[Holt]

I know it is a broad topic, but I have just purchased a shotshell reloader and wanted to get an idea of what types of powder and wads everyone is using and what size loads etc... I am not a cometition shooter yet so I would be loading practice trap loads and sporting clays loads.

I just got picked up a used MEC 9000 series loader.

Thanks

 

[tripleb]

If you are using one of the 3.5" semi auto's, you might want to stick initially with a 1 1/8 oz. lead load. Some 1oz. loads will cycle some of them, but not others. If you shoot a 3" semi auto, most of them will cycle the 1 oz.loads well, however they may need to be close to 1300 fps. to do so. The Italian and Browning gas operated semi autos function more reliably with 1 oz. loads than do the Rem. 1100 or 11-87.

I like fast moving loads and use International Clays and some other powders which will give me 1345 fps, or faster, loads with 1 oz. of shot. Any of the Hodgdon Clays powders will burn very cleanly.

I would suggest you have an experienced loader help you starting out. Loading is not particularly difficult, but there are a few tricks involved that can make the process easier. Also, ask some experienced sporting clays shooters for help, as they will usually shoot in cold weather. Trap and skeet shooters usually give it up when the temps drop. Often, low pressure loads that work well in warm weather, don't work so well when it gets cold. (Ask Jon Brunner about that one.<img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">. I had to loan him some shells for his first shot, so his Xtrema would cycle last weekend.)

 

[SouthernOhioBoy]

I reload with a MEC 9000G. Use Hogdon Clays Powder, Claybuster Wads, reload my once fired Remington STS hulls.

 

[Holt]

Thanks Guys for the input. I will make sure I have some help for the first go around. Now I just need time to get rid of all the re-loads.

 

[ShellCounter]

Like the comments posted already, I also use Hodgdon powders but I use Universal Clays, Winchester wad and a 1 1/8 oz load at 1250 fps. Just a little slower than Tripleb's. One thing that you might want to watch for. Using the "newer" two piece Winchester hulls, it is kind of easy to buckle the hull just above the inner plastic base. If the machine is set right shouldn't be any problems. I prefer the Remington Nitro 27 or STS one piece hulls just for the fact you don't have that problem. I can get 5-6 reloads before I start seeing major velosity changes at which point I toss. Betting you'll love reloading, and the next thing start those "pet" Steel or Hevishot loads for waterfowl!! ShellCounter

 

[tripleb]

One thing to keep in mind when using some of the moderate to slow burn rate powders is that often the loads that a published do not deliver the velocities that are claimed. I worked up a load with International Clays which delivered velocities in the 1370 fps. range using 1 oz. of shot in the summer. I tried it out Friday evening and it was only going about 1250 fps. The Winchester primer in the blue box version was not hot enough to deliver published velocities in the cold temperatures. This effect is not uncommon with some ball powders. I had to "wildcat" a load for the International Clays, which is now delivering good velocities.

I chronographed JBruno4590's load using regular Clays and it was running close to published velocity, within 20 fps. using the blue box Winchester primers under the same temperature conditions.

In other words, if you have access to a chronograph, check your loads over one. You might find they are running faster, or slower, than published. Sometimes the difference is remarkable.

 

[scauper]

If you haven't already done so, you need to purchase a powder scale....don't rely on a powder bushing chart...powder can vary from lot to lot. The powders mentioned are good ones but there are others out there....IMR's PB and Alliant's Green Dot are excellent for hi velocity 7/8 oz., 1 oz. & 11/8 oz.(standard & Hi-Vel) there also are applications for 11/4 oz loads in the 31/4 dram equiv. (about 1220 fps vel.) Green Dot is well know for tight patterns with good handicap applications. What ever powder you end up choosing, stick with the powder manufactures' recipe and don't substitute componets unless they say you can do it.....it is DANGEROUS. Welcome to the World of Reloading!