Not to ambush a similar thread here, but it seems to be going in the direction of the already enlightened.
I'm way behind you guys but I'd like to try the brass shell route. I did a search on this and other forums but still have questions:
Are you using the Lee type Load All to do this or do you even size at all?
I also noticed that RCBS has a decapper&sizing die for brass shells, but is it worth the expense?
Another question is that assuming you could come up with a column that fills the case, can't you just do a slight roll on the brass with the crimper instead of the glue? I have an old antique crimper and wondered if that would work.
How much compression for Goex 2f are looking at? Pounds of pressure or depth?
Finally, does anyone ever anneal their brass shotshell cases?
P.S. and what is the name of that company that sells all the shotgun loading supplies? Lost my catalog!
Yellowhouse Sam, Howdy!
I use hand-modified tools except for a decapping punch rod that came in an old Lee hand load kit for 8mm Mauser. (8X57)
I have a Bonanza (now Forster) Coax loading press I started on. It comes with what they call the "E-Z Just" priming setup. I simply modified (by grinding) the adjustable shell holder apparatus to fit 12 ga shells for repriming. I used a 7/8" wood boring Spade bit and also a 1/4" bit for the primer to drop 'thru on the surface of my bench to set the base of the shell into and then I punch out the primer. Under the bench-top I fastened one of those gray 35mm film canister lids and when the black container is in place all the spent primers collect there. As Sir Charles mentioned, you'll want to use 11 ga over-powder and spacer wads and I (at Circle Fly's tech suggestion) use 10 ga over-shot wads and Waterglass (Sodium Silicate) to seal it. The waterglass can be found in the horse liniment section at your local Tractor Supply Store for a pretty small fee. Elmers, Duco and other glues work as well or better, I just had this available.
I did crimp about 8 shells in an antique crimper, but no more. First, it will eventually ruin the brass pieces in the crimper head. Also, BP doesn't develop the pressures (at least MY 1 oz/1 oz square loads don't) needed to blow the crimp back out and if not straightened, will affect putting in your wads. So, no annealing is necessary. A crimp could be helpful for speed, but most of us who shoot BP aren't exactly worried about times. They time ME with a sundial!
Don't worry about 'filling' the case - it really doesn't matter - mine are about 1/4" short of the top of the shell.
As for pressure ... I have an old clutch line-up tool I made in machine shop that fits good inside the shell. How much pressure do I use? No idea. I just push down HARD and it seems to come out about the same each time. A bench mounted drill press could be used for better repeatability.
Sir Charles mentioned about history. While all brass shells WERE available after the 1880s or so, paper shells were MUCH more common. The all brass shells didn't really become popular until the US Army had trouble with the paper shells (for the Trench Guns) swelling in the rainy trenches of WWI. But I use mine 'cause they #1 WERE available in limited supply, and #2 they look WAY cool and #3 are the easiest to reload with BP for a guy like me with no shotshell reloader!
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Keep yer powder dry!
SHB