neutron619 Posted May 31, 2017 Report Share Posted May 31, 2017 Two quick questions if someone would be so kind as to enlighten me: 1. What's the capacity of a 3" 20 gauge shell when using steel shot? Can you get an ounce in there, for instance? More? Less? 2. How fast or slow are the powders used for that sort of load? Since I know Vectan powders best, are we talking AS, A1, A0, SP3 or even the kind of stuff you'd put in a .22 Hornet? Many thanks to anyone who can oblige with some "rough averages" for those two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sportsbob Posted June 1, 2017 Report Share Posted June 1, 2017 (edited) Vectan load data can be downloaded from here, I know it doesn`t answer all your questions but it may be of help. https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/tech-resource/technicalResourceId/20 Edited June 1, 2017 by sportsbob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cookoff013 Posted June 1, 2017 Report Share Posted June 1, 2017 depends what speeds. lilgun has been a newcomer for these loads. as i dont have any experience of these loads, you might want to investigate further.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neutron619 Posted June 1, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 1, 2017 Thank you both for your replies and aye, I shall. It seems although almost every 20 gauge has a 3" chamber these days, there are almost no 3" shells around. Just cartridges, for example, doesn't list a single non-toxic load in 3" 20ga (or didn't, last I checked) which makes me think people juts pick up a 12 gauge instead. I'm curious because I'm wondering as to the value of a 3" steel load - maybe an ounce of steel #4, which you can't fit in a 2¾" case - for general purpose shooting. I've found steel #4 to be good for pigeons in the past and the lower density immediately gives you a 30% pellet count bonus over lead for a given load, after which the only problem is having the space to put them in. Anyway, thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matone Posted June 1, 2017 Report Share Posted June 1, 2017 Always been puzzled by the lack of 3" ammo for 20`s ,as you say most modern guns are chambered for it . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Continental Shooter Posted June 1, 2017 Report Share Posted June 1, 2017 ballistic product twill have recipes for you on their load of the week database I do reload 20 bore for shooting but won't bother with steel; i don't need it and for the amount of wildfowling i do, i am just going ITX-10: much better ballistic and reasonable price. Obviously, not for the pigeon or clay shooter...but again, unless you're forced to shoot non-tox then, good old lead's the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Mat Posted June 1, 2017 Report Share Posted June 1, 2017 One ounce of steel 4s in a 3 inch case using lil gun powder. I used that load on decoyed duck and as my driven pheasant cartridge to very good success last season Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landofficer Posted June 1, 2017 Report Share Posted June 1, 2017 I was chatting to clay and game recently about this type of load with lil gun. does the this powder have much of a kick as it seems that A few loads are listed in a manual they showed me. But it wasn't a full 28gram just under. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6.5x55SE Posted June 1, 2017 Report Share Posted June 1, 2017 Vectan load data can be downloaded from here, I know it doesn`t answer all your questions but it may be of help. https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/tech-resource/technicalResourceId/20 All Lead data i believe. Yes 1oz/28gram is the heaviest Steel shot load in a 3" 20ga cases. You can safely load 7/8oz Steel shot in a 70mm case I'm sure Motty would agree both those loads kill Geese cleanly and not headge hoppers 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motty Posted June 1, 2017 Report Share Posted June 1, 2017 Yes,Boyd, they certainly knock the pinks down, especially when 'nutted'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neutron619 Posted June 1, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 1, 2017 (edited) Thank you all for your reponses. Looks like an ounce of steel #4s on top of very slow powder or 24-25g #6 lead are probably roughly equivalent. I posted the questions because I fancy something cheap and cheerful in 20 gauge - maybe a Hatstand - at some point, so I'll try them both and see which works best - as and when. Thanks again. Edited June 1, 2017 by neutron619 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pestcontrol1 Posted June 1, 2017 Report Share Posted June 1, 2017 27gm load with lil gun works a treat on duck and geese. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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