My load books don't I.d. a certain shot shell

[multigunner76]

I have a few hundred shells that I can't I.d. they are Federal Premium Tactical 9-00-buck. I'm trying to figure what data to use with them. Lyman 5th doesn't I.d. it. Would it be ok for cast slugs? What wad?

[cpileri]

someone here may indeed know outright, but if not would you be willing to slice one open lengthwise and post a pic of the cross section?

[multigunner76]

I can slice the plastic but really don't have any way to cut the base. I'll see what I can do.

[Janoosh]

Cut the base with a hacksaw or coping saw. Measure the inside of the case to see if it is tapered or not. Federal cases are usually NOT tapered. So, Fed or Fed style wads usually work. As to load data, the important part, try contacting Federal. I believe the forum at Shotgun world would be of more help than me.

[multigunner76]

Thanks janoosh

[Janoosh]

It is not so much the type of basewad but the height or the basewad or, in other words, the depth inside the shell. That would dictate what wad to use.
BPI..ballistic products inc..is your friend.

[multigunner76]

I just cut one. Trying to get photo bucket to upload

[multigunner76]

http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah286/multigunner76/P9110006_zps4aab7b3b.jpg (http://s1383.photobucket.com/user/multigunner76/media/P9110006_zps4aab7b3b.jpg.html)

http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah286/multigunner76/P9110009_zpsa669589e.jpg (http://s1383.photobucket.com/user/multigunner76/media/P9110009_zpsa669589e.jpg.html)

[FullTang]

In the BPI Manual, these would be called "Federal Plastic Base", and they are similar to the hulls they sell for reloading. You can generally use Federal Gold Medal load data and be safe, but as noted above, stack height may vary. The big manufacturers often make special runs with custom basewads for specific applications (tac buck would be a prime example.)

[multigunner76]

Thanks !!!

[FullTang]

These should be excellent for slug loading---I typically use a Federal 12S0 with Lee slugs. If the stack height is too high, or you want to put a card under the slug, you can use a 12S3. If the stack is too low, then a card over or under the slug works. Some folks insist on a card under the wad, but I find it's not necessary, especially if I'm just plinking with the smoothbore, or if I'm using my rifled slug gun, and I want the drive key to do its thing.

[Janoosh]

Fulltang has nailed it. I wasn't sure between Fed Gold Medal or Fed Top Gun so I was hesitant to post a reply concerning a load. Fed 12 SO are good wads.

[sundog]

I like a felt wad under the Lee slug, keeps the slug from impressing itself into the wad. Some recovered wads were seriously engraved by the base of the slug. The wad stopped that. Maybe not needed, but it seems separation would be better.