How to Load Your Own Shotgun Shell

zombierepellantHunters and sportsmen alike that would like to save money should look into reloading their own shotgun shells. Not only can shell loading be a hobby within a hobby, it will also give the hunter or sportsman a chance to make their own custom shells to match whatever game or target they prefer to shoot.

The difficulty of this exercise is moderately challenging, and can be expensive at first, but will save you money over time, sooner if you shoot a lot. You will need empty hulls, a reloader (the most expensive piece of equipment, and also the most important), primer, powder, wad, and shot. We will now go step by step through the process of reloading your own shells.

1 – Remove any spent primer from the casing, and resize the shells brass at the bottom. Be sure to pull the handle of the reloader all the way down, else you ma produce a defective shot shell.

2 – Place your new primer in the second station with the shot shell on top of it. Pull the handle down. Be sure the primer is level and even with the brass, and is not sticking out.

3 – Put the shell into station three and pull the handle. Now move the top bar to the left of the machine with your other hand. Let the handle up, and put the wad in the guide. Pull the handle again. This will place the wad at the bottom of the shell. While the wad is still depressed, move the bar to the right.

4 – Move to station 4, and pull he handle to make the starter crimp. Before you finalize the crimp, look into the shell and be sure the shot is on top of the wad. If things do not look right, stock and cut open the shell so you can figure out what you missed.

5 – If all was okay in the previous step, place the shell into station 5, and pull the handle to complete the crimp. Congratulations, you have just made your first shotgun shell.

Warnings and Tips

A good reloader for novices to start with would be the MEC Jr. 600, which is a single stage reloader. This means each step is completed with a single lever pull. An experienced shell reloader can fill a 25 shell box in as short as 7 minutes, and 10 minutes at the most. Components of the shells, the lead or steel shot, the wads and powder, and the primer can be ordered off the internet, or at the local sporting goods retailer.

Once fired hulls can be had for as little a three cents for each hull, or if you have the time, for free off the ground at local trap and skeet shooting ranges. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions. Alterations to a recipe can lead to shells exploding in the barrel, causing grievous injury, or even death.

Photo Credits: Three if by Bike

Originally posted 2009-10-08 03:18:24. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • riflescopeChoosing a Rifle Scope Magnification Range One of the considerations that you are going to want to make when choosing a scope for your rifle is the magnification range of the scope. A scope that is in the 3 to 9 magnification range for a gun intended for whitetail deer is definitely pretty standard. In the......
  • shotgunChoosing your Shotgun If you are looking for a firearm that can be useful for a variety of different purposes, then the shotgun is one of the greatest options that you can consider. Aside from the fact that the shotgun is useful for recreational purposes, law enforcement, hunting, personal defense, sporting and military......
  • bowhuntingBowhunting Whitetail Deer For many hunters, bowhunting white tailed deer is the best hunting experience. Getting the right compound bow, the right gear and then finding the right spot from which to hunt is all part of the fun of going after the trophy deer. Don't overlook the kinds of arrows you choose,......
  • birdshotUnderstanding what Birdshot Is Birdshot can be described as a type of metal shot that was designed to be packed into shotgun shells. Birdshot consists of a number of metal spheres that are milled so that they are all the same size, and so that they can be easily packed together into a shotgun......
  • blog traffic exchangeBadlands 2200 Day Pack Review Features: T6 Internal Aluminum Frame Evenly Distributed Weight Upgraded Suspension Batwing Construction for Accessories Split Waist Belt Promotes Maximum Comfort Nylon Compression Straps Review: The Badlands 2200 Day Pack boasts durable Aramid thread with triple stitching for extra durability and bar-tracking with DuPont Kevlar and hypalon panels at all of......
Online Stores

Choosing a Spot to Hunt

huntingContinued from part 1…

The more that you know and understand about the preferences and the behavior characteristics of the animal that you are hunting, the easier it is going to be for you to choose the proper hunting spot. The ideal hunting spot is going to be one that will give you a good solid chance of actually leaving with something that you shot and caught.

