloader, so people are doing it.

rickyp · « **Reply #4 on:** March 16, 2004, 03:15:25 AM »

you are right they may be just lucky.
but you are not entirely correct about the wad protecting the barrel. the shot cups are designed for lead shot (or steel with steel shot cups) If you use something harder the shot cup will be cut up ald allow the stuff to contact the barrel

cukrus · « **Reply #5 on:** June 22, 2004, 02:36:05 PM »

Nothing wrong with a concave crimp - unless it leaks shot. First thing I'd do is change the wad column using a taller wad, some old data exists for adding a 20 ga card to the bottom of the shot cup. Next I'd consider an over-shot wad (check with BPI at www.ballisticproducts.com) -works better than the ill-advised drop of wax or masking tape disk.

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 23, 2004, 06:40:57 AM »

They might just need to adjust the crimp die, wad pressure or check their powder with a scale to see if the bushing is dropping the correct amount(many bushing drop lighter than the stated weight "and corresponding volume") . With a little tinkering they should be able to get correct columns and good crimps. If all else fails use a proper paper, styro or fiber wad instead of junk.