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Joined: 28 Aug 2014 Posts: 924 Location: Eastern Tennessee

I have seen older post that have discussed the use of the BP12 wads in a 16 ga shot shell for steel. Since many of them seem to predate the VP80, I thought I would ask the following questions:

To those experienced with these, any good? pros and cons? Would you always use a BPGS in conjunction with it?

When I checked the reloading master list I only found 2 such loads both using federal hulls. Does anyone have a more extensive list using other hulls?

Just thought I would compare the patterns with those I am testing with the VP80 unless the fps is not high enough or there is some other factor that would eliminate its consideration.

I use the BP-12 for hevi shot I use a 16ga gas seal under the cup slit into three sections. I use a 135 nitro card under the cup slit into 4 sections.Works good for hard pellets not for lead very patchy patterns from distortion of soft pellets. the bp-12 is .665, very close to .662 = 16ga bore

Joined: 25 Mar 2013 Posts: 36 Location: Southern Michigan

Lyman's 4th has two loads in a fed hull. Both are 3/4 oz and use a. 125 card under the bp12 tuff. Thwre are 7/8 and 400 grain loads in the vp80.

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2347 Location: West MI

Jim A. beat me to suggesting the Lymans 4th recipes for the BP-12. I would think that if so inclined; a little load development with Steel Powder and maybe a mylar sleeve would possibly yield some useful 16ga steel recipes.

Reasons I gave up on them; IMO an anemic (Lyman) load and a little difficult to assemble due to the .665 OD + the pointed striations sticking out underneath making it not worth the effort.

If you do not have some already, I do that I don't foresee using anytime soon, PM me if you'd like a handful to experiment with.

Joined: 28 Aug 2014 Posts: 924 Location: Eastern Tennessee

thanks putz,

I recently purchased 1500 VP80 so it was more of an afterthought as I seem to be the latest 'chump' to be chasing a decent steel hand load. Unless someone just came out here and claimed they were the best they ever shot I think I'll stick to my VP80 since that amount will last me 6 to 8 years (I hunt some dove and pheasant on public lands).

I still use the evil 12 ga for my waterfowl trips. Got a great buy on some Fiocchi they only market with Scheels - 3 inch 1 1/5 oz @ 1550 FPS. After patterning a few in #2 and #4, I purchased a case of each at $95.00 a case. Since I only went out twice during teal season and once since open duck I still have a complete case of #2's and 9 boxes of #4's. Apart from my lack luster performances I do recommend purchase a box of each and doing a pattern test. In my 870 Wingmaster they out performed shell I was purchasing for 50% more a box.

Member Joined: 02 Sep 2010 Posts: 829 Location: SW Ohio

Charles,
I bought those shells in a Rural King. I use the expensive stuff for my main loads, but like a good steel shell for cripples. In N. Dakota I used Remington Sport steel in #1 and it was pretty effective on the cripples. Used the bulk of one box, so thought I would get another box. Then I was in RK and saw the Fiocchi Steel shell, and bought a box of 1s for my cripple load. Good price, a tad less shot 1 1/5 vs 1 1/4ounce. but higher speed.
I am not going to pattern them since I use them as a splat load, but it would be worth considering if I ever went to steel completely. But I have probably 2 more years worth of tungsten stuff. I watch for sales and stock up.

Nate