- Another thing that you are really going to want to keep in mind when it comes to choosing an ideal hunting spot when you go out into the woods, is your own preferences. If you are currently out of shape, or if there are any specific physical challenges that you are contending with, then you really should not even consider choosing a spot that is going to be difficult for you to access. If you really only have a limited amount of time with which to do your hunting, then you are probably going to want to choose a hunting location that is closer to your home, so that you will be able to spend more of your time doing actual hunting and less of your time just trying to get to your designated hunting spot.

The chosen method of hunting that you are interested in, such as shotgun hunting, rifle hunting or bow hunting is also something that you are going to want to consider. If you are interested in hunting out of a tree stand, then you are probably going to want to seek out a hunting spot that is going to offer you plenty of trees with which to work with. If you prefer a ground blind on the other hand, then you are probably going to want to look for a spot that is clearer when it comes to vegetation.

When it comes to selecting your own personal hunting spot, you are absolutely going to want to make sure that you are making use out of all of the information that is available to you. For example, topographic maps and mapping utilities like Google Earth can help you scout out terrain before you ever even set foot on it. Fellow hunters that have hunted the area before can also be an outstanding source of information for you. You should also try to talk to local guides and members of local hunting clubs in order to get more information about the area that you plan on hunting. There is plenty of information out there that can be shared with you if you are willing to go out there and ask and learn.

Animals can be relatively unpredictable, this is something that we are all well aware of. Still, finding the right hunting spot is capable of playing a large role in the success or the failure of your hunt. If you take the time to select the spot you’ll use to hunt with care, then you will be increasing your chance to have a successful season exponentially.

Photo Credits: utomjording

Originally posted 2009-10-05 03:11:50. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • huntertreestandChoose Great Hunting Gifts Whether you're looking for hunting gifts for a hunting buddy or you're someone who doesn't hunt but you need a gift for someone who does, just keep in mind what the person loves and it'll be hard to choose a gift that they don't love. Gift giving for anyone is......
  • pheasantPheasant Hunting Lodges Pheasant hunting lodges are the perfect place for the person who loves to hunt pheasant. This can take pheasant hunting from monotonous and almost a competition sport with other hunters who go to the same area, to something much more enjoyable. Take some time to find pheasant hunting lodges near......
  • Pellet GunPellet Gun Hunting Guide Are you thinking about going out hunting with a pellet gun? There are a few important guidelines that you are going to need to follow if you want to make sure that you are being both humane and effective out there. Some of the things that you need to consider......
  • elkChoosing Elk Outfitters If you're ready to go on an elk hunt, there are no doubt a variety of elk outfitters for you to choose from. If you're hunting in a different state then you may not know where to start. It's a good idea, if you've never been on an elk hunt......
  • ducksBoats for Hunting Ducks Hunting ducks is typically either done in a blind or in the water or next to the bank, or in a boat. Boats for hunting ducks are set up differently than typical fishing boats or pleasure boats. These boats have a flat hull that gives them a very low profile......
Online Stores

Why You Should Obey Hunting Laws

The hunting laws in your area are necessary reading before you go on a hunt. While some people think it’s fun or a bit of a joke to hunt and fish without licenses or permits and basically do what they want, hunting laws should be taken seriously. They’re very often put in place for the safety and protection of hunters as well as other people. That shouldn’t be taken lightly. They should be respected to make sure that you stay as safe as possible and pedestrians stay safe, and to make hunting season enjoyable and worry free for everyone.

There also may be hunting laws put in place to protect the animals from being over-hunted or abused. By and large, hunters respect the animals that they’re hunting. They’re an important food source for many families and they provide a lot of enjoyment for the hunter who enjoys the chase. Respecting the animals as well as people means following hunting laws.

One of the most important hunting laws to follow is not hunting out of season. If you hunt deer when deer season is already gone, you’re considered a poacher. Poachers aren’t very well-respected in the hunting community because they’re refusing to follow the same rules that govern everyone else. It can prove dangerous because people aren’t expecting to find anyone shooting at animals and may not be prepared. Many people who are going to be out during various hunting seasons will dress in reflective bright colors to avoid being mistaken for an animal. Poachers are putting them at risk by being out and shooting during the off-season. A poacher can also be fined and imprisoned for hunting off-season. Always be aware of the hunting laws and the dates in your area.

