16ga.com ~ View topic - 2-9/16 loads with SG16 wads and Unique?

Joined: 27 Jul 2019 Posts: 29 Location: Bay City, MI

I have Husqvarna 17 on the way in 16 ga. with 2-9/16 chambers so will need some lower pressure loads. I have some federal hulls (paper base wad) and new cheddites I can cut down and a lot of the SG16 wads. I also have a few pounds of Hercules Unique. Hodgon list the following with Universal:

Cheddite 2-1/2"
Universal 19.5
Cheddite 209
BP/SPTG16
7/8 oz
7,300 psi
1.125 fps

Depending on stack height, would a load of 18 - 19 gr. of Unique work with the components I have?
I have a short kit that I can convert a Mec 600 Jr. with and want to load these with a fold crimp.

From the spreadsheets:

Cheddite 2-1/2"
Win 209 (Ched 209 is ok to sub)
17 gr Unique
SG16
7/8 oz lead

1120 fps, 7100 psi

The recipe calls for a roll crimp, but a fold crimp shouldn't matter much at this speed/pressure.

For reference, I use a Unique load in my 1920 Flues with different components. Someone before me lengthened the chambers to 2-3/4". In an RGL the pressures tend to be higher than a Cheddite due to the smaller volume. I have not had any of the problems that can arise with a higher pressure or higher recoil load

RGL uncut
Win209 (Ched 209 subbed)
15.4 gr Unique
Rem R16 (or SP16 with filler)
7/8 oz lead

1120 fps (measured on my chrony), 7866 psi published.

From another vantage point, there is a Precision Reloading recipe in the data sheets using a Cheddite 2-1/2", RemSTS primer, 18.5 gr Unique, Z16 wad & 7/8 oz lead that gets 1230 fps @ 7350 psi.

Personally, I would stay below 18 gr of Unique using a Ch209 primer and 7/8 oz shot in a vintage gun, though testing may prove that conservative.

Joined: 27 Jul 2019 Posts: 29 Location: Bay City, MI

Citori16, thanks again for the quick response! Forgot to say that these will be target loads, mostly sporting clays. The local courses I shoot don't usually have many difficult or way out there targets so 7/8 oz. at around 1,150 fps will work well. Looks like if I can select a bushing to throw 17 - 17.5 grains I will be right where I want to be.

You're welcome. Stay safe, good luck & have fun!

Joined: 08 Feb 2009 Posts: 1553 Location: Western WA

Excellent loads from Citori16 for 2 9/16” hulls. The SG16 is an ideal match for short hulls with 7/8 oz loads, my favorite combination. If you want to step up to 1 oz loads, the SG16S provides the extra room for short hulls. Be mindful of RGL hulls, the SG16 is a very tight fit, they can go in slightly cockeyed. And while the RGL length may be suitable for your Husky, they will hang up in my 65mm 16 ga A5 and fail to eject unless they are trimmed.

All the Best,
B.

Joined: 27 Jul 2019 Posts: 29 Location: Bay City, MI

Thanks again Citori16. I loaded 50 of the following on a Mec 600 jr.:

Cheddite 2 9/16"
Cheddite 209
17.5 gr. Unique (Mec 23 bushing)
SG16
7/8 oz. #8
fold crimp

Everything fit with room to get a good crimp with a little tweeking of the crimp die. Might be a week or so before I can get out to try them out though.

Joined: 27 Jul 2019 Posts: 29 Location: Bay City, MI

Well I got out and shot some sporting clays with the 16 ga. Husky. The gun and the load work just fine. Unique at this load level does leave a fair amount of "trash" in the bore, but it pushes right out with a jag and wet patch. Triggers are a little heavy for this 6.8 lb. gun so I had to get used to telling myself to pull the trigger like I mean it, especially on the second shot of each pair. Most of the guys thought the underlever was pretty cool!

Great, glad the load worked for you. I also have some loads that leave a bit of stuff in the barrel. It's not ideal but it's tolerable. Sometimes I have fixed it with a slightly deeper crimp, or with a filler wad to get a better crimp, but not always.

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2555 Location: West MI

With 7k PSI, wondering if Fed209a's (seeing them available of late) would clean them up a little and SHOULD only add a little pressure.

It's worth a shot Very Happy

...sorry, it was just hanging there for the taking. But seriously, that may be a good solution.