16ga.com ~ View topic

Joined: 16 Jan 2022 Posts: 7

Hello everyone. I'm new to the forum and new to reloading 16ga. I recently purchased a 16ga lyman type slug mold from as-molds. The slugs weigh a little less than 7/8 oz. I was wondering if anyone else has loaded these slugs and could give me some ideas where to start.

Thanks,
Mike

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2390 Location: West MI

Hello hardtop68, welcome aboard and to your first posting. Appreciate the heads-up on As-Molds, haven't run across them to date. Been researching the Russian molds and all things 16ga slug related.

Have you cast anything from that mold yet? I'm curious to the true dropped dimensions of that pellet. The A-M site reads that it will drop around 24gram(.85oz) & 15.6mm (0.614" {20ga}) head diameter suggesting a saboted round/load in 16ga shells.

Again, welcome aboard, looking forward to where this thread goes....

Joined: 16 Jan 2022 Posts: 7

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2390 Location: West MI

Thanks for sharing those dims.

The tapered dimensions from the top to bottom bands might fit well in the ClayBuster clone of the WAA-16 wad. CB wads have tapered ribs molded in the petals where the original WAA wads don't.

What gun are you building these slugs for?

Joined: 16 Jan 2022 Posts: 7

I have that wad. The sabot sits down in the wad great but there's still close to a 1/4" from the top of the sabot to the top of the pedals. I doubt it will crimp right even if I use a overshot card. I don't know if I should build up below the sabot so it is flush with the top of the wad or not?
I'm just seriously getting into reloading shotgun. I'm a novice.
I'll probably be shooting them in a JC Higgins bolt action. Or maybe one of my side by side.

I have pictures but can't upload them[/img]

Joined: 16 Jan 2022 Posts: 7

I have that wad. The sabot sits down in the wad great but there's still close to a 1/4" from the top of the sabot to the top of the pedals. I doubt it will crimp right even if I use a overshot card. I don't know if I should build up below the sabot so it is flush with the top of the wad or not?
I'm just seriously getting into reloading shotgun. I'm a novice.
I'll probably be shooting them in a JC Higgins bolt action. Or maybe one of my side by side.

I have pictures but can't upload them.

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2390 Location: West MI

OK, you're in a good place, a lot of reloading experience hanging around this forum. Getting into reloading shogun in general or just the 16ga specifically?

I'm about a year+ deeper down the 16ga slug reloading rabbit hole than you are but many years of traditional lead, bismuth & steel reloading experience to reference against.

What press are you going to use for this project?

The wad cup being too long for the slug isn't too big a deal. Options are build up in the cup as you suggest or cut the petals and hull back and either fold or roll crimp accordingly. Building ahead of the slug for good crimp is an option but I'd be concerned about consistent accuracy depending on the range you have in mind to shoot these at.

Did you look into BPI's Dangerous Game Slug's? they get favorable reviews from smooth-bore shooters.

Joined: 16 Jan 2022 Posts: 7

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2390 Location: West MI

Understood, I too enjoy making stuff.

FWIW; no need to completely copy the previous response, simply responding in continuous order is fine.

Have you read any books on reloading shot shells? If not and completely new to shotgun reloading I'd suggest getting a copy of Lyman's Shotshell Reloading Handbook, I think 5th edit is current, and read it. Very good basic learning tool and reference for this hobby.

What are you casting the slugs with? Wheel weights, pure lead, etc?

Joined: 16 Jan 2022 Posts: 7

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2390 Location: West MI

Great, you're further along than originally lead onto.

Are you aware of Tom Armbrust or Precision Reloading' testing services? If you come up with a "wildcat" load extrapolated or coalesced from published data it's cheap insurance on how safe a load you've put together will be. I called and asked a while ago, yes, they do test slug loads as well as shot loads.

Tom Armbrust Ballistic Research 1108 W. May Ave McHenry, IL 60050-8918.
Ph #815.385.0037

https://www.precisionreloading.com/view.php?pg=shot_proof

Joined: 16 Jan 2022 Posts: 7

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2390 Location: West MI

Not certain of current pricing, maybe give Mr. Armbrust a call or look at the Precision link for details.

Joined: 09 Dec 2022 Posts: 9 Location: Westport, Wa

Props to Tom.
Some time back I had sent Tom some of my 'special' loads and he called me on a Saturday as they were at the limits and he wanted me to know. I would say the info and the service was well worth the price. Better to know!
Glad I did not have to empty out more than a box or so!
Interesting on the slugs. I have considered buying a 16 slug mold and loading up some, but never did.