Reloading, the practice of repurposing spent ammunition casings, has long been a cornerstone of shooting enthusiasts and those seeking more control over their shooting experience. It’s an art, a science, and a potentially cost-effective way to enjoy your sport. While the modern ammunition market offers a wide array of options, reloading offers a unique opportunity to customize your loads for specific purposes, experiment with different components, and potentially save money. This guide focuses on the world of 16 gauge reloading, providing essential information for safe and successful reloading practices.
The sixteen-gauge shotgun, though sometimes considered a niche market compared to the more popular twelve and twenty-gauge options, still commands a dedicated following. Known for its balance of power and manageable recoil, the sixteen gauge can be an excellent choice for everything from upland bird hunting to clays shooting. However, finding the perfect ammunition for your sixteen-gauge can sometimes prove challenging. This is where reloading comes into its own, allowing you to tailor loads precisely to your needs and preferences.
The single, most critical aspect of reloading is safety. This process deals with potentially explosive materials, and any mistakes can lead to serious injury or equipment damage. This article provides a solid foundation, but *always* consult reputable reloading manuals and adhere strictly to the manufacturers’ recommendations for all components. This article serves as a guide and does not replace the need for in-depth, expert instruction.
Prioritizing Safety: The Cornerstone of Successful Reloading
Reloading is not something to be taken lightly. A safe, organized workspace and a firm grasp of the fundamentals are essential.
Protect your eyes and ears.
Always wear appropriate eye protection (safety glasses or goggles) and hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs) during every stage of the reloading process. This includes while handling components, measuring powder, and operating the press.
Set up a dedicated workspace.
Choose a well-lit, clean, and organized area, free from distractions. Clear your reloading bench of any unnecessary items. This space should be used *only* for reloading. A well-organized space minimizes the chance of errors and promotes focus.
Acquire and maintain proper equipment.
You will need several essential tools for reloading sixteen-gauge shells. This includes a reloading press, a powder scale (digital or beam), a powder measure, a primer seating tool, a shell holder specific to the sixteen gauge, calipers for measuring, and ideally, a bullet puller, a scale, and other specialized tools depending on your needs. Ensure all your equipment is in good working order and properly calibrated.
Inspect your components meticulously.
Before you start reloading, examine *every* component carefully. Inspect your hulls for any damage (cracks, splits, or excessive wear). Check primers for defects and be sure they are the correct primer for sixteen gauge. Examine your wads for damage, and make sure that the shot is clean and free of debris. Discard any component that appears questionable.
Never mix and match components from different load recipes.
Always, *always*, adhere to the load data provided in reputable reloading manuals or from the manufacturers of the components you are using. Different powders, wads, and primers can react unpredictably when combined in untested ways. This can lead to excessive pressures and dangerous outcomes.
Be vigilant for signs of overpressure.
Overpressure situations can be catastrophic. Learn to recognize the warning signs. These can include flattened primers, bulging hulls, difficulty extracting the spent shell, and a general sense of “sticky” operation of your reloading press. If you observe any of these signs, immediately stop reloading and investigate the cause.
Store powder and primers safely.
Powder and primers are hazardous materials. Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and any potential sources of ignition. Keep them securely locked up and out of reach of children or unauthorized individuals. Ensure proper ventilation in the storage area.
Understanding the Sixteen-Gauge Shell’s Components
To reload 16-gauge shells safely and effectively, you must understand the various components and how they work together.
Hulls
Hulls are the backbone of the shotshell. They hold all the other components together and create the necessary seal for the gases created by the burning powder. Sixteen-gauge hulls are commonly made of plastic, but paper hulls can also be used. The plastic hulls come in various forms and colors. Different hull brands have different internal dimensions and are designed differently, which affects the wads that can be used.
Before reloading, the hulls must be prepared. This often includes cleaning them of any debris and debris, and resizing them to ensure they will seat properly in your firearm.
Primers
Primers initiate the ignition sequence in a shotshell. They contain a sensitive explosive compound that detonates when struck by the firing pin. The correct primer for sixteen-gauge loads will depend on the powder, wad, and shot. Primers come in various strengths, and it’s important to choose the appropriate primer for the load. Primer selection is crucial for consistent ignition and optimal performance. Ensure that your primers are stored properly and that you are familiar with handling them.
Powders
Powders propel the shot downrange. Various powders are suitable for reloading the sixteen gauge, but it’s crucial to choose the correct powder for the specific load you want to create. Powder selection is dependent on the weight of the shot, the desired velocity, and the type of wad you intend to use. Common powders suitable for sixteen gauge include those with a medium-fast burn rate. The loading manuals provide detailed data, starting loads, and maximum loads, and these must be followed meticulously.
