Home Forums Reloading 16 Gauge Society Disappointing 16ga low pressure load data

I'm new to shotgun reloading, plenty of rifle and some handgun reloading experience. In the absence of good supply from Polywad/RST I'm trying to create low-pressure cartridges for use in a couple of older guns, one of which is 2 5/8". Pretty common story I think. Something like 7/8oz @ around 1150-1200fps.

I have a new MEC Sizemaster and plenty of primed Cheddite 2 1/2s and SG16s. Also have a few saved Fiocchi hulls and Cheddite 209s.

Here's the issue: I've looked at Hodgdon and downloaded the .pdf at the top of this board but the loads are largely useless given the powder choices. All the Alliant powders as well as the Clays series are (and have been) completely unavailable both online and in my area- so no Green Dot, Blue Dot, Unique, Herco, Clays/Universal/International, etc. Even worse, numerous recipes use powders that are discontinued, such as PB, 800X, SR7625, SR4756 and Solo 1000/1250.

Of the remaining load options the faster ones (Titewad, 700X) look to be on the higher pressure side. That pretty much leaves Longshot (noisy and best suited for heavier loads?) and maybe HS-6 (needs fillers?). Am I missing anything? Why no loads for Win572 or WSF?

Question here is really two-fold, first is there a book or other resource I should be using instead, and second what's the best (available) powder for what I am trying to do?

Thanks

Check out the W572 loads here: https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/blackpowder-shotshell-loading/361504

They work better in 2 5/8" Cheddite hulls than they do in 2 3/4". From direct experience. And I had the load tested. Short shell slightly raise velocity and pressure.


572 has been available far more often than Alliant stuff has.

@Makintrax73, that's fantastic, thank you very much. I'll order up some 572 and give it a go.

If using Cheddite 2 1/2s would it make sense to back off the powder charge slightly, or just load as written?

I second. Those W572 loads leave too much room in a 2 3/4". Might even work in 2 1/2.

PM me where you are in Idaho? I maybe able to help you out with some powder.

I used 20 grains in 65mm hulls (plastic). Cheddite primers.

Precision Reloading said they were 1,227 fps average, 6,400psi.

It does somewhat compress the SG16 wad when you use this load in a 65mm hull, but I did not find it excessive. Clearly the psi was still quite low, to the point I'm considering a retest with buffer for hunting loads.

The SD/ES were ok, but not great. SD 11, ES 35 fps.