Shot gun reloading qeustions

[hoyt77]

My step father just got me a mec sizemaster since i do a lot of upland hunting. The problem that I'm having is the state I hunt in is going to all steel shot. He is not able to hep me figure out what I need since is uses lead. I already order the kit and for doing steel on my mec. But I don't understand how to figure out what size steel to use that compares to the lead that I use to shot. I have been searching online but really haven't found the answer. Any information on this would be great.

Currently I use 7 or 7.5 (lead) for small upland and 5 to 6 for pheasants. I see on the charge bars for steel it only goes up too #6. This is where I'm getting confused. I know steel is lighter and takes more then lead when reloading. I just want to make sure I'm not hindering myself when i reload and use the correct stuff

Also what type of book or web site will give me the most information on reloading steel shot for hunting upland?

Thanks every one

[sakoshooter]

I have a Sizemaster set up for steel shot. Mec puts out a steel shot reloading pamphlet. Do some searches on Google. There's lots of info out there.
As for shot size: A  general rule of thumb is to drop down 2 #s or up 2 sizes, same thing.
I've had good luck with the SAM 1 wad. Good patterns with velocities up to about 1500fps. Beyond that patterns start getting splotchy. Pattern your loads and shoot what patterns good. Velocity isn't any good if you've got big holes in your patterns. 1700fps isn't any good if you are all around the target.

[CP]

Unless you shoot a lot of steel shot (like by the case), I wouldn’t bother reloading it.  Factory steel loads are cheap and you will be hard pressed to make a better load than you can buy.

There are a few non-toxic alternatives that load similar to lead, Nice-Shot, ITX, etc.  They are expensive but they will give better performance and are easier to reload than steel.

[boots]

Before I started reloading for shotgun I bought the Lyman Shotshell Reloading Handbook 5th Edition and read it cover to cover. It covers everything from how to get a good crimp to powder selection to charge bar information. It is a great source for information and I would highly recommend picking it up.

It also has tons of different load combinations that are safe to try, including which hull/primer/powder/shot combos are safe and effective. It has lots of loads for lead, as well as steel and some other non-toxic.

Personally, I dont shoot enough steel shot at game animals to justify reloading steel so I just buy my steel loads and reload for lead trap loads

[wadu1]

I have a Sizemaster set up for steel shot. Mec puts out a steel shot reloading pamphlet. Do some searches on Google. There's lots of info out there.
As for shot size: A  general rule of thumb is to drop down 2 #s or up 2 sizes, same thing.
I've had good luck with the SAM 1 wad. Good patterns with velocities up to about 1500fps. Beyond that patterns start getting splotchy. Pattern your loads and shoot what patterns good. Velocity isn't any good if you've got big holes in your patterns. 1700fps isn't any good if you are all around the target.

Sako is right on 2 up 2 down; I load both 12 and 10 GA with #4 steel for decoying ducks and geese and not a problem, I use Remington wads.