BP Shotshell Reloading - The Firearms Forum

The Duke · 12-23-2011, 04:23 PM

Need a few thoughts on reloading black powder shotshells...

I will prob shoot 25-50 per month in SASS comp...Black Dawge Goex 12g are running about $23 per box plus shipping...

I order my black powder 10#s at a time to cut the haz-mat a bit...No across the counter sales within reasonable driving range...But got to have it anyway for BPC, dont like the sissy substitues at all...No stink, flame or smoke

like real thang.....

1. What grade of BP is used in light target loads and approximate grains per shot? Weigh or Dip?

2. Is gearing up to reload a limited quanity like I intend on shooting worth the price or bother...

3. Ive reloaded shotshell many years ago, but for smokeless only...Can you use a regular shotshell reloading machine...MEC or some other brand...or must it be special BP rated..

4. Would buying some 12g brass be better than plastic hulls both cost wise and ease of reloading...Can the plastics be reloaded again after being fired with BP or trashed? Any special handling of plastic cases after firing with BP?

5. Wads? Can you use the same wads as smokeless or special for BP?

Pros and cons solicited and appreciated.

Im kicking this though around in my head for now...

JLA · 12-23-2011, 10:05 PM

I use my Load all 2 for it. Use the same charge bushing and wads as for my greendot field loads. Simple as swapping powder and goin shootn. The BP loads dont make as much velocity but they smoke like hell and stink good.

Again I just tinkered with it. I aint no BP pro by any means and I wont ever shoot it in a rifle ever again.

243winxb · 12-24-2011, 11:29 AM

I have not loaded BP in shells, only muzzle loaders, using Dixie Gun Works info. Have a look at these links. http://www.tbullock.com/bpsg.html And http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=20590 Check with Mec about using there loader for BP, i would say No. Measure the powder by hand with a dipper. That's safest

243winxb · 12-24-2011, 12:05 PM

Use the mec, but Measure the powder by hand with a dipper & add to the case.

12-23-2011, 04:23 PM	#1
The Duke Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NW Louisiana Posts: 813	BP Shotshell Reloading Need a few thoughts on reloading black powder shotshells... I will prob shoot 25-50 per month in SASS comp...Black Dawge Goex 12g are running about $23 per box plus shipping... I order my black powder 10#s at a time to cut the haz-mat a bit...No across the counter sales within reasonable driving range...But got to have it anyway for BPC, dont like the sissy substitues at all...No stink, flame or smoke like real thang..... 1. What grade of BP is used in light target loads and approximate grains per shot? Weigh or Dip? 2. Is gearing up to reload a limited quanity like I intend on shooting worth the price or bother... 3. Ive reloaded shotshell many years ago, but for smokeless only...Can you use a regular shotshell reloading machine...MEC or some other brand...or must it be special BP rated.. 4. Would buying some 12g brass be better than plastic hulls both cost wise and ease of reloading...Can the plastics be reloaded again after being fired with BP or trashed? Any special handling of plastic cases after firing with BP? 5. Wads? Can you use the same wads as smokeless or special for BP? Pros and cons solicited and appreciated. Im kicking this though around in my head for now... __________________ Ineptocracy (in-ep-toc'-ra-cy) - a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers. -->

12-23-2011, 10:05 PM	#2
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,320	Re: BP Shotshell Reloading I use my Load all 2 for it. Use the same charge bushing and wads as for my greendot field loads. Simple as swapping powder and goin shootn. The BP loads dont make as much velocity but they smoke like hell and stink good. Again I just tinkered with it. I aint no BP pro by any means and I wont ever shoot it in a rifle ever again. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

12-24-2011, 11:29 AM	#3
243winxb V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: USA Posts: 107	Black Power Shotshell Links I have not loaded BP in shells, only muzzle loaders, using Dixie Gun Works info. Have a look at these links. http://www.tbullock.com/bpsg.html And http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=20590 Check with Mec about using there loader for BP, i would say No. Measure the powder by hand with a dipper. That's safest Last edited by 243winxb; 12-24-2011 at 11:46 AM.. Reason: Measure the powder by hand with a dipper. That's safest

12-24-2011, 12:05 PM	#4
243winxb V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: USA Posts: 107	Re: BP Shotshell Reloading Use the mec, but Measure the powder by hand with a dipper & add to the case.