Loading 12 gauge, hunting and cooking squirrels

Published on November 4, 2022
Duration: 133:45

This guide details the process of reloading 12 gauge shotgun shells using the Lee Load-All II press. It covers selecting components like hulls, wads, powders (Unique and Winchester WSF), and shot, along with the press setup and operation for sizing, priming, powder charging, wad seating, shot dropping, and crimping. The video emphasizes verifying load data, checking charge weights, and testing reloaded shells for performance and safety.

Quick Summary

Reloading 12 gauge shotgun shells with the Lee Load-All II involves sizing/depriming, priming, dropping powder, seating the wad, dropping shot, and crimping. Key components include hulls, primers, wads, powder (like Unique or WSF), and shot. Accurate bushing selection and charge weight verification are crucial for safe and effective reloads.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Reloading, Hunting, and Cooking Squirrels
  2. 00:49Lee Load-All II Press Overview
  3. 02:22Shotgun Shell Components: Types and Uses
  4. 04:00Shot Selection: Number 5 and Number 8 Shot
  5. 04:50Wad Selection: Figure Eight and WAA12R
  6. 05:51Primer Considerations for Reloading
  7. 06:42Lyman Shotshell Reloading Handbook
  8. 08:08Lee Load-All II vs. Lyman Manual: Conflicting Information
  9. 10:59Winchester Model 1300 Turkey Gun
  10. 11:23Powder Selection: Unique, WSF, Long Shot, Blue Dot
  11. 13:06Shotgun Hull Identification Challenges
  12. 17:54Reloading with Remington Nitro 27 Hulls
  13. 23:13Load Data for Unique Powder and Figure Eight Wad
  14. 26:47Lee Load-All II Press Setup and Bushing Selection
  15. 29:46Filling Hoppers and Initial Press Operation
  16. 30:383D Printed Primer Catcher Tray
  17. 31:09Station 1: Sizing and Depriming
  18. 31:52Station 2: Primer Seating
  19. 33:00Station 3: Powder Drop
  20. 33:17Station 3: Wad Seating
  21. 34:07Station 4: Shot Drop
  22. 36:04Weighing Powder and Shot Charges
  23. 38:27Changing Bushings and Hopper Issues
  24. 39:27Lee Load-All II Press Repair and Conversion Kit
  25. 41:30Adjusting Bushing for Target Charge Weight
  26. 43:46Verifying Powder Charges with a Scale
  27. 45:53Confidence in Bushing Selection
  28. 46:56Finishing Shells: Crimp Starter and Crimp
  29. 57:13Setting Up Second Load-All Unit for WSF Powder
  30. 57:49Load Data for Winchester WSF and Figure Eight Wad
  31. 59:28WSF Powder Charge Verification
  32. 62:01Shot Metering with WSF Load
  33. 63:02Loading WSF Shells: Start to Finish
  34. 72:28First 10 Reloaded Shells Inspection
  35. 72:35Range Test: Chronograph Setup and Factory Ammo Patterns
  36. 74:01Testing Unique Powder Reloads
  37. 75:41Testing Winchester WSF Reloads
  38. 77:11Pattern Testing at 40 Yards
  39. 77:50Factory Kent Load Comparison at 40 Yards
  40. 79:14Returning to Bench: Organizing Hulls
  41. 80:18Reloading with Winchester AA Hulls for Hunting
  42. 81:203D Printed Lid for Shotgun Shell Component Storage
  43. 82:14Loading 19 Winchester AA Hulls
  44. 86:01Overall Impression of Lee Load-All II Press
  45. 86:38Ready for Squirrel Hunting
  46. 86:47Squirrel Cleaning: Dealing with Shot
  47. 91:28Squirrel Hunting Footage
  48. 94:55Squirrel Hunting Success
  49. 95:00Squirrel Hunting Experience and Tips
  50. 95:58Squirrel Cleaning Process
  51. 97:01Brining Squirrel Meat

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key components needed for reloading 12 gauge shotgun shells?

You'll need 12 gauge hulls, primers, wads, powder, and shot. The Lee Load-All II press is used for the reloading process, along with specific powder and shot bushings to measure components accurately.

How do you set up the Lee Load-All II press for reloading?

The press requires installing specific powder and shot bushings into the hoppers. The author used a 155 bushing for Unique powder and a 128 bushing for Winchester WSF powder, after verifying charge weights with a scale.

What are the steps involved in reloading a 12 gauge shell with the Lee Load-All II?

The process involves sizing/depriming, priming, dropping powder, seating the wad, dropping shot, starting the crimp, and finishing the crimp, with each step performed at a different station on the press.

What are the recommended powders for 12 gauge shotgun reloading?

For 12 gauge reloading, powders like Alliant Unique, Winchester Super Field (WSF), Hodgdon Long Shot, and Alliant Blue Dot are commonly used, categorized for target, field, and magnum loads.

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