Safety: The Paramount Consideration
Before diving into the technical aspects of 20 gauge reloading, it’s imperative to address safety. Reloading, by its very nature, involves working with potentially explosive materials. Mistakes can lead to serious injury or even fatality, as well as causing considerable damage to your firearm. Never, ever, take shortcuts or deviate from established safety protocols. This is not a hobby where experimentation is encouraged.
Required Safety Gear: Your First Line of Defense
Always wear appropriate safety gear when reloading. This includes:
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris, primer fragments, or potential powder spills. Invest in quality safety glasses with a secure fit.
- Gloves: These can offer some protection from chemicals and also improve grip, particularly when handling powder.
- Eye Protection: Besides safety glasses, a full-face shield is a great choice when loading primers, as an added layer of protection.
- Hearing Protection: The reloading process, especially when using certain tools, can be noisy. Wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing.
Setting Up Your Reloading Zone: A Safe Environment
The physical environment where you reload is critical for safety. Your reloading area should be:
- Well-Lit: Adequate lighting ensures you can clearly see all components and steps of the process.
- Ventilated: Provide good ventilation to minimize exposure to fumes from primers and powders. An exhaust fan can be beneficial.
- Clean and Organized: A cluttered workspace increases the risk of errors. Keep your workspace clean and organized to avoid mixing up components or making mistakes.
- Dedicated: Use your reloading area solely for reloading. This helps minimize distractions and the potential for cross-contamination.
Inspection and Equipment Maintenance: A Crucial Task
Regularly inspect your reloading equipment for wear and tear. Check all components – the reloading press, powder measure, scale, etc. – for any signs of damage, looseness, or malfunction. Always ensure your tools are in good working order. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. Replace any worn or damaged parts immediately.
Never Exceeding Published Data: The Golden Rule
The most critical rule in reloading is to never exceed the published load data provided in reloading manuals, on powder manufacturer websites, or from other reputable sources. These data tables are carefully compiled, tested, and pressure-tested. Deviating from these values can lead to dangerous overpressure situations, which can damage your firearm or cause serious harm. Using the correct data, even if it’s a less powerful load than you initially planned, is always the safest course of action.
Components That Make Up a 20 Gauge Shotshell
A successful 20 gauge shotshell relies on the synergy of its components. Understanding each element and its function is essential.
Hulls: The Foundation of Your Reload
The hull or case is the structural foundation of the shotshell. There are various types of hulls, each with specific characteristics:
- Plastic Hulls: Most common, offering durability and water resistance. They are typically made from polyethylene or polypropylene.
- Paper Hulls: More traditional, often found in vintage loads.
- Composite Hulls: These combine elements of both plastic and paper and provide excellent performance.
Hulls come in different lengths, and it is essential to use the correct hull length for your 20 gauge. Always check the hull for damage before reloading. Cracked, split, or otherwise damaged hulls should be discarded. The make and model of the hull can often influence the optimal load.
Primers: The Ignition Source
The primer is the small, highly sensitive component that ignites the gunpowder. Shotshell primers are designated by numbers (e.g., 209) and provide the initial spark. There are various brands of shotshell primers, and choosing the correct primer is crucial to the load’s performance. Always refer to the load data to ensure you are using the correct primer type for your specific powder and load. Incorrect primer selection can affect the burn rate and pressure of the load.
Powder: The Power Behind the Shot
Powder is the propellant that generates the force to propel the shot down the barrel. There are many different types of powder available for 20 gauge reloading, each with its burn rate and suitability for different applications. The choice of powder greatly influences the velocity, pressure, and recoil of the load. When selecting powder, consult reliable reloading data and choose a powder specifically recommended for the intended load and hull type. Always store your powder in a cool, dry, and secure location away from any sources of ignition.
Wads: The Buffer and Barrier
The wad serves multiple purposes: it acts as a buffer between the powder and the shot, helping to protect the shot from deformation and controlling the shot pattern. There are various wad designs, including one-piece and multi-piece wads. Choosing the correct wad type is critical; matching it to the specific hull, powder, and shot size, and of course, the reloading data is absolutely necessary.
Shot: The Payload
Shot is the projectiles that deliver the payload to your target. Shot can be made from lead, steel, tungsten, or other materials. Shot size is measured by number, and shot size selection depends on the type of game you are hunting, or the specific targets you are shooting. Always adhere to the proper weight for the load data you’re using. Make sure you use the right shot type for the specific load. For example, steel shot is mandatory for waterfowl hunting in many areas.
Understanding and Applying Reloading Information
The cornerstone of safe and effective reloading is understanding the data.
Data Sources: Where to Find Reliable Information
Reliable reloading information is essential. Primary sources include:
- Reloading Manuals: These books from major ammunition manufacturers (e.g., Lyman, Hodgdon, Alliant) are the most trusted and comprehensive sources. Always consult a current manual, as data can change.
