Just started reloading on a budget, bought the Lee Load All for now but plan on buying the Mec Jr sometime in the future. My question is to anyone with experience using the Lee Load All, is it supposed to "actually" drop a FULL 1 ounce of shot when using the 1 ounce shot bushing? I have actually weighed the shot and it is closer to 7/8 ounce instead of 1 ounce.
Just want to make sure I am doing nothing wrong here, the shot seems to fill the ahot cup nicely but nowhere the 1 ounce as stated.
All of my crimps are nice also but after shooting 3 boxes at trap my average has dropped significantly, can't hit crap with them. When I switch back to factory 1 ounce loads I am back to hitting my average.

The shot charge will weigh different depending on which size shot you are using. Density. I would pattern your shot shells. If you could chronograph that would be good also. Which shell, and load are you using? Things like crimp, wad pressure and shot cup can make a big difference in a load. Maybe the easiest thing for you to do if seek a shell recipe from an experienced reloader who is also a good trap shooter.

Yes--what Birdshot said. Your Lee shot bushing probably throws pretty close to 1 ounce of #9's because the 9's pack better and there is less air space. 7 1/2's will have more air space and your actual weight will be lower though the volume is the same.

When I used to shoot a lot of trap I filed out my shot bushings so they threw exactly 1 1/8 oz of magnum 7 1/2's.

BTW, magnum shot will weigh less than an equal volume of chilled lead shot because the mag shot has lighter antimony in the alloy.

There's a lot to learn about shot shell loading, but the effort is worth it. Have fun

Thanks for the replies, it's much appreciated.

By the way, here is the recipe I am currently using for 12 gauge

Gun Club hulls
Winchester 209 primers
18.4 grains Clays
CB 1100 wads
Reclaimed 7 1/2 - 8 shot (it is mixed)

The reclaimed shot may explain your lower trap scores with your reloads. Softer and deformed shot will not give the patterns needed for good trap scores, especially in the handicap events. Hard premium grade shot is worth the extra cost if you want to be competitive. Even many "promotional" factory shells sold as "dove and quail" loads don't provide the the consistency needed. Your hulls, primers, and wads are good quality. I don't use Clays powder, but several of my trap competitor freinds like it. So your problem is likely the reclaimed shot.

What I would do id; First, either use a different bushing or ream out the current bushing so I dropped an ounce of shot. Then, pattern the load.

The heavier charge will obviously put more pellets in the shell, and will also drop the MV. Lower MV quite often will give a more even pattern.

DC

Sorry for my ignorance DC, but I am not familiar with abbreviation "MV"
I appreciate all the feedback from everyone. Thanks alot.
Also DC, I found by using the 1 1/8 ounce bushing it drops much closer to an ounce of shot, just under.

muzzle velocity = MV

Thanks for the explanation

OK, now that you are actually loading a full (almost) ounce, pattern both your load and the factory load that you are hitting with. (If you have the facilities to pattern). If you don't, maybe try a round of Trap with your 1 ounce load and see how you do.

BTW, what factory loads are you shooting? (Weight, MV and shot size).

DC

DC

I have been using Federal field and Target loads

1 ounce #8
1290 fps

Your 1 ounce reloads will be about 55 FPS slower than the Federals, and if you're loading mixed 7 1/2 and 8, will have roughly 30 fewer pellets. Neither should make too much difference. If you want to increase yours to 3 1/4 DE (1,290 FPS), you'll have to drop 19.8 Grains of Clays. I wouldn't do that until you have patterened your shells.

DC

I've found the 3 1/4dr 1 ounce new Winchester Super X to be one of the worst for my trapshooting. Haven't tried the 3 1/4dr 1oz #8 Federals, but Federal Gold Medal competition loads are excellent. I reload 1 oz number 8s to 1200 fps (chronographed) for 16 yard trap shooting for my best scores. I'm not as good as some of my friends, but my reloads have produced a some 100 straights in competition.

HI I have the same Lee loader thanks for the tip.I use the same recipe club gun hulls and #8 shot.Im finding its more money to reload then to by at wallmart factory loads.IS there a better way to buy your lead and primers?25ib of #8 shot makes one case 250rds at over 50.00$Im new to this but i my be doing it wrong? BAYRAT

I am currently reloading 12 guage for about $4.75/box. I buy Winchester 209 primers 5000 at a time for $34
Shot is by far the most expensive part of reloading at $39/25lbs, for that reason I am loading 1oz loads so I get 400 out of a 25lb bag.
I started buying windjammer wads for $7.50/500

Shot is the biggest expense while primers are a close second when it comes to reloading. The price of these components fluctuate wildly depending on where you live. Your best prices come when your able to buy in bulk. If you belong to a club, check and see if they offer components at a discount to members. Some clubs are into selling ammo and reloading components while others don't.

If you're reloading 1 1/8 oz. loads, you can drop back to 1 oz. loads and it will feel pretty much the same while kiling clays just as dead. A 1 oz. load should give you pretty close to 400 shells out of a bag of shot. Some of the better shooters cut their loads even more without affecting their scores.

In some areas components are hard to find so those reloaders have to order online paying hazmat and shipping costs.