Kaiser7 33 Posted September 1, 2014 I have a Lee Turret press currently, and use it for loading .223. I'm curious what I need to reload shot-shells though. Is it a completely different type of press, and are there any other accoutrements that are required?I like reloading, and want to start loading for everything I own, and I figured reloading hulls would be a fairly fun endeavor.Also, I imagine it's drastically different than loading rifle cartridges, so I'm wondering if anyone has any pointers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T Bill 649 Posted September 1, 2014 Different press completely. Look at a low end MEC press if your interested. While similar in nature, a different beast. If you can reload metallic cartridges you can with a little research and hands on master shotshell reloading. Time to hit the books again to master this phase. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GRIZ 3,369 Posted September 1, 2014 I have a MEC I acquired and have no interest in loading shot shells. Let me see what I have and can offer you a package with wads and shot. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Candyman87 10 Posted September 1, 2014 Kaiser, let me know how that goes for you... I'm interested in moving into reloading shotshells eventually. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heavyopp 167 Posted September 1, 2014 I do both 12 and 20 -- 2 separate presses -- You don't "work up" a load -- you also don't clean your hulls I learned from reading on these 2 websites mostly -- Shotgunworld.com and trapshooters.com I have 10000 "extra" primers if anyone is in need Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Parker 213 Posted September 1, 2014 A MEC Sizemaster is a good unit to start with. It's not a progressive, but it's a simple unit that has a strong resizer for brass or steel-based hulls. With mild dexterity you can reload a box of shells every fifteen minutes. Good hulls, primers, powder, wads, shot and a good reloading manual are all you need for shotshells. You CAN "work up" loads with shotshell reloading. A good example could be when you are building your own buckshot or turkey loads. You may tinker with pellet count, buffering, Mylar inside of shotcups, cut shotcups, etc. to achieve the desired results like tight patterns coupled with the necessary velocity. (Pattern density usually tails off as velocity increases. A lot depends on shot hardness as well.) If you're shooting a gas-auto or short/long recoil-operated shotgun you can tailor your loads to ensure they always cycle the action as designed. And while they may take some time, I even concoct duplex loads for game, even in a 20 ga. shell. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites