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< 16ga. Ammunition & Reloading ~ Shot size - dumb question |
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Posted:
Mon Jul 25, 2016 12:49 pm
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Joined: 14 Jun 2016
Posts: 13
Location: Winnipeg, Canada
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Hi guys - I'm new to the idea of reloading - controlling what I shoot appeals to me. So - here's the dumb question that has likely been answered before:
All other things being equal - hull, primer, powder type and charge, wad and fold - does shot size matter for a given weight of lead.
i.e. if I load up 1 oz of no 8 vs. 1 oz of no 9 - is there a material difference to PSI and muzzle velocity.
I understand there are more pellets with quite different ballistics - but I assume everything is more or less the same in the chamber and barrel ?? |
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Posted:
Mon Jul 25, 2016 1:05 pm
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Member
Joined: 15 Apr 2007
Posts: 9455
Location: Amarillo, Texas
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One ounce is one ounce
Same as which weighs more a pound of feathers or a pound of iron.
But a shot bar with a one ounce rating will through more weight of #9 than #5 because of more space between the pellets.
So you need to decide what is the optimal shot size for the quarry.
For what will you be using the ammo?
Mike |
_________________
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USAF RET 1971-95 |
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Posted:
Mon Jul 25, 2016 1:18 pm
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Joined: 01 Oct 2007
Posts: 962
Location: Minnesota
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If you are using a volumetric type of measure like most if not all shot shell loaders use, there is a difference. As an example, if you take equal "volumes" of #4 and #8 shot and they are both the same lead mix, the #8 shot will weigh more. That is because the void spaces between shot pellets is smaller with smaller shot. Does this matter? In my experience, no. I have loaded shot shells since 1966, and used a volumetric type of loader all that time. And I loaded all sizes of shot with no problems.
Of course if you "weigh" on a scale, an ounce is an ounce, regardless of shot size. |
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Posted:
Mon Jul 25, 2016 2:04 pm
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Joined: 05 Feb 2015
Posts: 267
Location: New Braunfels TX
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Also if you're loading non-tox, you should weigh the shot on a scale, it's way lighter than lead |
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Posted:
Mon Jul 25, 2016 2:42 pm
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Joined: 19 Apr 2008
Posts: 477
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The variance between loads using different shot sizes is probably less than the inherent differences one would get just in the deviation from one drop to the next. You won't be able to tell any noticeable difference using different shot sizes. |
_________________ Many places remain undiscovered. Some because no one has ever been there. Others because no one has ever come back. |
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Posted:
Mon Jul 25, 2016 7:03 pm
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Member
Joined: 09 Jan 2013
Posts: 2165
Location: Florida
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Stack height can be quit different between #5s and #9s in the same load especially in a load that is tight to begin with . |
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Posted:
Mon Jul 25, 2016 7:05 pm
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Member
Joined: 01 Dec 2008
Posts: 605
Location: Topeka, Kansas
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Concur with DF |
_________________ Michael
Topeka, KS |
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Posted:
Tue Jul 26, 2016 1:56 am
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Member
Joined: 06 Oct 2007
Posts: 2343
Location: West MI
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all good advice, I'll add; while considering gearing up for shotshell reloading look into adjustable charge bars, they help make it pretty easy to adapt to all the little differences in shot and powder drops. |
_________________ Sorry, I'm a Duck Hunter so shouldn't be held strictly responsible for my actions between Oct 1st and ice up. |
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Posted:
Tue Jul 26, 2016 5:15 am
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Joined: 24 Jun 2013
Posts: 2062
Location: canandaigua - western n.y. (formerly deerhunter)
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according to Roster on a nastigram : even if you go by exact same weight , (which is a HUGE mistake according to him ) , the type shot and size creates different tension on the wad walls and can create a big diff in pressure . I've been working on some 28 non-tox , and have been watching listings closely . Either a few companies are similar or , are copying Hodgdons . If you go by Tom's statement , , then taking an identical load of say 9's and 2's , the ballistics can be way out there even though same load and weights . I and a few others do not subscribe to this completely . Ballistics can be a funky thing though . |
_________________ Molly sez AArrrooooooah ! |
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Posted:
Tue Jul 26, 2016 10:19 pm
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Member
Joined: 08 Aug 2011
Posts: 1946
Location: Central CT
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The actual difference in pressure between the same actual payload weights using the exact same components for lead #9 shot and lead #2 shot, is approximately 500 psi higher for the #9. This is for loads of at least 1 1/8 oz. 500 psi is inconsequential.
When you start using the thick wads for steel and other non toxic shot the difference in pressure for shot size doesn't vary much more than that for lead shot.
It is NOT a consideration or a concern for the reloader.
Not sure what Mr. Roster was referring to, but he likes to bring odd one off situations into the conversation. Just saying.......YMMV. |
_________________ Mark |
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