Buckshot reloading

[Blair]

I just picked up a Rem 870 Express 12G today. As sweet as I remember them. Having a hard time finding different loads of buckshot locally to find out which shoots best in my 870. Also finding most websites are out of stock.

How hard is it to load my own 00 buckshot loads? Both 2 3/4 and 3 inch? Is it worth it? Advantages vs disadvantages? Anyone have experience doing this?

[Dave McC]

I loaded up some 6 pellet 00 loads to try out. The mission was to find an effective short range defensive load that non shotgunners could use without getting the heck knocked out of them.

I used 3/4 oz loading data right from the Hodgdon's web site. 6 00 pellets is 3/4 oz.

Even without buffering agent, these patterned very well. Less setback at launch kept the pellets rounder and while 10 yard patterns were about 6-8", kick from a 7 lb shotgun was miniscule.

I have no real world data, so effect must be exterpolated. Thye seem to be quite effective.

Too bad no maker offers them. I will not use reloads for defensive use for legal reasons.

As for making 8 or 9 pellet loads, not yet. The Lyman manuals have lots of recipes, but with a couple hundred buck on hand, I feel little need at the moment to make my own.

[zippy13]

I will not use reloads for defensive use for legal reasons.
AMEN!
More sage advice that should be graved in a stone tablet!

[.45 COLT]

I load a lot of Buckshot.

Advantages would be cost ($2.50 - $4.00 per box of 25). My Buckshot is hardcast, very little deformation. I can put together pretty much any load that I like. I enjoy it.

The only disadvantage I can think of right off is that I spend a lot of time on my range trying out various Buckshot loads.:D

It isn't hard to load but you need a press.

DC