The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

I want to start loading my own buckshot rounds soon and slug when I get my FAC. As a total newbie, what kit do you recommend I get, and where from? I'd like to cast my own slugs and ball too, so will need recommendations on what moulds and melting pot to get etc too?

I will probably be casting my own wadcutters for a muzzle loader (westlake armscor) next year as well..

Thanks all :)

I can get the new Lyman "Big Dipper" lead pots in at a bargain price (see my advert on here) - and recommend the Lyman Lead Dipper to go with the pot

I also suggest that for slug you get the Lyman 525-grain sabot type, and for buckshot the Lee 18-ball mold; again, I can get both at good prices.

Not just suggesting for the sake of a sale or three - the kit above is what I use for my own slug/buckshot loading

I am building up my collection of slug/buckshot/birdshot loading manuals almost on a daily basis & now have a small library to call on for load recipes, etc.

JUST to make it awkward I am ALSO loading some buckshot in CBC Magtech brass cases - these need special wads & such as the brass is so thin that the case inner is 11-bore size
AND I am also making 410 shotshell from 303 brass

I've had a busy time doing much reading and searching for things - but sadly given the lack of commercially available & AFFORDABLE alternatives - rolling your own slug & buck is a necessity in the UK. It's also great fun!

Sounds good, what prices are we talking?

Can we please contain commercial selling to the Vendors and Innovators forum or the Swap and Sell as that is what it is there for. Take any further discussion on this away from the forum.

I'll hopefully be doing the same next year when i'll hopefully be moving, What press do you use Jon? Can you get away with one of those Lee Load Alls or would something like a MEC be better suited? I want to roll crimp the slugs BTW, rather than a standard star crimp.

Hey Blackstuff,

Why do you want to roll crimp rather than star crimp just out of interest?

Cos thats what the big boys do! :lol:

Seriously though, i've not seen a manufactured slug that isn't roll crimped (in this country at least), so there must be a good reason for it. I suspect improved accuracy may be the culprit, but i'd rather err on the side of caution in case its a safety reason...

Ahh I see! I really should read my 'reloading for shotgunners' book!

Blackstuff wrote:I'll hopefully be doing the same next year when i'll hopefully be moving, What press do you use Jon? Can you get away with one of those Lee Load Alls or would something like a MEC be better suited? I want to roll crimp the slugs BTW, rather than a standard star crimp.

Press?
Now ya askin' :roll:

I have several options:
a Lee Loader kit (in cardboard box, hit with a hammer job - NOT the plastic trashy thing with a big handle)
an MEC 600 Jr
an RCBS shotshell die set - for use in RCBS Rockchucker with the collet removed
an RCBS brass shotshell die set - for use in above Rockchucker when doing CBC Magtech reloads
a Hornady/Pacific 366 automatic press

I also have an olde type roll crimp tool

The Lyman slug I recommended above does not need a roll crimp and is designed to be used in a normal shot cup under a standard star crimp.

The route I'd suggest would be the MEC as a press - or the Lee Loader!! - and a good strong roll crimp tool (olde antique Dixon or similar English made one)

BOOKS:
Lyman 5th Ed. shotshell manual
Reloading for shotgunners, Sapp
Shotshell reloading, Couger
...have quite a few articles from Handloader magazine too, plus about 3 more large volumes on shotshell loading on the way from the USA at the moment

I'm using the Lee 1oz slug and the Lee Load all. Piece of pi$$. Cast and loaded several thousand with this kit, simplicity itself.....