Reloading 3.5" steel

[Konnie]

As title says, been looking at some of the kit needed, main thing is machine and the bits to complete cartridge as I understand it. Wads/powder depend on recipe Looking at only wildfowling steel 3.5" for marsh. What set up would achieve this.

 

Many thanks.

 

Sorry 12G cartridges

Edited July 24, 2015 by Konnie

[edenman]

A lee Loadall will crimp 3.5" shells, I'd suggest getting one, a balance beam scale for powder and a digital scale for the shot. Simples

[fenboy]

I brought the Mec steelmaster as it comes set up to load 3.5" you need to buy the additional short kit to load 3" and 2.3/4".

To be honest they are not cheap and as I weigh all my powder and shot by hand much of the machine is not really used , but they do a very good job once set up.

[kent]

You wont be doing them or using them by the hundred for the marsh right? I load for the Ten with a roll turnover tool in a hand drill a set of digital scales, all the other bits are home made. Assembled on the kitchen table most often, it really can be that cheap n easy and the shells will work just great if you do your bit and use good components.

 

I should 100% get a proper press if I was shooting clays or something in volume

[Konnie]

A lee Loadall will crimp 3.5" shells, I'd suggest getting one, a balance beam scale for powder and a digital scale for the shot. Simples

Looked at the lee didn't see one in 3.5" will look again

 

Thanks

[Konnie]

I brought the Mec steelmaster as it comes set up to load 3.5" you need to buy the additional short kit to load 3" and 2.3/4".

To be honest they are not cheap and as I weigh all my powder and shot by hand much of the machine is not really used , but they do a very good job once set up.

seen this machine, any reason for weighing out individually

You wont be doing them or using them by the hundred for the marsh right? I load for the Ten with a roll turnover tool in a hand drill a set of digital scales, all the other bits are home made. Assembled on the kitchen table most often, it really can be that cheap n easy and the shells will work just great if you do your bit and use good components.

 

I should 100% get a proper press if I was shooting clays or something in volume

Yes wont be doing loads but might go in with a friend, so we make it worth while.

[fenboy]

seen this machine, any reason for weighing out individually

Yes wont be doing loads but might go in with a friend, so we make it worth while.

 

Yes I weigh out individually as the Alliant steel powder is notorious for not dropping great and I don't want cartridges that are over or under charged.

Really for the amount needed a season its no great issue.

[FatFreddysCat]

 

Yes I weigh out individually as the Alliant steel powder is notorious for not dropping great and I don't want cartridges that are over or under charged.

Really for the amount needed a season its no great issue.

Same for me using Alliant A381. Still worth getting a roll turnover head for finishing the crimps nicely. Also after a few reloads the crimped part of the case splits. You can then cut off the crimped part and re-use the case with a lighter load and RTO finish. May not be worthwhile in 12g but it gets a few more loads out of the 10g cases.

[edenman]

Looked at the lee didn't see one in 3.5" will look again

 

Thanks

No they dont make a 3.5" version but the 3" version will pre crimp and crimp 3.5" shells.

[roughshooter]

I use a Lee loadall for 3 1/2" and a OMV crimp finisher - makes a super job

[hanky]

Using new cases the job is easy without too mant tools, weigh the powder, add the wad, weigh the shot, add the disc and then roll turnover - job done !!

I have been using a hand rto tool purchaced from Alan Myers years ago, does 23/4, 3" and 31/2" without any fuss and does a first class job.

Different story if you are reusing old cases, they have to be deprimed and reprimed and most importantly resized, then you will have to invest in a machine of some description.