I have the Lyman 525gr slug mold that I just received. As cast, my slugs weigh right at 500 gr due to the alloy used, of course. My scale says that is 1.14oz, so actually less than 1 1/4oz. If I find data that matches the components I have on hand for 1.25 oz loads of shot, is it safe to drop a slug in the wad rather than the shot? I will be using the Lee Loader that puts a star crimp on the hulls because I haven't purchased a roll crimp tool yet.
I understand that generally slugs offer lower pressure than shot due to smaller bearing surface. I'm not looking to hot rod loads or anything. I just want something that shoots better than the lee 1oz slug load I've been using. Plus, I like the wide meplat of the Lyman slug, and I can see it being more authoritative on game than the round nose Lee.
BTW, load with the Lee slug is Win 209 primers in Win AA hulls (the silver ones) 44 gr of Blue Dot, Win 12R wads(actually Claybuster replacements for the Win 12R), 2ea 20ga nitro cards under the slug, and a star crimp. The 2 nitro cards bring the slug up even or slightly in front of the top of the wad petals. Accuracy improved a lot by adding these. Mossberg 590A1 smooth bore, cylinder bore. 5- 6 inch groups at 50 yards with ghost ring sights is the best these will do.