Loading some 12 Gauge SD rounds, need some wad help

[nogaroheli]

I got a MEC 12 gauge press at an estate sale 7 or 8 years ago, it's stayed in storage until just recently. It came with some older primers (Federal 209, just plain 209) that are probably the same vintage as the wads in the picture that came with it. From what I can tell the wads are very similar to the Downrange Pattern Control wads-

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=256605

At first I just want to load some 00 buck rounds to get started and see if reloading shotgun is for me. I'd prefer to not buy a bag of 500 to try it out, is it safe to use load data for those wads? Or are wads a super critical part of the equation?

I'm also planning on just using some once fired Winchester hulls from the Wal-Mart 100 rd target boxes.

Thanks!

[Daniel_187]

Do you need empty once fried 12 ga?

[Colorado Osprey]

Not a fan of Winchester hulls. Remington last longer and are easier to reload.
I like the STS/Unibody hulls. (6 fold crimp) You can get high brass "Express Long Range" pheasant loads that will be STS hulls. I'm assuming you are referring to 12 guage.
Stay away from Federal hulls for loading.

I highly recommend picking up a Lyman Shotshell Reloading Handbook.

Reloading shotguns shells should be done to the letter like baking a cake. Don't mess with proven data. Data is availale online at Hodgden.com as well in their reloading data section.

The most common 00 buckshot wads for Remington are:
Remington RPX12 (9 pellets)
Remington RP12 (10 pellets)

The most common 00 buckshot wads for Winny hulls are a little more involved: ((all are needed together) For 9, 00 Pellets)
1- B.P. BPGS
1- 12ga. B.P. 1/2" Fiber Wad (under shot)
1- 12ga. B.P. 1/4" Fiber Wad (under shot)


If you need more info, PM me.

[nogaroheli]

You guys reply fast, thanks! I started looking through some books and sites last night and found out that I have a lot more to deal with here than I originally thought. Rather than just trying out the press on a handful of rounds I think I'll wait until I can piece together some corresponding components and start loading then.

I have a ton of #8 shot so I'm sure I can make it worthwhile down the road. I found some Remington RP12 hulls (bag of 250) at Midway that I may order next time. I'm not planning on needing 250 rds of 00 buck so I'm going to keep my eyes open for smaller quantities- it may be a little while.

Anywho, sorry for not doing better research. Thanks for the education, I didn't realize it was so complex!

Daniel_187- if you have some extras I'd love some!