Wads
Wads separate the shot from the powder and help to seal the bore, preventing gas leakage. Wads come in various types, each designed for different shot weights and hull types. Wad selection is critical to achieving good patterns and performance. Some wads are designed to protect the shot from the barrel, which can be especially important when using harder shot. Understanding the different wad types and their characteristics is crucial for successful reloading.
Shot
The payload, or shot, is the projectiles. Shot comes in various sizes, from very small (used for game birds and clays) to very large (used for waterfowl and defense). The size of the shot will affect the pattern and the effectiveness of the load. Shot can be made of lead or steel. Lead shot is still commonly used, but steel shot is often required for waterfowl hunting. When working with steel shot, pay special attention to the wad selection, as steel shot is harder on the barrel than lead shot.
Loading Data: Examples of what you might find in reloading manuals – ALWAYS verify loads
*Important Disclaimer: The data presented below is *for example purposes only* and should never be used without independently verifying it with at least one reputable reloading manual. Reloading manuals are the *authoritative* source for safe and tested load data. Always consult the most recent edition of your preferred reloading manual and follow its instructions meticulously. Pressures can vary, so proper caution is paramount.*
Powder Data Chart Example: Remember to consult loading manuals.
Powder Types
Specific Primer (Example: Winchester 209)
Type of Hull (Example: Cheddite)
Wad Type (Example: Claybuster CB1610-12 or similar)
Shot Size and Weight (Example: 1 oz #7.5 lead shot)
Starting Load and Velocity (Grains of Powder Example, 1200fps)
Maximum Load and Velocity (Grains of Powder Example, 1300fps)
Notes: (Example: Crimp depth instructions and recommendations)
Remember that the actual data will vary depending on the specific components you choose.
The Reloading Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The following outlines the reloading process. It is essential to follow each step precisely and to maintain focus throughout.
Hull Preparation
Begin by inspecting the hulls for damage. Clean any debris from the hulls, and then run them through a resizing die to restore their dimensions. The hulls are now ready for priming.
Priming
Insert a new primer into the primer pocket of the hull. This is typically done with a primer seating tool on your reloading press. Ensure the primer is seated flush or slightly below the base of the hull.
Powder Charging
With the primed hull in place, use a powder measure to carefully dispense the correct amount of powder into the hull. Double-check the powder charge on a scale to ensure accuracy. Overcharging can be incredibly dangerous.
Wad Placement
Place the wad on top of the powder charge. The wad should fit snugly inside the hull. This is a very important step, as the wad will protect the barrel and provide a seal.
Shot Charging
Pour the correct amount of shot into the wad, using a shot measure for consistent weight.
Crimping
Finally, crimp the end of the hull to seal the shot. This process varies depending on the type of crimp used (six-point, eight-point, or roll crimp). Make sure the crimp is consistent and secure.
Inspection
Inspect the finished round carefully for any defects. Ensure the crimp is tight, and there are no signs of bulging or deformation.
Troubleshooting Common Reloading Issues
Even the most experienced reloaders occasionally encounter problems. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
Primer Seating Difficulties
If the primer isn’t seating correctly, this can be due to debris in the primer pocket or a problem with the primer seating tool. Clean the primer pocket and inspect the tool.
Powder Charging Problems
Inconsistent powder charges can lead to unreliable performance. Make sure your powder measure is calibrated correctly. Double-check powder charges on a scale, especially when starting with a new load.
Crimping Problems
A poorly crimped shell may not function correctly. Adjust the crimping die to ensure a secure crimp.
Signs of Overpressure
If you observe any of the warning signs of overpressure (bulged hulls, flattened primers, etc.), *stop immediately* and review the loading data.
Locating Reliable Reloading Information
The cornerstone of successful reloading is access to reliable, tested data.
Reputable Reloading Manuals
The reloading manuals published by Lyman, Hodgdon, and other established companies are invaluable resources. Purchase the latest editions.
Component Manufacturer Websites
Most powder, primer, wad, and shot manufacturers provide load data on their websites.
Online Forums
Online reloading forums can be a good source of information, but always approach information from these sources with skepticism. Verify the data against a reputable reloading manual before using it.
Conclusion: Reload Safely and Enjoy the Process
Reloading is a rewarding activity for the dedicated shooter. It offers increased control over your ammunition, potential cost savings, and the satisfaction of creating your own high-quality loads. Remember the single, most important aspect of reloading is safety. Always adhere to safe reloading practices, consult reliable reloading manuals, and never take shortcuts. With careful attention to detail and a commitment to safety, you can safely enjoy the benefits of reloading your own sixteen-gauge ammunition. Always double-check your work and remember that the responsibility for safe reloading rests solely with you.
