Help with Reloading for 20 Gauge Subsonic

[woodlark]

Hi everyone, this is my first post so go easy on me. I'm new to modern reloading techniques although in the past I've reloaded black-powder cartridges for vintage shotguns and owned a number of muzzle-loaders.

 

I've just got myself an old MEC 600 Junior in 20 gauge, together with an unopened bottle of Alliant Green Dot and Remington 209 Premier STS primers.

 

My question is this: where do I start for reloading subsonic 20 gauge fibre-wad cartridges for my Hushpower single. There are a few published formulae out there but none, that I can see, for my powder, primer and fibre combination. I thought I might begin with a published recipe - substituting the plastic wad for fibre (which I'm assuming will lower rather than raise the pressure). Then, with the help of a chrony, dropping the powder charge until I'm at about 1050fps. Does this sound feasible? I've scanned through previous threads that have been very helpful, but any specific advice would be very welcome.

[sitsinhedges]

I'm not familiar with Green Dot propellant but what I would be inclined to do is go onto the Alliant website and choose one of the slower 7/8th ounce loads that seems most suitable and change the plastic wad to a fibre. Because the porting appears to bleed of some of the velocity anyway that may be just fine as it is.

[woodlark]

Thanks for the speedy reply; yes I think that's a very sensible starting point, I'll let you know how I get on.

 

I know you do a lot of pigeon shooting over decoys with a Hushpower; any views on shot size and particularly with sub's and a 7/8 oz load?

Thanks again.

[Guest cookoff013]

shotsize is subjective. everyone knows what i think, so i`ll not post again.

 

as for the green dot recipe,

 

check out federal plastic shells, for 20 gauge.

7/8oz shot weight

15.5 grains of green dot

windjammer plawad.

11,350psi

1200fps.

 

that is a standard load that could be reduced a grain or two. this is from alliant.

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/RecipePrint.aspx?shotype=&weight=0.875&weightdis=7%2f8&shellid=515&gtypeid=3&gauge=20&lid=2010

 

have fun y`all.

[sitsinhedges]

Thanks for the speedy reply; yes I think that's a very sensible starting point, I'll let you know how I get on.

 

I know you do a lot of pigeon shooting over decoys with a Hushpower; any views on shot size and particularly with sub's and a 7/8 oz load?

Thanks again.

 

I tend to use 5s to maintain energy and let the pattern dictate the range but would be just as happy with 6s.