Reloading 10 Gauge Brass Shotgun Shells Presented by Larry Potterfield | MidwayUSA Reloading

Published on February 5, 2014
Duration: 5:30

This guide details the process of reloading 10 Gauge solid brass shotgun shells, a technique common from the late 19th century until WWII. It covers tool and component selection, case preparation including custom trimming and sizing for vintage firearms like the Parker Double Barrel Shotgun, and specific loading procedures for primers, black powder charges, wads, and shot. The guide emphasizes using 9-gauge wads for 10-gauge brass cases and sealing the shell with sodium silicate or cement. Instruction is provided by Larry Potterfield, founder of MidwayUSA and a recognized expert in gunsmithing.

Quick Summary

Reloading 10 Gauge brass shotgun shells involves specific components like FFg black powder, large pistol primers, and 9-gauge wads for thinner brass cases. Preparation includes trimming and sizing cases for vintage firearms. Sealing is often done with sodium silicate or cement, as brass shells lack factory crimps.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Brass Shotgun Shells
  2. 00:24Tools and Components Overview
  3. 00:50Primer Variations Explained
  4. 01:11Case Preparation and Sizing
  5. 02:10Priming and Powder Charging
  6. 02:51Wadding and Shot Loading
  7. 04:07Wad Sizing and Sealing Techniques
  8. 05:08Range Testing in Parker Shotgun

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key components needed for reloading 10 Gauge brass shotgun shells?

You'll need large pistol primers, FFg black powder, lead shot, appropriate wads (9-gauge for 10-gauge brass cases), and an adhesive like sodium silicate (water glass) or household cement for sealing.

How are brass shotgun shells prepared for reloading?

Cases are trimmed to the correct length (e.g., 2 5/8 inches), deburred, and then sized in a press to ensure they fit the chambers of the intended firearm, such as a vintage Parker shotgun.

What type of powder is used for reloading vintage brass shotgun shells?

FFg black powder is typically used for reloading vintage brass shotgun shells. The charge is carefully measured using an adjustable dipper, for example, 3.25 drams for a mild 10-gauge load.

Why are 9-gauge wads used for 10-gauge brass shells?

9-gauge wads are recommended for 10-gauge brass cases because the walls of brass shells are thinner than modern plastic ones, allowing the slightly smaller wad to seal effectively.

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