Speer Shot Capsules for pest and varmint control

Published on August 1, 2021
Duration: 37:30

This guide details the process of reloading Speer shot capsules for .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers, focusing on pest and varmint control. It covers selecting shot sizes, powder charges, case preparation, capsule seating, crimping, and initial patterning tests. The presenter emphasizes the importance of proper capsule seating and the impact of powder choice on shot dispersion.

Quick Summary

Handgun shot shells fired from a rifled barrel are short-range tools, with pattern density thinning significantly beyond 15-20 feet. A rough rule of thumb suggests about one inch of spread for each foot of distance. Faster-burning powders like HP-38 generally provide better shot dispersion than slower powders.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Snake and Rodent Concerns
  2. 00:13Speer Shot Capsules for .38/.357 Magnum
  3. 00:54Availability of Factory vs. Component Shot Shells
  4. 01:26Speer Reloading Manual - Shot Shell Chapter
  5. 01:45Shot Sizes: #8 vs. #12
  6. 02:05Patterning and Energy Tests
  7. 02:27Initial Thoughts on Shot Size Choice
  8. 02:47Filling Shot Capsules: Tedious Process
  9. 04:22Capsule Weight Verification
  10. 05:49Shot Capsule Wad Design
  11. 06:06Recommended Powders: Unique and HP-38
  12. 06:23Manual Insights: Velocity, Patterns, and Range
  13. 07:33Preparing Charges for Testing
  14. 08:02Case Preparation: Resizing and Priming
  15. 08:10Expanding and Seating Challenges
  16. 09:06Adjusting Expander Die
  17. 10:10Capsule Seating Mishaps
  18. 11:14Retrieving a Stuck Capsule
  19. 13:01Further Expander Die Adjustments
  20. 15:32Seating Depth Challenges with Bulky Powder
  21. 17:33Applying the Factory Crimp Die
  22. 19:36Crimp Results: Unique vs. HP-38 Loads
  23. 20:11Patterning Test Setup
  24. 20:30Initial Pattern Observations
  25. 21:07Pattern Analysis: #8 Shot with Unique vs. HP-38
  26. 22:09Hole Count Comparison: Unique vs. HP-38
  27. 22:21Capsule Weight and Breakage
  28. 22:44Pattern Size Comparison: Charge Weight Variations
  29. 23:26Chosen Load for #8 Shot: HP-38 (4.5 grains)
  30. 23:34Pattern Results: #12 Shot
  31. 23:58Preparing for Egg Cracking Test
  32. 24:12Duplex Capsule Loading (#8 and #12)
  33. 25:25Duplex Capsule Weight
  34. 25:34Shot Material: Magnum vs. Chilled
  35. 26:03Duplex Capsule Assembly Issues
  36. 26:24Using Seating Die to Correct Duplex Capsules
  37. 27:00Duplex Capsule Loading Technique
  38. 28:34Smart Way to Load Duplex Capsules
  39. 28:45Duplex Capsule Pattern Results
  40. 29:27Testing Problematic Duplex Loads
  41. 30:11Improved Duplex Pattern
  42. 30:44Cylinder Full of Mixed Loads
  43. 30:54Egg Cracking Test Setup
  44. 31:08Testing #12 Shot with Eggs
  45. 32:28Testing #8 Shot with Eggs
  46. 33:40Testing Duplex Loads with Eggs
  47. 35:17Post-Test Observations and Concerns
  48. 35:21Sizing Die and Brass Fit Discussion
  49. 36:14Overall Satisfaction with Results
  50. 36:32Value of Testing and Understanding Loads
  51. 36:55Regret on Not Recording Velocity Data
  52. 37:14Conclusion and Viewer Experience Request

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Speer shot capsules used for?

Speer shot capsules are designed for pest and varmint control, particularly for use in handguns like revolvers. They are loaded with small shot pellets to create a pattern effective at short ranges for dealing with snakes, rodents, and other small nuisance animals.

What is the recommended effective range for handgun shot shells?

Handgun shot shells fired from a rifled barrel are considered short-range tools. Pattern density typically thins to the point of being ineffective beyond 15 to 20 feet, with a general rule of thumb suggesting about one inch of spread for each foot of distance.

Which powder is better for Speer shot capsules: Unique or HP-38?

Testing showed that HP-38 powder resulted in better shot dispersion and more complete breakage of the plastic capsule compared to Alliant Unique. This led to more holes in the pattern and better overall performance.

How can I improve shot capsule patterns in my revolver?

According to the Speer manual, increasing velocity can worsen patterns in rifled barrels. Slight reductions in powder charge weight may improve patterning. Careful attention to capsule seating and powder choice is also crucial for optimal performance.

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