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Joined: 05 Nov 2015 Posts: 28 Location: Wisconsin

As a newer member, I am looking to obtain some advice from members who have some experience reloading 16 gauge spreader loads and their results. The reason for this, is that am currently looking at a 16 SxS that has fixed mod/full chokes. I primarily hunt grouse and woodcock over English pointers in northern Wisconsin, so prefer the open chokes. Before I invest in this particular gun, I want to ensure I will have some options available to me for reloading. Also, I am aware I could likely get the chokes bored and opened up, but would prefer to enjoy the challenge of reloading a different type of recipe! Thank you!

Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 295 Location: Southern Ontario

Spred'r discs work very well.....even in my super tight zoli.

More to come. got to run.

Don.

Joined: 27 Sep 2010 Posts: 23 Location: West Bend,WI.

I have not used them but 2 of my friends use either the Poly Wad discs or the Ballistic Products X spreader with very good results. Both drop their shot weights by 1/8 oz to compensate for the space used by the inserts. They do not use the Spreader X wad as their is no data for the loads they like to use.

I have had good results with three different methods.
1. Using over shot cards OSC, I cut each one halfway through and assemble them in an "X" shape. The X is then put inside of the wad and shot is added.
2. Load the old way with card and fiber wads.
3. Combine 1 and 2.
Antimony or lack thereof in the shot can also make a difference.

Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1460 Location: Eagle, Nebraska

I have used the polywad and Spredr-X inserts and have had no problems with either. Polywad might be a bit faster in loading process, if that is any matter.

I do not remove 1/8oz of shot in any of my loads, but simply a matter of componenets fitting, and I roll crimp. I do not put shot on top of the disc as others have done, but you can load what you want and pattern away. Also use the clays course for "real time" patterning and performance.
I have used the loaded Polywad shells too, wish they were faster, but they work.

I do as Hootch does with the Polywad Spred-R, i.e. I do not remove 1/8 oz of shot. I adjust for fit as necessary and either roll, star or Hartin crimp.

Member Joined: 30 Nov 2011 Posts: 1698 Location: Minnesota

Do a search here for Mike Campbell. He posted a great piece on the subject.

Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 295 Location: Southern Ontario

I roll crimp, with the spred'r disk on top. My literally 'off the chart' full choke left barrel gives good 40" dia. patterns at 30 yrds.

If you like the gun, and roll your own, don't let the chokes bother you, IMHO.

Don

Member Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Posts: 1338

Seems most bases are covered!
RST has ready made, 2.5" spreader shells.
About 13-14 bucks if I recall. And just the right color!
RST is great people, give Judy a shout, she will fix you up!

Nice visuals MIKE !! You must have time on your hands - retired or something !!?? Have you tried just a thin disc under the 1/8oz , or does the foot on the disc make a diff ? ... merry x-mas !

Member Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Posts: 1338

Joined: 05 Nov 2015 Posts: 28 Location: Wisconsin

Thanks to everyone who offered information! I greatly appreciate ALL the input and info....and Mikes visuals were the icing on the cake!

Happy Holidays everybody!

Use chilled shot and a brush wad or a wad with the petals removed.

Mike Campbell congrats on the great visual post!

I have used post/golf tee type spreaders in 20, 16, and 12 gauge. They seem, after patterning, to make all chokes the same at 15 yards. I usually don't shoot birds at that range. I try to stretch spreaders and cylinder chokes out to max 25 yards. If you shoot grouse with a spreader at 25 yards, you (I have) wounded them. With a 12 gauge. I have also lost pheasant shot at 25 yards with a cylinder load of 1-1/4 ounces of 6's.

Spreaders and cylinder chokes work well on clays, but one must use care when shooting with them at game.

It is definitely worth patterning the gun and choke you will use at the ranges you expect to use them.

Cylinder is a great close range cottontail remedy! Spreaders probably would be as well.

I have guns set up for specific hunting. As such, if one that I would like to use for close range hunting has a lot of choke, I open the choke. Has worked wonders on my success rate and i don't blow up birds.