Reloading your own 20 gauge ammunition offers significant advantages: cost savings, the ability to tailor loads to your specific firearm and shooting style, and the satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition. However, venturing into 20 gauge reloading requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of safe reloading practices. This guide provides a starting point for exploring various 20 gauge reloading recipes, emphasizing safety and accuracy. Remember to always consult your firearm's manual and follow all safety precautions outlined by the reloading equipment manufacturer.
Understanding the Components of a 20 Gauge Cartridge
Before diving into specific recipes, let's review the essential components:
- Casing: Choose 20 gauge hulls appropriate for your intended use (e.g., target, hunting). Consider factors like material (plastic, fiber), length, and primer type.
- Primer: Small percussion cap initiating the powder ignition. Ensure you select primers compatible with your hulls and reloading equipment.
- Powder: The propellant that drives the shot. Selecting the correct powder is crucial for safe and effective performance; using incorrect powder is extremely dangerous. Pay close attention to manufacturer's data.
- Wads: Separate the powder from the shot and provide a seal for consistent pressure. Various wads are available, each designed for specific shot sizes and loads.
- Shot: The projectile – lead, steel, or other materials. Shot size impacts range and pattern density.
Choosing the Right Reloading Data
This is the most critical aspect of 20 gauge reloading. Never deviate from published reloading data. Using incorrect data can lead to catastrophic equipment failure, injury, or death. Reputable powder manufacturers (like Alliant, Hodgdon, IMR, etc.) publish extensive loading manuals, available online and in print. These manuals provide specific data for various powder types, shot sizes, and hull types. Always consult the manufacturer’s manual before beginning any reloading project.
Example 20 Gauge Reloading Recipes (for informational purposes only)
Disclaimer: The following are example recipes. They should not be considered a substitute for consulting official reloading manuals. Always verify data with the manufacturer's published information before use. These examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a recommendation.
Recipe 1: Light Target Load (with hypothetical data – replace with actual data from reloading manuals)
- Hull: Remington Gun Club 20 gauge
- Primer: CCI 209
- Powder: Clays (hypothetical charge weight – consult manual)
- Wad: Winchester 20 gauge (specify wad type from manual)
- Shot: 7/8 oz. #8 lead shot
Recipe 2: Heavier Hunting Load (with hypothetical data – replace with actual data from reloading manuals)
- Hull: Remington STS 20 gauge
- Primer: Winchester 209
- Powder: International Clays (hypothetical charge weight – consult manual)
- Wad: Downrange 20 gauge (specify wad type from manual)
- Shot: 1 oz. #6 lead shot
Safety Precautions for 20 Gauge Reloading
- Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
- Work in a clean, well-ventilated area.
- Never mix powders.
- Follow the reloading manual meticulously.
- Inspect each round carefully after loading.
- Store loaded ammunition properly.
- Regularly clean and maintain your reloading equipment.
Beyond the Basics: Fine-Tuning Your Loads
Once you've mastered basic 20 gauge reloading, you can begin experimenting with different powder types, shot sizes, and wads to fine-tune your loads for optimal performance. Factors like shot velocity, pattern density, and recoil will influence your load selection. Keep detailed records of your experiments, noting the components used and the resulting performance.
This comprehensive guide serves as an introduction to the exciting world of 20 gauge reloading. Remember that responsible and safe reloading practices are paramount. Always consult your firearm's manual, and adhere strictly to the reloading data provided by reputable powder manufacturers. Happy reloading!
