I'm reloading some slug loads and have a few observation/questions.
Today I did order the 7th edition slug loading manual and it should be here by next weekend.
All the wads I have purchased so far are listed with load data for use in the hulls I have so I assume they will work together.
I used the published recipe listed below and have test fired a few at the range and they seem "work well" as in the slugs went where I was aiming, the gun did not blow up and the hulls looked no worse after firing them, if any of that even matters with hulls being different that brass cased pistol/rifle ammo.
Question #1
In my store purchased, factory made shells (slug, buckshot or bird shot), there is no rattle when I shake the loaded hull, but when I shake the ones that I have reloaded, I can hear the powder rattle.
Question: Is that acceptable to have an air gap like there is in pistol and rifle brass rounds?
Question #2
In some load data I see a pressure listed for compressing the powder under the wad, (I assume that would prevent the powder rattling around) but if I try to compress the WAA 12L wad into the powder, the wad legs between the pressure seal and the shot cup fold and it scrunches the slug way down into the hull and then the slug is too low in the shell for a proper crimp, (it might as well be trimmed to the length of an Agulia shell) and the crimp folds inside the top of the shell leaving a lot of unused space above the slug and the slug is loose.
If I push it in until it seems to want to stop, it fits great.
Question: How do I compress the wads like they compress the factory wads to prevent loose powder?
Question #3
I had originally planned on using and purchased some CL411812B CLAYBUSTER 12 GA WINDJAMMER wads but was unable to find a recipe listing them for my hull, or any load with a single lead slug, but they do list it with the same weight bird shot, but the book warn not to substitute anything.
This Claybuster wad is one that is built rather sturdy and would not scrunch down like the the WAA 12L wad legs do and I might get some powder compression or at leas minimize the free space where the powder resides.
If I use a more sturdy wad, like the windjammer I already have, I should be able to compress the space below it better.
Question: Any thoughts on trying them out under a 7/8 oz slug with the 7/8 oz shot data?
Question #4
I have found various loads using identical components except instead of a one piece of lead slug, they list a load is the same weight of various shot.
Question: Is it reasonable to think that 7/8 oz of a load should be 7/8 oz, no matter if it's #9 shot, #7 shot, #4 Bird shot, #4 Buck shot, OO Buck shot, or even a slug?
Gun Club Slug Recipe that came with the LEE reloading press.
HULL = Once fired REMINGTON GUN CLUB/PREMIER/NITRO 27
SLUG = LEE 7/8
PRIMER = WIN 209
WAD = WAA 12L
POWDER = HODGDON HS6 @ 38 grains= 1550 f/s and the actual weight of powder thrown by the lee loading press is falling between 36 and 38 Grains.