Understanding Steel Shot and Its Unique Challenges
The Differences Between Steel and Lead
The crisp autumn air, the distant call of waterfowl, the thrill of the hunt – these are the moments that draw us outdoors. To make the most of these experiences, and to ensure clean, ethical harvests, consistent performance from our shotshells is crucial. Many hunters are transitioning, or already rely upon, steel shot for their waterfowl loads. But achieving the optimal performance from steel shot requires careful attention to detail. Understanding how to reload steel shot safely and effectively, particularly with a powder like Longshot, is key. This article will serve as your guide, providing the information you need to confidently and responsibly reload your own steel shot shotshells.
Longshot powder, known for its versatility and high performance, has become a favorite among reloaders. It’s often chosen for its ability to generate high velocities with steel shot, translating to longer effective ranges and cleaner kills. However, the power of Longshot demands respect and adherence to strict safety guidelines. This guide is designed to provide you with reliable load data and guidance for safe and effective steel shot reloading using Longshot powder. Remember that any reloading activity requires serious attention to safety.
Density and Ballistics
Steel shot, while providing a non-toxic alternative to lead shot, presents unique challenges for reloaders. It’s essential to grasp these differences to ensure both your safety and the effectiveness of your loads.
Steel shot is significantly less dense than lead. This means a steel shot pellet of the same size as a lead pellet will be lighter. This difference in density impacts the ballistic properties of the shot, affecting its range and downrange energy. Furthermore, steel pellets tend to lose velocity more quickly than lead pellets. Therefore, steel shot loads often benefit from higher muzzle velocities to compensate for this.
Hardness and Barrel Wear
Another key factor is the hardness of steel. Steel shot is generally much harder than lead. This means that it can be more abrasive, potentially causing increased wear on your shotgun’s barrel, especially the choke. Always make sure to use chokes specifically designed for steel shot. The use of a standard choke will cause damage to your shotgun. Never use modified or full chokes with steel shot, unless clearly marked as steel shot compatible.
Shape and Patterning
The shape of steel shot can also influence shot patterns. Unlike the more malleable lead shot, steel pellets are more likely to deform in flight, leading to potentially less uniform and tighter patterns. This means that you will need to be mindful of how your wads and powder are affecting the consistency of your shot pattern.
The Importance of the Right Wads
Finally, it’s critically important to understand the role of wads specifically designed for steel shot. These wads are constructed with thicker petals to protect the barrel from abrasion, and provide a better seal for the expanding gasses. These are usually made of a polymer specifically designed for steel shot. Never use standard wads made for lead shot with steel shot. This is a critical safety point.
Safety: The Cornerstone of Reloading
Essential Precautions
Before diving into load data, we must emphasize the paramount importance of safety. Reloading is not a task to be taken lightly; it involves working with potentially explosive materials. Every reloader must prioritize safety above all else.
Essential safety equipment is non-negotiable. Always wear eye protection. Safety glasses or a face shield are required to protect your eyes from flying debris. Also, wear gloves to protect your hands from handling components and powders. A well-ventilated workspace is absolutely critical. Reloading processes can release fumes from powder or other materials, which are dangerous to inhale. Ensure there’s proper air circulation to prevent the build-up of these potentially harmful fumes.
Following Published Data
*Never* deviate from published load data. This means that you must consult a reputable source, such as the powder manufacturer’s website or a reliable reloading manual, and adhere *precisely* to the recommended powder charges, primer types, wad types, shot weights, and other load parameters. Do not attempt to “experiment” with loads or substitute components without explicit guidance from a verified source.
Avoiding Overcharges
Exceeding recommended powder charges is extremely dangerous. Overcharging shotshells can result in catastrophic failures, causing serious injury or even death. Pressure is a very sensitive element when reloading.
Correct Components and Techniques
Be mindful that the process of reloading includes several steps that can go wrong and cause damage. Always be sure to inspect your equipment and reload in an uncluttered area. Be sure to clean your equipment regularly to minimize the chance of malfunction.
Using incorrect components or improper techniques is another significant hazard. Always use components specifically designed for shotshell reloading. Never substitute components, especially powders or primers, without explicit, verified load data that supports those substitutions. Improper crimping can affect your shell’s performance, so do not use worn or cheap components. Follow all the instructions carefully.
Gathering Your Reloading Essentials
The Components You’ll Need
Before you begin, you must gather all the necessary components for reloading your steel shot loads using Longshot. Using the right components is critical for ensuring that your loads function correctly and that your reloading process is safe.
- **Longshot Powder:** The star of this show! Always purchase powder from a reputable manufacturer and store it properly (cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight). Various brands of Longshot are available, and its use is well-documented, making it a reliable choice for steel shot loads.
- **Steel Shot:** Steel shot is graded using sizes. These are often referenced by numbers: #2, #4, #BB are common sizes for waterfowl and upland game. Select the appropriate shot size for your target game.
- **Primers:** Primers ignite the powder and start the process. Choose primers specifically designed for shotshell reloading. Common primer brands include Winchester, Federal, and CCI. These are the most common primers that are used in shotshell reloading.
- **Wads:** Use wads specifically designed for steel shot. These wads have thicker walls and petals to protect your shotgun barrel from abrasion and ensure proper shot containment. They are an essential component of the shotshell.
- **Hulls:** Choose high-quality hulls that are suitable for reloading. Make sure that the hull type matches the data that you are using. Popular hull brands for reloading include Remington, Winchester, and Federal. The volume of the hull has to be considered when reloading.
