Steel Master

[mrmiskin]

If I am going to measure steel shot and powder individually do i need a steel master or can i use a 600 junior to set the wad and crimp the shell.

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Mrmisken;
You don't need a steel master to load the wads into the hulls; however, you may find it difficult to do so using the 600jr. Here was my solution to the problem:

I took an old piece of 2x2, drilled a hole into the side, and then glued a carriage bolt into the hole, with the head up. I then took a piece of 2x4 and drilled a hole in it big enough to hold the base of a 12 gauge shell, and then drilled out a little deeper in the center where the primer fits. Just to be clear, I didn't drill all the way through the 2x4. I then just load the powder in the primed hull, start the wad in the hull mouth, then place the shell in the 2x4 and put the carriage bolt head in so that it is touching the bottom of the wad. Then I just lean on it with enough force to seat it on the powder.
I then weigh out my shot charge and crimp with the 600jr as normal. Realize that you may have to play with your crimp adjustment to get the right depth.
Hope this helps...................

[Larryjk]

I don't think you need to worry about a separate press if you are doing the measuring "off station". Seating the wad and crimping are mechanical rather than scientific actions and should be able to be accomplished in any brand "die". Remember that RCBS used to make shotgun dies that were used in the "rifle" press and turned out totally useable shells.

[skeet]

I never had a Steelmaster press. Loaded a lot of Steel shot for a little while.. Used either a regular 600 Jr with a steel shot bar or a Sizemaster. Wads seat ok and until you get to the B size shot it mostly throws fairly consistent shot charges.. Within a couple of pellets anyway B, BB, BBB, and T shot I manually counted with a paddle I made that held each shot. It worked fine

[mrmiskin]

thanks once again for all the help