Also, be aware that each area can make its own laws and while some may not make sense to you, they still have to be followed. There are various laws that affect shotgun and rifle hunting and separate laws often that affect bow hunting. As an example of laws that are put in place to protect both people and animals, there’s a law in many areas about the smallest amount of draw a bow can have when used for hunting. In Texas for example, a compound bow used for hunting must have at least a 40 pound draw unless the hunter is using it to hunt squirrel.

Why does it matter if the bow has that minimum draw? Because the bow with less draw weight behind it is less likely to be able to kill an animal. It’s more likely to simply wound and animal and then animal may die of those wounds later after its bolted to where the hunter can’t find it. It can cause unnecessary suffering. And in some cases, a wounded animal that’s in pain may actually turn on the hunter. Animals are wild and unpredictable so using a compound bow that’s probably not going to be able to deliver a killing shot is simply irresponsible.

Photo Credits: ATKR

Originally posted 2010-03-30 09:37:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • elkhuntingPrepare for Elk Season Hunters who enjoy hunting big game get excited when elk season approaches. One way that you can help yourself if you're aiming for a trophy elk or any elk at all is by practicing a great deal long before the season starts. Too many hunters leave the guns and bows......
  • caribouCaribou Hunting For experienced hunters or new hunters alike, caribou hunting is an adventure. Those who are experienced hunting other game animals like deer or elk will find a lot familiar about caribou hunting and yet it will be unlike anything they've done. People new to hunting will find caribou hunting an......
  • huntingdecalHunting Decals Hunting decals are one of the little perks of hunting that don't really serve a purpose but can be a great deal of fun. We've all seen trucks going down the road that have more decals on them than paint. While you may not want to go to that extreme,......
  • elkOpen Season With fall coming, it is soon to be open season for many different animals for hunting. Seasoned and new amateur hunters will be out in force and will be scouring designated areas for live game in the hopes of a good kill that they will be able to bring home......
  • buckhuntStart Buck Hunting Buck hunting is one of the most popular types of hunting in the United States. If you decide to go buck hunting, you'll be joining thousands of other hunters who enjoy the challenge and excitement of tracking and hunting deer. You want to make sure you have the proper equipment......
Online Stores

Guided Elk Hunts

Guided elk hunts are good for both beginners and experienced hunters. Whether you’ve been hunting for years but have never hunted elk or whether you’ve never hunted anything, a guided hunt can help you get familiar with the sport. And for those who’ve been hunting elk for years, a guided hunt can simply teach a few new tricks and offer a new twist on hunting. Those who typically go alone or with just one or two people might enjoy guided hunts for a change because of the companionship and camaraderie you feel with the other hunters.

For those who are new to elk hunting, elk are huge animals and they’re also very smart. That’s why many hunters prefer elk because they feel like they’re being challenged by tracking the animal. Many people prefer to bow hunt elk because it feels like a more natural way of hunting that harkens back to our ancestors. It’s also more challenging than hunting with a rifle or shotgun.

If you’re an experienced bow hunter then you understand what goes into choosing the right type of arrow and what goes into proper technique of shooting your bow. If you’re new to bow hunting, you need a bow with enough weight behind the arrow to bring down a large animal like an elk. But if you’re new to bow hunting you can’t start out with bow like that. You typically have to start with a lighter weight bow and work your way up. Don’t expect to hit the target at first when you’re practicing. And once you master a lightweight bow, moving up to the next weight will affect your aim as well.

Bow hunting on guided elk hunts is challenging to because you need to make sure your arrows are capable of bringing down an elk. They need to be heavy enough with a heavy enough point to puncture the hide of the animal. Guided elk hunts can help you because there are people that are experienced and can tell you where to hit the animal to bring it down.

The guide will also help you learn about where to find elk and how to find their food sources and water sources to be able to find them. Elk behave differently during different times of the day as well as different times in the season. A good guide can help you understand that and make it more likely that you bring down an animal.

