shotshell reloading problem

Classicvette63 · #1 01-19-2007, 04:59 PM

So I'm reloading shotshells the other night on my mec single stage press. I'm loading AA hulls until I run out. Everything is fine. I switch to Federal hulls and there is a problem. When I do the final crimp, it sinks down too far to the point where I can dump the shot back out of the hull. Obviously the Fed hulls are slightly longer than the AA hulls. Any thoughts on how to fix that? I really don't want to have to knock 250 good primers back out. Thanks

Rocky Raab · #2 01-19-2007, 05:01 PM

I don't think it's a length problem. I think it's a base wad difference.

You almost certainly need a different load recipe when you change hulls like that. As a minimum, you'd need a different wad.

skeet · #3 01-19-2007, 06:57 PM

Rocky is pretty much right. If you were using AA wads in the Feds they won't fit so well. The AA hull is tapered inside where the Federal is straight inside. Gives you more room ...so...you need to change wads. If it is a Gold Medal hull(the longest lasting) you will be much better off with the Federal 12S3 with 1 1/8 oz loads. 1 oz use the 12S0. If using 1 1/8 oz you can also use the Win AA 12SL 1 oz wad. Should load ok...but velocities will be lower(gas blowby in the hull).

fabsroman · #4 01-20-2007, 01:56 AM

Couldn't say it better myself. Loads are always different between hulls. The closest hulls in load data are the AA and Remington STS hulls, but they are still somewhat different.

Classicvette63 · #5 01-20-2007, 04:38 PM

Thanks guys. Figures I'll have to go buy some different wads when I have at least 10,000 AA wads taking up space.

Mr. 16 gauge · #6 01-20-2007, 04:51 PM

The other option is to switch to a bulkier powder that will take up the extra space. What type of powder are you using? There are a few recipes on the Alliant website using Federal hulls and the WAA12 wad. The other question is: Which Federal hull are you using? Gold Medal? Hi-Power (with paper basewad)? Just another suggestion.