16ga.com ~ View topic

Joined: 14 Oct 2011 Posts: 110 Location: Eastern Washington

I have been reloading target loads for about a year and would like to begin loading some non-toxic hunting loads. Spent some time on this site, reading posts on ITX, BPI recipes (for better or worse) and opinions on components. Looking for some feedback from those experienced with ITX on the right combination to create the loads. Shooting a fox, 2 3/4" chambers.

Shot: I called Ecotungsten yesterday and the guy I talked to said the raw material for Niceshot was too expensive to produce the shot. So I am going to give ITX a try. Thinking #6 for pheasants, chukars.

Hulls: I have Federal (Purple) hulls, and Winchester (Red) Compression Formed. Also have some Rio hulls.

Wads: I have a bag of SG16, but I have read that something with higher walls like a Z16 would result in a better 1 oz load....?

Powder: Unique.

Primers: Winchester, although I could try others.

Wad Lubricant, Buffer, etc...Don't have any. Is this stuff truly of benefit or not really worth it?

I have a MEC progressive loader, but I think much of this should be done manually (weigh shot and powder) to ensure the highest level of consistency. Thoughts?

ITX reloading chefs, with these ingredients what recipe would you use?

Joined: 12 Aug 2014 Posts: 106 Location: Desert Southwest

Bumping this up in hopes of some responses. I'm in the same situation with similar components, difference being I've got cheddite and rgl hulls. Looking to work up a waterfowl load safe for a late 40's A5 before the ducks start flying.

Member Joined: 09 Jan 2013 Posts: 2168 Location: Florida

Kinda in the same boat . BPI has an ITX manual but , I don't trust BPI data and won't use it .

http://www.16ga.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17719

I have a suspicion that ITX loads close to the same as Niceshot as they weight almost identical . Some say ITX is alot harder than nice shot and then I've heard that is just a little harder . So haven't been able to confirm my suspicions with real data.

Probably will buy some ITX and do some testing when I'm forced to . I have enough Niceshot and Bismuth to last a couple three years.

Member Joined: 09 Jan 2013 Posts: 2168 Location: Florida

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

In most cases this question about ballistic products load data is a mute point to me. I don't find much interest in lead loads flying a 9000 fps Laughing

. I find myself 'wanting' to believe their nontoxic data simply due to a lack of it. For me, that's going to be steel shot for doves (3/4 oz #6 at 1350-1400 fps) and possibly pheasants (15/16 oz #4 at 1400-1450 fps).

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

In defense of you both, trust it, don't trust it, that is for all of us to decide individually.

oldhunter,

I am sorry to hear your discontent with this site. I consider it a great source of help and engagement. I for one, owe much to my development to others on here. I have also found a sense of security when dealing with other members on purchases.

Joined: 12 Aug 2014 Posts: 106 Location: Desert Southwest

I talked to Ballistic Products on the phone today and they only had data for one load in 16ga with a powder that I have on the shelf, 800x. It's a 3/4 oz load in a Rio hull. They don't have any ITX data for Unique or Herco or for Cheddite hulls. This still leaves me searching for a 7/8th or 1oz ITX load in a 2 3/4" Cheddite hull for waterfowlin. All arguing aside, does anyone have tested ITX data for the 16?

Joined: 22 Dec 2010 Posts: 83

Last year I loaded up some 16 gauge 1 1/8 oz #6 ITX using Blue Dot in Cheddite hulls. The loads were very effective. I has shot ITX in 12 gauge to and it is like night and day when you are switching back and forth between ITX and Steel shot. For the most part if you hit birds in range with ITX they come down dead vs. steel which most of the time your trying to finish the bird off on the water. I am a believer in ITX for it's price. I have been interested in loading Nice Shot but haven't wanted to spend the extra money when ITX has been very effective.

Member Joined: 09 Jan 2013 Posts: 2168 Location: Florida

Cheddite 1-1/8 oz. Blue Dot 24.5 Ched 209 VP 80 1200 11,200 BPI
ITX load

If you would have checked the spreadsheet for powders, the load was on there.

Member Joined: 09 Jan 2013 Posts: 2168 Location: Florida

oldhunter

I very much appreciate everything you do for this site and for the 16ga and also for the spread sheets .

Yes I have spent many hours looking at spreads sheets both form you and the LPG and as many manuals I can get my hands on . A lot of BPI loads just don't match up , so I choose not to use there data .

This is not personal attack against you or anybody else or has nothing to do with this site . Because I chose to think the way I do , please don't take it personal .

I know I am not the only one who thinks the way .

Joined: 12 Aug 2014 Posts: 106 Location: Desert Southwest

I found a load that I can get components (powder) for, but it's longshot. I think it's posted at 1540fps for a 7/8oz load. That seems awful fast to me. Any opinions on velocity affecting pattern at that speed? For the record it'll be through an A5 with a poly choked barrel.

CHOOT, Zor, Choot!!

It sounds just ducky to me and should be just fine for swatting them creatures

If you have doubts, pattern that load in YOUR gun.

Please report back on your successes QUACK

I am already getting pin feathery, been cruising the lake, been checking my decoys, and canoe, and blind, and, and, and !!

Mike