3 gun Shotgun loads

dennishoddy · Apr 25, 2013

Getting into the 3 gun game, and I have some questions.
Since I reload just about everything I shoot, I wondered what the shotgun round regs are.
Federal bulk, 1200fps runs in the shotgun really reliable, and I realize reliability is the main issue, but, with the right wad/shell combo I can reload all the way down to 950fps. If the shotgun can be made to run with loads at that speed, is that fast enough to take down steel?
Is there a PF for shotgun rounds?

jtischauser · Apr 25, 2013

I've never seen a shotgun chrono but USPSA or maybe IPSC has power factor numbers that nobody pays attention too.

If you can get an auto to run in cream puff loads they sound perfect for all clay stages or light steel. I run some of the sub 1000 fps stuff in my pump where applicable.

Ksmirk · Apr 29, 2013

Dennis I've got some 950fps loads and while working on the CZ and the springs best I could get was the hulls hanging in the port, pretty cool with the super light recoil but I'll not say it can't be done but it'll take some effort. Now I'm guessing with a pump and choke up there may not be a problem, kinda like shooting a 20ga just a bit more shot.

A thought for you though is if you could get a 1 1/4oz load down to 950fps, might keep enough gas in the barrel long enough to actually cycle the thing? you have homework sir lol I bet you know a good range full of steel targets to see if it'll work ;-) Later,

Kirk

dennishoddy · Apr 29, 2013

Kirk Smith (ksmirk) said:
Dennis I've got some 950fps loads and while working on the CZ and the springs best I could get was the hulls hanging in the port, pretty cool with the super light recoil but I'll not say it can't be done but it'll take some effort. Now I'm guessing with a pump and choke up there may not be a problem, kinda like shooting a 20ga just a bit more shot.

A thought for you though is if you could get a 1 1/4oz load down to 950fps, might keep enough gas in the barrel long enough to actually cycle the thing? you have homework sir lol I bet you know a good range full of steel targets to see if it'll work ;-) Later,

Kirk

Thanks Kirk. I bought an Akdal from Make Ready Pro Shop, so I'm thinking I might be in uncharted waters. Maybe another shim under the spring? I recently found a source for reclaimed shot that is much cheaper than buying standard shot. Its a mix of 7 1/2 to 9 shot with a little 6 in there on occasion.

I'll be happy to share my source if somebody wants some. They just reclaimed 40 tons of shot from a trap range.

I like your idea of a heavier load to compensate for the lower velocity. For that matter a 1 3/8 oz load could work as well.

Thanks for the ideas!

ToysRUs · Apr 29, 2013

I run a 1919 also.
If you haven't broken it it then run 50-100 heavy (1300+ fps loads thru her) to loosen things up.
I regularly run Win AA Light target loads in her at matches. 1145 fps with 7 1/2 shot.
Cycles the gun avery time and shoots so soft.

Ksmirk · Apr 29, 2013

Dennis, haven't messed with the Akdal AT ALL so I know nothing about them other than they look like an AR and have a mag lol I need to see if Feegee will bring his over so I can check it out. I did the springs for the CZ mainly because they needed some serious help but mainly so that light loads could be run by the girls but most complain about the recoil of the shotguns. I can ALMOST run the 950fps stuff but they have a low shot charge weight so there's not enough gas build-up to operate the system, I ran the AA 1145fps but have just gone back to the bulk Federal sorta that KISS method. I would be interested in some high shot weights and low velocity rounds, thing about going too heavy there's that whole "action reaction thing" so not sure if the low velocity with high shot charge would really effect the felt recoil? be a fun test though and I can't think of a better person to perform that test Dennis ;-)

We need to get out to Silverleaf again. Later,

Kirk