RELOADING for SHOTGUNNERS 5th Edition
Complete How and Why of Shotshell Reloading for Hunters and Competitive Shooters
Rick Sapp
©2005 KP Books
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Library of Congress Catalog Number: 2004098430
ISBN: 0-87349-813-5
eISBN: 978-1-44022-465-2
Designed by Kara Grundman
Edited by Dan Shideler
Printed in United States of America
FOREWORD
By Kurt Fackler, Ballistics Products Inc.
The continually evolving nature of shotshell reloading is one of the most apparent things that set our hobby apart from other pursuits. In my case, state of the art makes it far more interesting to stand in front of a reloading press than say, a potter’s wheel, with my fingers endlessly circumnavigating a clump of clay.
Chronicling the state of the art of shotshell ammunition is similar to the very nature of shotgun sports: getting a fix on a moving target, calculating your lead and following through. In Reloading for Shotgunners, 5th Edition, Rick Sapp has stepped up to make some noise and break a few clays.
Modern, non-toxic pellets and the recipes to make shotgun ammunition are, in many cases, superior to similar lead-pellet loads. This is an outcome many of us hardly dared dream of 25 years ago, when it became federal law to use nontoxic pellets for migratory waterfowl hunting. At that time, the ammunition industry had to re-examine everything, including the most fundamental question: “What makes an effective shotshell?” Everything until that point seemed rather self-evident.
A modern shotshell is defined differently than it was even 10 years ago, when the previous edition of Reloading for Shotgunners was published with Mic McPherson and myself contributing. Today, we have several new non-toxic pellet choices for handloading. Some of these, like HeviShot, are denser than lead. In 2005, we can shoot waterfowl and upland game carrying favorite old double guns, loaded with Bismuth No-Tox pellets in any gauge, without worrying that the pellets will damage our barrels and without leaving toxic ejecta scattered in the marsh. Steel shot handloading continues to evolve over the course of time. Handloaders have new powders with customized burn rates available; these powders are specifically designed for steel shot payloads. We have improved, tweaked and designed steel shot load data, components and classifications in this time as well. By any standard, modern steel loads are recognized as excellent waterfowling ammunition. Furthermore, because steel pellets are the new industry standard for waterfowl loads, their use has become an economical option.
Rick’s perspective and research in Reloading for Shotgunners #5 are fresh. The book is not just a reference manual; his writing style will keep you reading. Even if you already know everything there is to know about reloading shotshells, reading this book adds up to a chance for you to see your hobby in a different light – focusing perhaps on previously un-remarked contours of hand-loaded shells.
Though time away from the potter’s wheel may mean we use store-bought coffee mugs and ashtrays, I contend that reloading shotshells is also a productive, useful way to spend some leisure time. Reloading, for many of us, is a rewarding pursuit, an end in itself, particularly if part of your enjoyment comes from shooting the shells you make. This immediate feedback will keep your brain in motion, considering improvements for the “next batch.” For these reasons, making “the best shotshell possible” will remain forever interesting and grass will not be growing underfoot.
ABOUT THE COVER
Available separately in 12, 16, 20, 28 gauge and .410 bore, Mayville Engineering Company’s (MEC’s) 9000GN Series Progressive Shotshell Reloading Press continues to represent MEC’s continued dedication to precision engineering.
The 9000GN automatically indexes each shell through the reloading process and has finished shell ejection. This is the smoothest indexing system ever made. MEC’s factory-set speed provides a uniform movement through every reloading stage regardless of operator action. The 9000GN also features MEC’s newly designed automatic primer feed system. The new system features larger capacity (200-plus primers) and tips back flat for easy refilling.
Other accessory items featured with the machine are the Bottle Support, which helps to stabilize the bottles during the reloading operation; the E-Z Pak, which neatly stacks 25 shells for placement in empty shell boxes; and the MEC Shell Checker, which measures the brass for proper sizing.
Complete information on the 9000GN or any other reloaders or accessories that MEC manufactures can be obtained by visiting their website at www.mecreloaders.com or by calling their Customer Service Department at 1-800-797-4632.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION I: THE ART & MYSTERY OF SHOTSHELL RELOADING
CHAPTER 1: What Is Reloading… and Why Should You Bother?
CHAPTER 2: Shotshell Components
CHAPTER 3: Propellants
CHAPTER 4: Shot
CHAPTER 5: Reloading Equipment: Manufacturers and Their Gear
CHAPTER 6: Shotshell Reloading: A Step-By-Step Guide
CHAPTER 7: All-Weather Reloading
CHAPTER 8: Buckshot, Slugs, Sabots and Specialized Loads
SECTION II: SHOTSHELL LOAD DATA
CHAPTER 9: Introduction to Load Data
CHAPTER 10: Common Bushings Charts
Hornaday and Spolar
Lee
MEC
Ponsness-Warren
CHAPTER 11: .410 Load Data: 2-1/2"