reloading buckshot with a buffer

[steeliedan5150 0]

Saiga 12 with md20 arms drum.Rcbs "the grand" reloader.Reloading 2 3/4 win shells with buckshot.The recipe calls out for 18 grains of buffer that holds the shot patterns tighter.The problem is at the center of the reloaded shell, some buffer leaks out and 60 rounds thru the saiga 12,it won't cycle as well as when clean.The question is, when reloading buckshot,is this buffer really necessary?It sure plugs the shit out of the weapon fast!I plan to reload some with and without the buffer and actually see on paper how much the pattern actually changes.If anyone has any experience with this,that would be great!!

[Azrial 1,091]

Try it without the buffer, but I think that you will find that the resulting flats on the pellets open up your pattern.

BTW, I always seal mine with a little clear nail polish.

[second shooter 22]

i dont use any buffer, i like a bit of spread , the larger the beaten zone the greater chance you have of a hit. after all its a shotgun not a sniper rifle, use slugs if you want a tighter group?

[csspecs 1,987]

I seal mine with wax, I have a can of melted wax over a little candle heater and I brush a little on each hull.. Works well for me.

[steeliedan5150 0]

Well I cranked out 100 rounds this morning without buffer and I will try them without buffer I also went from 8- 00-buck to 9- oo-buck pellets.My main concern was the reliability of the buffer jammin the action on the saiga.When you really need it,it must run 100%

[drahcirl 0]

Dan, when you add the buffer (I've always used Cream of Wheat), just add a disk of printer paper to the shell before you crimp. It doesn't even have to be round, it can simply be a 3/4" square of scissor-cut printer paper. When you crimp the shell, that will be pressed against the crimp from the inside.

 

Rich

Edited March 16, 2009 by Rich L.

[steeliedan5150 0]

The buffer I used I will not use again it tends to jam up the action in my saiga quicker. I found a cool nine shot recipie that will blow a kickass pattern at 20 yards without buffer.

[tjschul 0]

The buffer I used I will not use again it tends to jam up the action in my saiga quicker. I found a cool nine shot recipie that will blow a kickass pattern at 20 yards without buffer.

 

 

What is it?

 

I've been warned not to use buffers in loads not specifically calling for it.

Not way to read pressure on a shotshell hull, I guess.