Home Forums Reloading 16 Gauge Society Spreader Loads(?)

Welcome to the Campfire y'all. I'm the resident rattle-shaker.

My grandfather has a Model 12 in 16 GA with a full choke. He died back in '76, and I'm holding onto it until I see him again. In the meanwhile, I've tried to use it with mixed results. On pheasants, it's the schizz. However, I've not been pheasant hunting since '92. It's a great grouse gun, but I see maybe 1 grouse a year on the farm. Meanwhile, it sits in the case my great grandfather built for it.

The problem is the choke. It's just a tad too full for squirrel hunting, which forms the bulk of my hunting for the past 20 years. With #6, it just does too good a job on the squirrels. I've thought about a spreader, but I've not had anyone to ask about it. I'd be starting from scratch-- don't own a reloader yet. I figure I'd ask y'all.

Would it make sense to try a spreader? Have you had any good experiences with one?

I have good luck with the X-STREAM SPREADER X insert from BALLISTIC PRODUCTS. Check their website for a lot of great 16ga components if you decide to get into reloading. Reloading is best way to get full spectrum of valuable loads for your M12.

I use these in my short chambered full choke Auto 5 with a Hartin crimp with good performance.

https://polywad.com/spred-r-1

That is really interesting. What a simple solution.

Thanks y'all! You've solved a 20-year conundrum for me.

I think I'll start off with the polywads that are already loaded and go from there.

RST spreader loads:
http://www.rstshells.com/store/p/119-16-Ga-2-1/2-Spreader-Lite-Vel-1150-7/8-oz-Load-Box.aspx