Page 1 of 1

Reloading 20 gage

Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 9:48 pm
by Little Indian Creek
I don't read this part of the forum much so sorry if this has been discussed recently, I didn’t find anything in the search. Are any of you reloading 20 gages, if so what powder and loads do you prefer?

Re: Reloading 20 gage

Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 10:31 pm
by barnold1
Kenny, no reloading advice but I've gone to Dick's Sporting Goods around Labor Day when they run a special and I buy 100 round cartons of Winchester #5 shot, high brass. It's a buy one, get the second for half price deal each year and last time I bought them they ran I believe $37.50 per 200 shells. I bought up 2 years in a row. I don't know how cheap you can reload them, but that seemed like a heck of a deal.

Re: Reloading 20 gage

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 3:31 pm
by Little Indian Creek
That does seem like a good deal. #5's is what I was planning to reload. How do you like the 5's ?

Re: Reloading 20 gage

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 4:28 pm
by barnold1
I think the 5 shot is just about perfect for rabbits with the 20. Shooting IC and sometimes MOD choke, get a lot better penetration through the cover than I did with the 7 1/2 shot I used to use.

Re: Reloading 20 gage

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 7:51 pm
by 2500 HD
I reload all gauges. I shoot every week sometimes a couple times per week. 20 gauge can use a variety of powders. I recommend going on alliants website or hogdens site you'll find all kinds or data. I use 14 gr. international clays with a standard cci primer and a versalite wad in a Remington sts hull with 7/8 oz. of shot. Crimps great crisp and patterns great. If you decide to use 1 oz load I would recommend blue dot. Problem is right now all powder is very tough to find right now. So new shells may be your option unless you have some components. Powder primer wad combinations are important because you need to watch the pressures of your load. You want at least 9500 to 11000 or you will have blooper shells in cold weather. My shells are about 10800 and never let me down. Good luck.

Re: Reloading 20 gage

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 8:42 pm
by 2500 HD
Also that load I listed is about 1200 fps.

Re: Reloading 20 gage

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 8:49 pm
by Little Indian Creek
Thanks for the info. I was looking at loading a 1 oz with bluedot or 7/8 unique so I am on the right track. I was reading on some other sites and everybody talked highly of the international clays powder but most was for 12 gage so I may look into that harder as well. I didn't realize low pressure would cause issues in cold weather I will keep that in mind. Thanks again.

Re: Reloading 20 gage

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 9:35 pm
by 2500 HD
Yes you will get a poor ignition and they will sound and act weak in cold weather if pressures are too low. Doesn't matter on gauge

Re: Reloading 20 gage

Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 4:13 pm
by Squareebeagles
Bill needs to buy 400 rounds I have seen him in action! All I have to say is find a big oak tree and wish for the best lol

Re: Reloading 20 gage

Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2014 3:20 pm
by Little Indian Creek
Cant be as bad as the boys from Camdenton :dance: That little man is what you have to do if a rabbit runs by you. :lol:

Re: Reloading 20 gage

Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2014 3:35 pm
by barnold1
Little Indian Creek wrote:Cant be as bad as the boys from Camdenton :dance: That little man is what you have to do if a rabbit runs by you. :lol:
They said they're going with turkey guns this year. :shock:

Re: Reloading 20 gage

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2014 8:31 am
by S.R.Patch
I reloaded with some unique powder, it's the dirtiest burn of any i've used,
Red dot or blue dot... :nod:

Re: Reloading 20 gage

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2014 12:24 pm
by 2500 HD
Red dot is not a 20 ga. Powder.

Green dot in 3/4 oz loads.
Unique is fine, Herco too. For 7/8 oz.
Blue dot for 1 oz loads.

Re: Reloading 20 gage

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2014 1:06 pm
by 2500 HD
20/28 is real good powder as well if you want fast loads you can use pro reach