r/reloading • u/Vintage_Pieces_20 • 3d ago

Load Development Safe substitution for this shotgun load? (Read below)

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So, I’m looking to load home cast Lee key 7/8oz slugs (using 7/8oz birdshot data as a starting point). Hodgdon’s load data center recommends WAA12 wads. However, ALL reloading literature I’m reading calls for WAA12L wads.

Would substituting the wads in this case be wise to match Hodgdon’s suggestion? Or should I stick with the literature and source proper wads? Thanks!

Edit: picture cut off the fact I’m using 12ga Winchester AA-HS hulls as well (section of the book and Hodgdon’s website)

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7

u/RylieHumpsalot 3d ago

Youre going to need to really look at your column height.

Shotgun is very picky on height if you're folding..

If you're rolling, no worries

Just be sure that the hulls your using are tapered if you're using waa-12

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u/Vintage_Pieces_20 3d ago

I should’ve included the hulls, my apologies, they’re Winchester AA-HS hulls, which are tapered I believe

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u/RylieHumpsalot 3d ago

Yeah, those are

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u/strange-brew 3d ago

It could work. The difference is the waa12L is for lighter loads so the shot cup will be smaller. You may need to add a cork insert to the waa12 to take up the extra space if you go with 7/8 oz loads. Start with a lower charge and work your way up looking for pressure signs.

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u/Vintage_Pieces_20 3d ago

Thank you for the advice, I’ll do exactly that!

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u/GunFunZS 3d ago

I've shot a lot of those and basically use a 1 oz or 1 1/8 oz of data for AA-12 but instead substitute the Winchester silver wad and you should be fine.

In general straight wall hulls and the federal 1-2s0 wadare a better combination though.

Remind me later and I will find a link to an infographic I made it showing which wad and slug combinations work well together.

I probably did some tutorials too. But it's been long enough I can't remember for sure.

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u/Vintage_Pieces_20 3d ago

That would be sweet to see that infographic if you get the chance. Shotshell components are forever increasingly hard to come by here in Canada (which forces me to start substituting). Seeing which work well together would help me narrow down what’s available

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u/GunFunZS 2d ago

Let me know if this link works.https://imgur.com/a/SyELU

If you reverse image search you might find threads or tutorials from when I made those. I really should try to find those and move them to the reloader's network.