Reloading Slug Shot

[MEZJ96]

Hello, I am new to this form but have been searching it as a guest for a couple of weeks.  Decided there was to much good info not to take part in this form.  After hearing so much about the H&R/NEF slug hunter shotguns I decided to buy one for an after Christmas gift to me .  I have only taken 10 shots with it and amazing to me a 2.5 inch 3 shot group at 100 yrds after only 7 shots to zero in scope (hornady SST).  More practice and it will only get better!  Very excited and really look forward to more shooting.

My question about reloading is that I know you can reload shot and lead slugs but what about the modern sabot slugs?  In starting my quest to shoot more with my slug gun I am wanting to reload so that I can zero in on the sabot that I want to use with the charge that I want to use.  Lots of testing of different loads means more excuses to shoot  .

Can you reload the modern day sabot slug shots?  Where do I find the sabot and bullets or is it simply the right bullets from the muzzle loader section and a specific sabot sleeve?  I was looking at getting the MEC Jr to reload with but have found little info on rolling the edge over for the final step.

Any info would be great.  Thanks and I look forward to more conversations on this form.

 

[rickyp]

You can buy ready made slugs but mostly you have to cast your own out of pure lead. Lyman and lee both make  slug molds. They both use normal shot wads as the sabot.
The lee you use a normal star crimp some others may require a roll crimp and a special tool to do it.

I have not had much luck with the lee it works OK close up and have taken a few deer with my reloaded slugs.  What I now do is carry a few reloaded slugs for finishing shots or when I don't want to shoot a $5 slug.

[MEZJ96]

Thanks Rick.

[swiftman]

Call Emma Young , she will e-mail you a price list of the sabots and gas seals and ask for some card wads also. You get a free loading manual for this also with sabot order.
I just order some to reload .20ga which is for a .452 bullet I am going to try  250grn and 300grn XTP's first.
Her phone# 609-261-7373 call after 5:00 eastern.

[workin man]

Rick, I'm curious what kind of groups do you get with the Lee slugs? Have you tried the Lyman's? I'd like to shoot my slug gun a lot more than I do, but at $4-$5 per shot, it sits in the safe till a week before deer season, then gets about 10 rounds down range to make sure its dialed in. I suppose even if your getting 12" groups at 100yds, they'd be good enough for practice, then switch back to factory ammo for hunting season.

Jim

[rickyp]

it has been a long time since I really shot any at a target I know it wasn't as big as 12" at 100 yards.

A part of the issue with the $$$$ for factory slugs is that a hunter will pay the price for them.  a lot  think you only shoot a few rounds a year so what is $20 a box of slugs for a yea,r then I have found these are the same ones that cry when they have to sight in the gun and end up being over $100 or more for slugs.

[dakotashooter2]

it has been a long time since I really shot any at a target I know it wasn't as big as 12" at 100 yards.

A part of the issue with the $$$$ for factory slugs is that a hunter will pay the price for them.  a lot  think you only shoot a few rounds a year so what is $20 a box of slugs for a yea,r then I have found these are the same ones that cry when they have to sight in the gun and end up being over $100 or more for slugs.

This is so true. While I suppose one does have to account for R&D the components that go into todays slugs really are not THAT special. The bullet/slug would be the most costly component. Considering a quality, comparable large caliber handgun bullet can be has for .50-.75 each (retail) Modern slug loads are grossly overpriced. The same is true for muzzleloader slugs which I suspect are probably the same ones used in such slug loads.

[MSP Ret]

I agree, grossly overpriced because people are willing to pay that high price for them....<><....

[workin man]

If you live in an area that is shotgun only for deer and shots can easily be  100yds or better its not like you have a lot of choice. This is my situation and its why I'm looking for less expensive options. I found a place online today that sells the Lee 1oz slugs, $15CDN/50 plus shipping and tax. Should be about $25 total. I'm thinking I might buy some to try them out and if they work out I can get the mold and other casting equipment.

Jim

[Catfish]

Years ago I tried loading some slugs from the Layman mold. I use a folded crimp and when cast from pure lead I had 3 of my friends shoot them against their favorite slugs The slugs I loaded shot considerable smaller groups for all 3 of them. 2 of the barrels were rifled and 1 was a smooth bore. I loaded some cast from unrefined lead, soft, but not as soft as pure, and they did not shoot nearly as well. I got all of the loading data from an old Layman Reloading manual.

[swiftman]

Call Emma Young , she will e-mail you a price list of the sabots and gas seals and ask for some card wads also. You get a free loading manual for this also with sabot order.
.
Her phone# 609-261-7373 call after 5:00pm eastern.

These sabots are made to shoot .451 or .452 pistol bullets in a 20ga or .50 in 12ga.

You will have to buy Chedite hulls from Graf&Sons http://www.grafs.com/product/256647 I don't know what gauge you are shooting , but Emma and Grafs have what you need for both.
This will cost around $1.50 cents per round, but better than $3.00 for factory loads.
This is one group I shot with this set up at 100yds inside 3/4inch for 3 shots.

[MEZJ96]

Swiftman,

Thanks for the info.  What reloader are you using for this?  Also, am I correct in saying that you have to use a roll crimper?  What bullets have you had luck with?  I am shooting a 12 gauge so the .50 is what I am looking at.

Thanks again for the info.  I gave Emma a call and hope to here from her.

[Silvertp]

Swiftman...

What is a Chedite hull, and why is it preferred for loading slugs?  I'm just trying to figure all this out myself.  I kinda thought brass hulls might be a good way to go.

Anyhow, appreciate any light you can shed on my question.

Silvertp