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Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 450 Location: WI

I've been using WST for reloading my 12 gauge trap loads mostly because I was lucky enough to get an 8 lb keg last summer. It's consistent and clean, and I've been very happy with it.

I've done a fair amount of research to find a 16 gauge load using this powder and it would appear with only the very rare exception, it's exclusively a 12 gauge powder.

I'm doubtful it exists, but can anyone refer me to a source where WST powder was used and tested with different component configurations for the 16 gauge?

Joined: 04 Mar 2019 Posts: 1846 Location: Central ND

I doubt that any powder company has data for WST for the 16 gauge.

There is nothing on the old spreadsheets using WST.

I would guess that you could make up some 3/4 and 7/8 loads using WST for the 16 gauge. You would have to do that on your own.

Joined: 21 May 2015 Posts: 128

I used WST for 12ga 7/8oz skeet loads when I started my 12yo son shooting. Seems that it would be worth the effort.

If you are a member of the LPG you might be able to make up a test lot and have them verified for pressure and velocity with actual testing.

Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 115 Location: Grampian, PA

From Lyman's 4th.

2 3/4 Fiocchi hull, 19gr WST, win 209, WWA 16 wad, 1oz shot.
1248 fps at a whopping 11,400 psi.

Not in any of my guns...........but good luck to you

Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 450 Location: WI

Joined: 04 Mar 2019 Posts: 1846 Location: Central ND

Nice find for sure.

I hope that works out, certainly looks like it will be a very nice load.

Joined: 26 Apr 2010 Posts: 3181 Location: NCWa

With 11.4K and 1 oz, I wonder if the pressure would drop to a more normal 8K if the load was reduced to 3/4 or 7/8 oz.

Joined: 08 Feb 2009 Posts: 1316 Location: Western WA

A couple different powder speed charts show WST slower than 700-X and Green Dot. The latter two are very popular with 16ga reloaders here for 7/8 and 1 oz loads. SAAMI max pressure for 16 ga is 11,500 psi. If my 16ga couldn’t handle that, I’d trade it for one that did. I’d be overjoyed to come across a keg of WST for my 16ga loads.
V/ R
B.

Joined: 04 Mar 2019 Posts: 1846 Location: Central ND

What's wrong with 11,400 PSI 1248 FPS? Clean burn, nice velocity, cold proof and probably very consistent. What's not to like?

Yes you could drop it to 7/8 oz., not sure you would get 8,000 PSI, but close enough.

Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 450 Location: WI

I have new primed Fiocchi hulls, probably primed with Fiocchi 616’s maybe. I do have some WAA16 wads on order, but plenty of G/BP wads on hand.

If this is my only load option with WST, looks like I can get close. Wish I didn’t use all my Winchester primers last fall, they usually show lower pressures for the same given recipe.

Joined: 18 Apr 2018 Posts: 28 Location: Alaska

This is not a good load, it is a marginal load. The margin in question is the upper SAMI pressure limit. The attention to detail will have to be exacting. Weigh every shot and powder charge. Duplicate Lymans wad pressure and crimp depth, which is not given. Watch the primer pocket. You don't want loose primers at these pressures. Just how anxious are you to reload 16 gauge hulls? At these pressures "tinkering" with the formula should be done very carefully.

To amplify Tom Shaffer's comment and modify an old expression of disapproval:
I would not fire that load with your gun.

Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 450 Location: WI

That's why I only want to use published loads. Unfortunately, there really aren't any.

Joined: 18 Apr 2018 Posts: 28 Location: Alaska

That leaves us at the root of the problem. WST is a poor match for 16 gauge. Be patient. The reloading supplies drought will not last forever. If you can’t buy or borrow 16 gauge ammo or reloading supplies, shoot the 12 gauge until you can.

Joined: 04 Mar 2019 Posts: 1846 Location: Central ND

AKDan,

That is incorrect advise.

11,500 PSI is the Maximum Average Pressure for the 16 gauge. Any modern firearm can easily and safely handle that pressure.

There is no difference, at least there should not be any difference, in the care that you reload using data at 8,000 PSI or a reload using data at 11,500 PSI.

The only thing accomplished by not using that load is, that someone doesn't use perfectly good loading data.

Pressure is your friend. If you don't trust your shotgun using 11,400 PSI loads, why would you ever put your head on it using 8,000 PSI loads?

SAAMI MAP is not a cliff to fall off of.

Joined: 18 Apr 2018 Posts: 28 Location: Alaska

I am not worried about blowing up a modern gun in good condition.
I would not pointlessly pummel my guns with high pressure or high recoil loads any more than I would drive my car around town with the tachometer at the lowest perceptible margin below red line. They are both within design limits. They are both pointless hard use of precision mechanisms.