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Can the 16ga polywad insert be used with success in 12ga shells? I want to reload
some 12ga loads but do not want to buy more inserts.

Glenn

Yes they can, just not sure how effective they will be. Give it a try and pattern a few.

Back in the day, the folks at Polywad recommended using 28 ga Poly wad inserts in 16 ga loads for less quickly spreading patterns to me during one of my phone inquiries about their product. I'll bet using 16 or 20 ga Polywads in a 12 ga load will produce similar results.

The Polywad pros also warned me that Polywad inserts work as designed only when the insert stem does not contact the bottom of the plastic shotcup when it is inserted into the shot column. If the stem is too long to avoid this, then simply snip a bit off the stem w/ a nail trimmer. Problem solved. Wink

Thank you gentlemen that was very helpful.

Glenn

GG,

Did you try it to find out how the patterns were affected using the 28's in the 16?

FWIW, Jay at Polywad told me recently that the the 20 gauge insert is the same as the 28 gauge insert.

I've wondered also how the 16's would work in a 12. Would love to hear results.

I just picked up a 16 Gauge (of course) Hunter Special bored Mod/Full. I may eventually have the chokes opened but for now I wanted to open up the pattern on at least the modified barrel using Spred R's.

I think I am going use the 16 Gauge Spred R's and see what happens.

Opening up the pattern a little less would be great for the full barrel.

Back in Florida quite a few years ago, I had access to some excellent quail and dove hunting on private land. My LT-20 1100 was my favorite gun for pass shooting dove, but it left a lot to be desired for flushing quail. It had a fixed choke VR mod barrel which tended to throw "bird burger" patterns at ranges less than 25 yards. I'd hit them well if I didn't have to think my way through a shot, but I couldn't hit squat if I had to pause and wait until the birds were out farther (further proof that if we think, we stink when it comes to wing shooting at least it is for me Embarassed

).

I tried loading several different X type spreader load inserts and spreader wads w/o much success. I also tried stacking card wads in the shot column, cutting petals off, flattened shot, etc. Nothing worked well. I don't think Polywad inserts were available at the time, and I never had a chance to try any. The solution came in the form of a used VR full choke barrel with a damaged muzzle which I got for very short money and cut back to 23.5 inches. Problem solved.

Years later when I had the chance to try the 16 ga Polywad inserts for opening up patterns in my AyA, I found the results were far superior to anything else I'd ever tried. I think you too will be very pleased w/ the results if you try them DC.