16 Ga reload question

[Fin and Feathers]

Has anyone had issues with Green Dot?  I’ve used a BPI load and weighed all components to ensure I followed recipe to T and at trap range could t hit the broad side of a barn.  Switched to factory loads and went 20/25.  I’ve read it’s a slow burning powder and some say it does not work with light loads less than 7/8.  Load is 1 oz at 1165 fps.  The recoil and sound don’t seem off but the only thing I noticed is I don’t see the wad.  I’m wondering if I either have bad wads - petals not opening or a combination of not enough pressure to make wad petal?

[C-Money]

As you probably know, Green Dot is at its best with 12ga 1 1/8oz handicap loads. I'd look at the 1 1/8 oz loads on the Alliant reloaders guide, and maybe try something different. Green Dot is as good as gold right now, you might be able to make a trade for a powder that would work better for 1oz loads in your 16ga. Alliant does not list any 1oz 16ga recopies in their data. Some trap shooters use 12ga 1oz green dot loads, but I feel its rare as green dot is in such high demand right now for those handi loads. There are so many better options for 1oz, 700x, promo, clay dot, Red dot...etc. I wish you luck!!

[CP]

Green dot needs a heavier load to burn completely and consistently.  My guess is that you aren't getting a complete burn with 1oz.  Are you seeing any unburnt powder in the shells or the gun? 

[Henrydog]

Likely not a power issue.  I shoot with several guys that load nothing but GD.  I am a 700x or RD guy

 Single stage loader, or a progressive?  You might have a static problem.

 Straight walled or tapered hull?  What primer and wad are you using? 

Also what was the speed and shot weight of the factory loads vs your reloads.  Way too many variables to give honest and accurate feed back at this point.

In general terms Unique, Universal and even old 800x (no longer made) are better suited for 16 and 20ga

If your barrel what foaled with a lot of unburned powered my guess is the load was not making enough pressure. 

[Henrydog]

This is the GD load Alliant list for 16ga.  Only one configuration which is pretty odd.  But the hull listed is a straight wall with a pretty hot primer.

[wadu1]

Could be a lot of factors going on. What is the speed of the shells you are comparing your reloads too? The BPI wads could be field wads (hunting) that tend to open slower causing a tighter pattern. As C-Money suggested try different powders that could be an issue. For me I would try a different wad like a Claybuster and bump the speedup to 1200 fps.
Sorry I don't have any specific 16ga experience, it's the only gauge I don't load for. 

[GWP]

Likely not a power issue.  I shoot with several guys that load nothing but GD.  I am a 700x or RD guy

 Single stage loader, or a progressive?  You might have a static problem.

 Straight walled or tapered hull?  What primer and wad are you using? 

Also what was the speed and shot weight of the factory loads vs your reloads.  Way too many variables to give honest and accurate feed back at this point.

In general terms Unique, Universal and even old 800x (no longer made) are better suited for 16 and 20ga

If your barrel what fouled with a lot of unburned powered my guess is the load was not making enough pressure.

This.
If you have any powder migration (put a couple in your pockets and carry them around for some hours, then open them up and check) might give you a clue that your components are not working as well as they should. GD is a flake and 'should' stay in place.
That and a good tight end crimp is very important.
Too little info to give a definitive answer.
That said, it does work better with heavier loads, but 1 oz 'should' work fine if everything is set up as it should be and correct components used.

[Fin and Feathers]

Thanks all for the responses.  The only variable that I’m not sure of is the hull.  I reloaded federal high brass.  The recipe calls for “multi-hull”. The PSI is 9200.

Che209 primer
18 grains GD
SG16 wad
1 oz lead
Overshot card
Crimp

Loader MEC single stage

[87Ford]

http://www.16ga.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=3aa912859a05b09412ad39b7650b9895