Tolerances in Shotgun Reloading

**EPic1856** · 08-16-2011, 08:39 AM

Does anyone know what the typical tolerances are for reloading?

Shot amount = 1 1/8 or 1.125 oz. What would be the tolerance? I was doing +- .005 oz. Is that good?

Would the same be said about the powder weight? would +- .3 grains work be a tight enough or is bigger ok?

This was my first time I was verifying weight every 5 shells and was noticing slight changes to the weight of the shot. I was using a MEC Sizemaster with a universal charge bar. It took me about 3 hours to load 100 shells.

**Val** · 08-16-2011, 03:18 PM

Shotgun shells do not require tight tolerances as in rifle reloading. Buy the MEC charge bar that drops the desired amount of shot. For the powder look at the MEC chart for the various powder charges dropped by the different size powder cups. Weigh the amount of powder actually dropped and change the powder cups until you find the one that is as close as you can get to the desired amount of powder. Leave that powder cup in the charge bar and you're done. Whenever you want to load more of the same, install the charge bar and you're good to go. If you want to try another powder go through the process of dropping and weighing with different powder cups until you get close to the desired powder charge.

**EPic1856** · 08-17-2011, 09:14 AM

Thanks Val.

**myfriendis410** · 08-17-2011, 03:16 PM

+1 but add the MEC powder bushings always throw light.....

**Val** · 08-19-2011, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by myfriendis410

+1 but add the MEC powder bushings always throw light.....

The MEC powder cups are indeed usually light on the powder. Keep increasing the powder cups until you get the desired amount of powder.

**EPic1856** · 08-19-2011, 02:43 PM

Figured it out. I wasn't using the powder baffle that the charge bar came with. Once I put it on it started spitting out consistent weights. The universal charge bar is pretty cool. It's a all in one charge bar so you don't have to buy difference ones or powder bushings. It's gotten good reviews from MidwayUSA's site.

http://www.multiscalecharge.com/

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=746153

**Val** · 08-19-2011, 03:20 PM

[QUOTE=EPic1856;2289749]Figured it out. I wasn't using the powder baffle that the charge bar came with. Once I put it on it started spitting out consistent weights. The universal charge bar is pretty cool. It's a all in one charge bar so you don't have to buy difference ones or powder bushings. It's gotten good reviews from MidwayUSA's site.

The Universal charge bars are indeed a good option. I have so mant different loads for target and field for 12 and 20 gauge as well as a 3" load, I find it easier to have a separate charge bar for each load.

**myfriendis410** · 08-19-2011, 04:40 PM

Mine needed a little adjustment of the drive shaft before it was in timing. It was not going all the way over so I didn't get a complete powder drop. Once I fixed that it has been outstanding.

**Mike C** · 08-22-2011, 10:20 AM

Good information on the universal charge bar. So my question is do you weigh the power charge to make sure it is dropping the correct # grains? Or is it that critical if your just a recreational shooter and hunter?

**myfriendis410** · 08-22-2011, 10:29 AM

Oh, absolutely. I usually run five charges or so to make sure nothing is throwing inconsistent. Here's a little trick: cut a dryer sheet (bounce) into a long 1" strip and insert it into your powder bottle before you fill it. Make sure the tail stands clear of the outflow. It's good for eliminating static. Change about every six months or so.