12 ga component question new to reloading

[wileynet]

Have been reloading cartridges for 30 plus years, and just inherited a 20 ga mec 600 jr and 12 ga lee load all, i dont have any empty hulls question is:


12 ga BPI component pkg 200 hulls and wads will they work for 1 1/8 loads # 7 shot
                                                       or
better off buying separate hulls and wads, RIO hulls are on sale what claybuster wads?


for steel what hulls and wads 12 ga


 

[Graybeard]

You'd be better off buying once fired Winchester or Remington hulls. I've tried new hulls before and can never get a proper crimp on them. There is a tool made to use with the MEC press to start the crimp on a new hull that has never had a crimp before but it costs about $30 or so and is a lot of money just to be able to load new as opposed to once fired hulls. I bought one for 28 ga once and lost the sucker before ever using it the first time. I prolly put it up for safe keeping as I often do and if so I might find it before I die but I'd not bet on it as once I put something up for safe keeping that's usually the last time I see it.

Do an internet search and you should be able to find plenty of both 12 and 20 gauge once fired hulls. If you have a trap, skeet or sporting clays range near you they will prolly give you all the once fired hulls you want or at least sell them to you real cheaply.

[huntswithdogs]

When I started loading shot shells, I had someone give me a bunch of old AA hulls. Did I say old? Most had slip crimps, then they started down the sides. I picked some Remington hulls out of the trash barrel one night and found out that I could load them with a matching load! All of sudden I had a bunch of hulls! Everybody was throwing away the black hulls and green Gunclub hulls. I'd dumpster dive and carry my treasures to the house for reuse. I'm still using them, though I don't pick up many any more. 2 of my BILs shoot 20s and are reloading the "cheap" Rem hulls right along with their STSs and AAs with like results.

The last time I bought wads, I got a case of 5000. I know they're Claybusters but I can't remember the number...maybe 1118? I liked using a wad called WindJammer but can't remember who made them.

Sorry but I can't be much help on the steel loads as I've not messed with steel. I think you have to use a different wad when doing steel.

When i got my loader it came with a pretty good manual. That's one thing you probably will want to get your hands on so you can see the variety of loadings that you can make up.
Have fun with it!

HWD

[SHOOTALL]

wasn't the windjammer made by claybuster ?
GB gave good advice . Why not stick to time tested componets .
Check on line or at a range for used hulls

[Iowa Fox]

If you have a puublic range close hit the garbage cans. Everytime I go the cans are overflowing with 12&20 hulls of all brands. I quit taking 12&20s home but I am always on the lookout for 410 hulls.

[Graybeard]

I am always on the lookout for 410 hulls.

You and all the rest of us .410 users tho I've never known anyone to throw away any that weren't worn out. I mostly use the Winchester HS these days but have a bunch of Remington Premier and some RIO as well. I long ago gave up on the idea of getting any once fired hulls and just buy factory ammo to get the hulls to reload.

I'm pretty sure Windjammer was a company on its own. At least that's what I seem to recall.

[SHOOTALL]

A case of new shells is money well spent and you know how many times the hulls were loaded.

[.45 COLT]

Windjammer wads are made by Windjammer. (WTW). Downrange makes a clone. Not sure about Claybuster, but I think they make a clone too.
 
DC

[woodchuckssuck]

I have been using Duster Green (1oz loads) for 8 years now, and I love them! 1oz shot, duster wad over 16.7gr titewad, smashes clays well. In fact, if I use factory loads, I miss!

I use Fiocchi 209 type primers, #8 shot (cheapest I can get) and have used Remington hulls from the beginning. Even the cheapest remington hulls reload great. EVERYONE at my club who reloads will pick up remington hulls if they are left laying on the ground...AA are two-piece now and, IMO not as safe unless your shooting o/u or sxs or single shot break barrel.

I need to pick up a Lee Load all 16ga because 16ga cost too much these days!