Component Quality and Verification
When choosing components, it’s essential to purchase from reputable manufacturers and verify all product specifications.
Load Data: Your Guide to Effective Reloading
*Disclaimer: The load data provided below is for informational purposes only. *Always* verify this data with the powder manufacturer’s website or a reputable reloading manual before attempting to reload any shotshells.* Reloading is a potentially dangerous activity, and the user assumes all responsibility for their own safety and actions.* This information is a starting point, and you must be sure of the specifics of your shell before attempting to reload.
Example Data and Safety Points
Here is some example load data, but please remember that this data is only an example and must be verified:
**Important Notes for Safe Usage**
- Always double-check the data with a published manual or powder manufacturer website.
- Start with the minimum powder charge and work your way up, carefully monitoring pressure signs.
- Never exceed the maximum powder charge listed.
- Use a chronograph to check the velocity of your reloads.
- Look out for signs of high pressure, such as flattened or pierced primers, and bulging hulls.
Example Load 1: Waterfowl Load
- Hull: Federal Gold Medal (or comparable)
- Primer: Federal 209A (or other compatible primer)
- Shot: #2 Steel, 1 1/4 oz
- Powder: Longshot, *XX.X grains* (Refer to published data from a reliable source)
- Wad: Appropriate wad (check the manufacturer’s recommendations for 1 1/4 oz loads)
- Approximate Velocity: *XXXX fps* (Based on data from a published source)
Example Load 2: Versatile Target and Upland Load
- Hull: Remington STS (or comparable)
- Primer: Winchester 209 (or other compatible primer)
- Shot: #4 Steel, 1 oz
- Powder: Longshot, *XX.X grains* (Refer to published data from a reliable source)
- Wad: Appropriate wad for 1 oz steel shot (check the manufacturer’s recommendations)
- Approximate Velocity: *XXXX fps* (Based on data from a published source)
*Remember to *always* consult a reputable reloading manual or the powder manufacturer’s website for the latest and most accurate load data.* The data provided above is for illustrative purposes only and should not be used without proper verification.
The Reloading Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-Step Instructions
The process of reloading shotshells requires attention to detail.
- **Hull Preparation:** Inspect the hulls carefully. Discard any damaged or worn hulls. Resize the hulls using a suitable resizing die. Clean the primer pockets with a pocket cleaner to remove any residual debris.
- **Priming:** Insert a new primer into the primer pocket using a priming tool. Ensure the primer is seated flush with the base of the hull. This is critical for consistent ignition.
- **Powder Dispensing:** Carefully measure the powder charge using a powder scale and powder dispenser. Ensure the powder charge is accurate and within the recommended range.
- **Shot Dispensing:** Dispense the appropriate amount of steel shot into the hull, using a shot dispenser.
- **Wad Placement:** Seat the wad firmly on top of the powder. Proper wad seating is essential for a good seal.
- **Crimping:** Close the shotshell by crimping the hull. Ensure a proper crimp; a good crimp ensures proper powder ignition and shot performance.
Use your reloading equipment to load the shells in a consistent manner.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Identifying and Addressing Problems
Even with careful attention to detail, problems can arise.
- **Failure to Fire:** This can be caused by a primer issue, or incorrect primer seating. Check that your primer is seated properly, and that your primer is fully functional.
- **Poor Patterns:** A poor shot pattern can result from several factors, including the wrong wad, shot deformation, or inconsistent powder charges. Experiment with wads and shot sizes to find a better solution.
- **Excessive Recoil:** This could indicate an overcharge of powder. Reduce the powder charge according to the recommended data, and consult a trusted source.
- **Stuck Cases:** This could be caused by dirty hulls, or improperly set resizing dies. Make sure to clean your hulls regularly. Make sure your sizing die is set up properly and that it’s not getting stuck in the hull.
Optimizing Shot Patterns
Patterning Techniques and Interpretation
Patterning your reloads is crucial for ensuring that your loads perform as intended.
- **Patterning:** Test your loads by shooting at paper targets at a fixed distance (typically 40 yards). The pattern should be even and dense enough to ensure a sufficient number of pellets are on target at the intended range.
- **Interpreting Results:** Evaluate the distribution of shot across the pattern. Look for even distribution, without excessive clustering or gaps.
- **Adjustments:** If the pattern is not satisfactory, you might need to experiment with different wads, shot sizes, or powder charges.
Conclusion
Reloading shotshells with Longshot and steel shot offers the potential for high performance. Safety is the cornerstone of this process. Be sure to get your load data from a reputable source, and always put your safety first.
*Always* remember that reloading is a rewarding but demanding hobby. By following this guide, you can get your own custom-loaded steel shot loads, and achieve success on your next hunting trip.
Disclaimer (Final Reminder)
*Reloading is a dangerous activity.* The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional training. The user is solely responsible for their own safety and actions. Always consult and follow load data from the powder manufacturer or a reputable reloading manual.
Resources
- Hodgdon Powder Company (Longshot data)
- Lyman Reloading Handbook
- Speer Reloading Manual
- Reloading forums: Use these resources to discuss best practices, but always verify all information with reputable sources.
This comprehensive guide provides you with the knowledge and resources to safely and effectively reload your own steel shot shotshells using Longshot powder. Now, you are ready to make the most of your next hunting experience.
