sureshotshane
New member
I have reloaded rifle ammo for years. It kept me plenty busy, but now I’m interested in shotshell reloading for mostly one reason, to make high quality non-toxic loads for predator hunting. Everything must be non-toxic in California and I’m having a really hard time finding good ammo locally, and what little stuff is available is way overpriced, so I’m pretty much forced to reload, or at least that’s what I’ll tell my wife.
I read through a shotshell reloading handbook. However, most books are focused on lead, with a little bit of steel. Neither of which I’m that interested in reloading.
I’m mostly looking into reloading tungsten (the 18 g/cm variety) I’m thinking #2 - #4 for coyote, leaning towards #3 shot. I see very little published data on loads, none really. And so I’m hesitant on pulling the trigger on buying a shotshell press. It’s my understanding, correct me if I’m wrong, they don’t really make charge bars for tungsten shot and so I’ll have to weigh out all the shot individually. Making a progressive press nearly pointless? Or can a universal charge bar be used on tungsten? Recommendations on presses and other essentials to get me started, given this scenario is appreciated?
Secondly, since I have yet to see any data for 18g/cm tungsten shot, I’m unsure what wads, powder and fillers and other components I’ll need, and the availability of those components. I’d hate to buy a press, buy some shot just to find out the components aren’t available. Where do you purchase these products? I know that Ballistic Products is a common supplier.
Where are you’ll buying your tungsten shot? I see a couple foreign companies doing a quick search and also Prairiewind Decoys, can anyone recommend them or someone else?
I see several people on here are very successful with tungsten on coyotes. I realize I have a ton to learn regarding shotshell reloading, the terminology, etc. especially for tungsten. It’s really frustrating not being able to find ammo that is suitable, so I figured I might as well start reloading because I can get all the components to make ammo shipped to my door, just can’t get the ammo to the door. Plus, it will be something to do this summer when it’s 110 degrees outside.
This would be for 12 gauge 3” shells.
Thanks!
I read through a shotshell reloading handbook. However, most books are focused on lead, with a little bit of steel. Neither of which I’m that interested in reloading.
I’m mostly looking into reloading tungsten (the 18 g/cm variety) I’m thinking #2 - #4 for coyote, leaning towards #3 shot. I see very little published data on loads, none really. And so I’m hesitant on pulling the trigger on buying a shotshell press. It’s my understanding, correct me if I’m wrong, they don’t really make charge bars for tungsten shot and so I’ll have to weigh out all the shot individually. Making a progressive press nearly pointless? Or can a universal charge bar be used on tungsten? Recommendations on presses and other essentials to get me started, given this scenario is appreciated?
Secondly, since I have yet to see any data for 18g/cm tungsten shot, I’m unsure what wads, powder and fillers and other components I’ll need, and the availability of those components. I’d hate to buy a press, buy some shot just to find out the components aren’t available. Where do you purchase these products? I know that Ballistic Products is a common supplier.
Where are you’ll buying your tungsten shot? I see a couple foreign companies doing a quick search and also Prairiewind Decoys, can anyone recommend them or someone else?
I see several people on here are very successful with tungsten on coyotes. I realize I have a ton to learn regarding shotshell reloading, the terminology, etc. especially for tungsten. It’s really frustrating not being able to find ammo that is suitable, so I figured I might as well start reloading because I can get all the components to make ammo shipped to my door, just can’t get the ammo to the door. Plus, it will be something to do this summer when it’s 110 degrees outside.
This would be for 12 gauge 3” shells.
Thanks!