The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - reloading shot gun shells without a press

Tsquared · February 10, 2016, 12:12 AM

I have cut down some 16 gauge shells to 2.5" for an old 16 gauge I have that is chambered for 2.5 inch shells. There is nobody that makes this ammo anymore but I cut down 100 shells and have reloaded them 20+ times over the years with hand tools. It can be done but it is meticulous work. Blue Dot is my friend.

For the .410 loading with only a scale is possible. There are a multiple powders out there that will work. The biggest problem you will have will be removing the old primer and installing the new one. With my 16 shells I use wax and particle paper to seal the shell. For the 10 gauge wadding you can use cardboard disks - I cut mine with a punch and stack 2 deep.

February 10, 2016, 12:12 AM	#15
Tsquared Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2016 Location: NE Atlanta Posts: 337	16 Gauge 2 & 1/2" shells I have cut down some 16 gauge shells to 2.5" for an old 16 gauge I have that is chambered for 2.5 inch shells. There is nobody that makes this ammo anymore but I cut down 100 shells and have reloaded them 20+ times over the years with hand tools. It can be done but it is meticulous work. Blue Dot is my friend. For the .410 loading with only a scale is possible. There are a multiple powders out there that will work. The biggest problem you will have will be removing the old primer and installing the new one. With my 16 shells I use wax and particle paper to seal the shell. For the 10 gauge wadding you can use cardboard disks - I cut mine with a punch and stack 2 deep. Last edited by Tsquared; February 10, 2016 at 12:22 AM.