3.5 12 gauge data?

[chaos]

I am wanting to load up some 3.5 #4 buckshot loads for Sandhill crane hunting ( Yes Lead shot is Legal for this quarry in Texas). I cant find any data anywhere. Lyman book has ZERO 3.5 buckshot loads. Ballistic products only has 3 and they are in the ever elusive Federal hulls.

Anybody point a man to some recipes in say a common Winchester or Remington Hull?

[Kskybroom]

I Have a older Buckshot Manual from BPI all the 3.5in 12 ga loads are Federals
There is some really good 3in 12 ga loads ???

[Ohio Rusty]

I'd like to know what a stork tastes like ?? Loon or Bald eagle ?? I bet you get some really long drumsticks from that bird ....
I didn't know anyone was allowed to shoot cranes .... Seems like a strangegame bird to an Ohioan ...
Ohio Rusty ><>

[Kskybroom]

Its more like Spotted Owl...
IMHOP Thay are the best tasting in the waterfowl group.....

[JIMinPHX]

My Lyman #5 book lists data for 3", but not 3.5".

For 3" Win compression formed cases with fold crimp & #4 buck, it lists 2 choices.

W209 primer
32 gr SR4756
Rem SP12 wad
40 pellets #4 buck
1175fps
10,100psi

or
W209 primer
27.5 grains of Herco
Win WAA12 wad
35 pellets #4 buck
1200fps
10,300psi

I was surprised to find that the Alliant reloading guide website did not seem to list buckshot loads. They do have plenty of data for 3.5" shells loaded with shot up to 2-1/4 oz. (ouch)

[runfiverun]

if you use steel data and keep the payload weight the same you should be good to go.
you may have to adjust your shot column height with a felt wad.
we have a crane season here also, but no swans [we have to wait till they fly across the state line to shoot them, even though we raise them here.

[tonyjones]

The Precision Reloading, Inc. Shotshell Reloading Manual Blanks to Supersonics has a few 12 gauge, 3-1/2" loads put up in Remington cases. Also try hodgdon.com.
Sandhill Crane IS excellent table fare.
Regards,
Tony

[chaos]

The Precision Reloading, Inc. Shotshell Reloading Manual Blanks to Supersonics has a few 12 gauge, 3-1/2" loads put up in Remington cases. Also try hodgdon.com.
Sandhill Crane IS excellent table fare.
Regards,
Tony

I have every PR manual out except that particular one. Guess, i'll include it in my next order...

[tonyjones]

chaos,

Check with PRI. That manual may be out of print. If so, send me a PM with your mailing address and I'll photocopy the data and mail it to you.

FWIW I've been using Kent Tungsten Matrix 12 Ga., 3-1/2", 2 oz., No. 1, @ 1,260 fps on sandhills and geese out to 55 or so yards with complete satisfaction. They are pricey but they work.

Regards,

Tony

[chaos]

chaos,

Check with PRI. That manual may be out of print. If so, send me a PM with your mailing address and I'll photocopy the data and mail it to you.

FWIW I've been using Kent Tungsten Matrix 12 Ga., 3-1/2", 2 oz., No. 1, @ 1,260 fps on sandhills and geese out to 55 or so yards with complete satisfaction. They are pricey but they work.

Regards,

Tony

Pm inbound !

[Fishman]

I'd be worried #4 buck wouldn't give an acceptable pattern at ranges you'd want to shoot. Based on quite anti of load testing I did for resident Canada geese I'd hesitate to use any load with less than 80 pellets much beyond 50 yds. And that's with a tight choke. Too many holes in the pattern.

I'm sure #4 buck would blast through any crane at 50 yds so I don't think rebalancing your pellet size vs pellet number will affect the lethality of an individual pellet. In other words, Id look at some lead bb or #2 loads if I were loading some up.

[tonyjones]

I have used the Pattern Control choke tube for large shot and No. 4 buckshot. In my experience it will pattern buckshot 100% inside a 20" circle at 40 yards.

Tony

[M-Tecs]

In the late 70’s I did a lot of pass shooting for geese and crane with a 3 ½” 10 gauge. Copper platter BB’s worked much better than #4 buck. Having used both, if it were me, I would use copper platter BB’s.

[chaos]

I'd be worried #4 buck wouldn't give an acceptable pattern at ranges you'd want to shoot. Based on quite anti of load testing I did for resident Canada geese I'd hesitate to use any load with less than 80 pellets much beyond 50 yds. And that's with a tight choke. Too many holes in the pattern.

I'm sure #4 buck would blast through any crane at 50 yds so I don't think rebalancing your pellet size vs pellet number will affect the lethality of an individual pellet. In other words, Id look at some lead bb or #2 loads if I were loading some up.

you might be right, but I have a friend who guides hunts for sandhills and he uses nothing but 18 pellets OO buck loadings