- Powder Manufacturer Websites: Major powder manufacturers often provide data tables for various loads. Always verify the date of the data.
- Reputable Reloading Forums: Tread carefully here. Online forums can be a great source of information, but always double-check any data against established reloading manuals.
Decoding the Data: A Guide to Reading the Tables
Reloading data is presented in tables and contains critical information. Learn how to read these tables effectively:
- Powder Charge Weights: Listed in grains (gr). This is the amount of powder to use for a specific load.
- Shot Weight: Given in ounces (oz) or grams (g). This specifies the amount of shot to use.
- Hull Type: Specifies the type of hull (e.g., Remington, Winchester, etc.).
- Primer Type: Specifies the type of primer to be used.
- Wad Type: Specifies the wad type to be used.
- Velocity: (fps – feet per second) Gives the expected muzzle velocity of the load.
- Pressure: (PSI – pounds per square inch, or CUP – copper units of pressure) A crucial measurement indicating the pressure generated by the load. Adhere to pressure limits to ensure safety.
Adhering to Data: The Path to Safety and Performance
Never deviate from the published load data. This is the foundation of safe reloading. Always double-check all components and measurements to ensure accuracy. Even minor variations can alter pressure significantly, and can cause dangerous situations.
Common 20 Gauge Load Examples
Here are a few examples of loads. *These are for demonstration purposes only. Always consult a reputable reloading manual for specific data and instructions.* These are not recommendations – these examples simply demonstrate the format of a load recipe.
Target Loads
A common load for target shooting uses a 20 gauge hull, a specific primer (such as Federal), and a specified powder. Use one ounce of shot with the appropriate wad, such as one by a well-known wad manufacturer. Follow the load data for the powder you choose to determine the correct powder weight. This load is effective for shooting clays.
Hunting Loads
For small game hunting, use a hunting-specific powder, the correct primer, and a sturdy hull (such as Winchester). Use one and an eighth ounces of shot, and the correct wad for the hull. This may include a wad designed for hunting loads. Always select the appropriate shot size for the game.
Step-by-Step Reloading Instructions: The Process
Reloading shotshells is a systematic process, where each step is critical to a safe and reliable load.
Hull Preparation: Cleaning and Sizing
Before reloading, inspect and prepare the hull. Remove any debris, and resize the hull using the appropriate die in your reloading press, if necessary.
Priming: Seating the Primer
Install the correct primer into the hull using a priming tool. Ensure the primer is fully seated and flush with the base of the hull.
Powder Charging: Measuring and Dispensing
Carefully measure the correct powder charge using a powder measure. Dispense the powder into the hull, making sure it is the right amount for the load you’re following.
Wad Insertion: Proper Placement
Insert the wad into the hull. The wad must be fully seated, often using a wad seating tool.
Shot Charging: Adding the Shot
Measure and add the correct amount of shot to the hull. The shot charge should be level with the top of the wad.
Crimping: Closing the Shell
Close the shell using the appropriate crimping tool. The crimp should be tight and consistent.
Inspection: A Final Check
Inspect each finished shell for any inconsistencies or defects. Measure the overall length to ensure it is within the specified range.
Troubleshooting and Common Reloading Issues
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some troubleshooting tips.
Failure to Feed
If a reloaded shell fails to feed reliably, there may be an issue with the crimp or the overall length of the shell. Ensure you are crimping properly and your shells are within the specified dimensions.
Excessive Recoil
Excessive recoil may indicate a load that is too powerful for your shotgun, or it could be the result of incorrect component selection. Always review the data to ensure that the load is not excessively high in pressure.
Poor Patterns
If your shotshells are not patterning well, this could be due to a variety of issues: wad selection, shot deformation, or inconsistent crimps. Experiment with different wads and crimps to achieve the best pattern.
Reloading Tips and Advice
Keeping a Reloading Log
Keep a detailed log of all reloads, including components, measurements, and performance data. This will help you track your progress and identify potential issues.
Quality Control: Careful Measurements
Weigh each powder charge and measure the overall length of the finished shells. This ensures consistency and safety.
Safe Storage
Store reloaded ammunition and reloading components separately in a safe and secure place, away from any source of heat or ignition.
Learning from Experienced Reloaders
If you are new to reloading, seek guidance from experienced reloaders, if possible. Take a reloading course and learn the techniques.
The Rewards of Reloading
The process of creating your own 20 gauge shotshells can provide a deep sense of satisfaction. The ability to fine-tune loads for specific purposes, and the potential to save money, are two good reasons to pursue this rewarding pursuit.
Always reload responsibly and follow all safety precautions.
