Wax Slugs Take 2 : Reloading Data?

[flmason]

Hi All,
    As mentioned in another thread, tripped over the idea of wax slugs. Have to admit, seems like a way to increase pressures to me.

But... in doing more digging around someone mentioned the idea was originally presented in a '54-55 Herter's catalog of some sort.

Anyone know if there's any reputable source of reloading data to build these from? (As opposed to what you see around the web... "crack the shell open, mix shot with wax, close shell back up).

Have to admit, finding that 20 gauge slug molds are rather expensive, the idea of being able to use a little paraffin to make a slug is compelling. Would mean one less mold, and one more useful loading to have on hand.

Also preferential to cut shells as I don't have to wreck a hull. (Ya, call me cheap, LOL! But I hate ruining a perfectly good shell.)

[simplicity]

Well what we have done is just take the cheap trap loads you get in 100 packs at wally world. Cut the crimped part out and dump the shot out (we never try'd mixing shot) and just fill up the empty space with hot wax and let cool. These wouldn't really do any damage, we shot them at sheets of plywood. It never hurt the plywood but I don't know if getting shot by on would tickle by no means.

[flmason]

Well what we have done is just take the cheap trap loads you get in 100 packs at wally world. Cut the crimped part out and dump the shot out (we never try'd mixing shot) and just fill up the empty space with hot wax and let cool. These wouldn't really do any damage, we shot them at sheets of plywood. It never hurt the plywood but I don't know if getting shot by on would tickle by no means.

Oh, guess I wasn't clear enough. The idea under consideration is dumping the shot into molten wax and filling the shell back up. I.e. making a Glaser Safety Slug out of a shot shell.

It's an attractive idea for a 20 gauge as the only slug molds I've seen for 20 gauge are the Lyman's. Almost pricier than the gun I'm using. It's also attractive because it's so easy.

Was hoping to find some reliable reloading data for making said slug loads from scratch. Had tripped over the statement that this idea was originally presented in a vintage Herter's catalog.

I'm a bit leary of concocting loads with no good reference nor equipment to assess pressures, etc.

[.45 COLT]

I never saw it in a Herter's catalog, but Ol' George came up with some real strange ideas so it may have been there. Some of his patents are unbelieveable.
 
I'm not sure, but it seems to me that one of your 'slugs' would be pretty much non-compressable, so might give problems in the choke. I've never seen ant testing on something like that, except the internet-type "Hold my beer and watch this". You might consider a round-ball mold - LEE has them at a reasonable price.
 
DC

[flmason]

I never saw it in a Herter's catalog, but Ol' George came up with some real strange ideas so it may have been there. Some of his patents are unbelieveable.
 
I'm not sure, but it seems to me that one of your 'slugs' would be pretty much non-compressable, so might give problems in the choke. I've never seen ant testing on something like that, except the internet-type "Hold my beer and watch this". You might consider a round-ball mold - LEE has them at a reasonable price.
 
DC

That's an approach. Some folks say Minies work too. Spoke to Lee about it... they searched the internet on it, LOL!

Well, two thoughts spring to mind... just pony up the $$ $ for the Lyman and accept that 20 gauge has its issues... or... use it as an excuse to get a 12 gauge, LOL!

Well, that's all for someday. Just came perilously close to living out of my car (and still ain't out of the woods yet). Was hoping the low buck paraffin option was a safe one.