Anyone reload 3 and 1/2" 10 gauge hulls??

[Mason Stillwell]

Forgive me for I did not see a reloading section on this form. I could have overlooked it.

I am loading Black Powder in 3 and 1/2 inch ten Gauge hulls. I am using a Mec 600 Jr. with 10 gauge dies.

If anyone has expertise in this area lets talk.

I flat need some help on crimping.

Thanks in advance !!!!!!!!!!

Man with many names Pete,Mason,Pole Cat,Doss,What ever LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Doc O]

Wish I could help Mason but DD will be along, he loads 10 ga. and can help you out.
Some don't like the big 10.   Just let thoughs go in one ear aad out the other.

Good luck
Doc O

[Dick Dastardly]

Howdy Mason Pard,

I do load 'em long 10ga shells.  I use Circle Fly wads and make up the column height with powder and shot.  From memory I'm loadin' around 2-½ oz. of fine shot and slightly less VOLUME of powder.

I spin on a roll crimp cuz it is the best crimp to hold everything in place till the fire gets goin' in the Holy Black down next to the sparkplug.  I use a MEC Sizemaster collet crimp tool to hold the shell under my bench top drill press.  Sure makes great crimps and also makes absolutely sure that the shell meets factory SAAMI specs for size.

I've never liked pie crimps much.  If a hull gets fatigued I've seen 'em open up like late summer flowers and spill their innards (shot) everywhere.  I like my shot pushed along by a black powder fire, not dribbling out the end of my gun barrel before I pull the trigger. . .

That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.

DD-DLoS

[Pole Cat Pete]

Thanks Dick

[Dick Dastardly]

FWIW, I was shootn' the shorter 10ga rounds yesterday in my, new to me, Winchester 87.  Had operator trouble with the gun, but the rounds worked fine.  They were lite.  More like 2oz of shot and slightly less volume of powder.  Same wads as I use in the long ones.  Plenty of BOOM!

I took Remington steel magnum hulls and cut 'em down on my bandsaw.  I found it interesting that they didn't burn thru like the dang Federals do.  I'll get more than one loading out of 'em.  So, if you can score some of those Remington magnum steel shot hulls, grab 'em.  Or, at least let me know so I kin.

DD-DLoS