Guided elk hunts are also good for someone who’s never hunted in a tree stand before because many people hunt elk from a tree just as they would hunt deer. Having a guide show you how to set up a tree stand and how to get in and out of it safely can really help you feel more at ease elk hunting. Then you’ll be prepared to elk hunt on your own without a guide or with just a few friends who may not be experienced elk hunters either.

Photo Credits: Jared Smith

Originally posted 2010-03-27 03:02:48. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • deerprepIs a Hunting DVD Worth Watching? People who don't hunt or fish or participate in any outdoor sports often like to make fun of things like fishing programs or a hunting DVD. They can't understand why anyone would want to watch something like someone else fishing or hunting. And while it's true that many fishing and......
  • Pellet GunPellet Gun Hunting Guide Are you thinking about going out hunting with a pellet gun? There are a few important guidelines that you are going to need to follow if you want to make sure that you are being both humane and effective out there. Some of the things that you need to consider......
  • grouseSuccessful Grouse Hunting Grouse hunting is popular sport for hunters who like the challenge of hunting birds. Grouse hunting often gets grouped in with partridge and quail hunting because there are ranches and land with fairly enclosed areas that offer grouse hunting tours and guided hunts. Grouse hunting is a sport that many......
  • Happy MooseYour First Moose Hunt Your first moose hunt is bound to be exciting. This is true whether you're experienced in hunting things like deer and elk or if you've never been hunting before. If you're used to hunting things like deer, then hunting a moose is very similar except the sheer size of the......
  • ranchHow to Choose a Deer Hunting Ranch A deer hunting ranch gives hunters an opportunity to gather together and really enjoy hunting on a whole new level. People who deer hunt individually obviously enjoy the entire experience or they wouldn't go. For some people it's simply a solitary way to spend time. But a deer hunting ranch......
Online Stores

Choosing your Shotgun

shotgunIf you are looking for a firearm that can be useful for a variety of different purposes, then the shotgun is one of the greatest options that you can consider. Aside from the fact that the shotgun is useful for recreational purposes, law enforcement, hunting, personal defense, sporting and military purposes it is also easier to aim because it offers widespread shots. This is a firearm that can be used by professional marksmen and beginner marksmen alike, and they are generally legal for ownership for a myriad of different purposes. Before you choose which type of shotgun you intend to buy, however, it would be wise to put some effort into not only researching the different options available to you, but also trying each one out to determine which will best suit your needs.

Choosing based on Action -

Different types of shotguns can be classified both by their features and their actions. In terms of action, you are provided with a number of different choices including auto loading, semi automatic, hinged, break action, slide action and pump action shotguns.

Auto loading shot guns can fire automatically, as well as extracting and reloading automatically every time the trigger is pulled. These shotguns offer a little recoil, and a good cycling speed even when you are performing continuous shots. Hinged shotguns on the other hand have a side by side, a rifle third, or a rifle caliber barrel depending on which shotgun you pick up. These shotguns are further classified depending on their individual barrel configurations and whether they are single shot, over and under shot or side by side shot. The shells of slide shotguns are loaded through the side, and the action opens up to eject the shells when the slide moves backwards. The slide will also pump forward each time that you fire.

Choosing based on Features -

Different types of shotguns can also be chosen based on their features, including double barreled shotguns and sawn off shotguns. The latter type of shotgun is characterized by a customized design which features a shortened barrel, concealing the gun’s action. These are lighter shotguns that can fire on short distances of up to two thirds the distance achieved by ordinary shotguns.

On the other hand, however, there are double barreled shotguns that feature two different barrels which are arranged side by side, or on top of each other. You can fire a single double barreled shotgun twice with a single firing action, and the shots are fired together toward a single target, making this an excellent option for hunting purposes.

Choosing the right shotgun when you go hunting is ultimately up to you. If you want to get the most out of your hunting endeavor though, it is important that you weigh your options well and get a feel for what is available out there for you before you make a purchase.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2008-12-27 13:19:44. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • blog traffic exchangeBadlands 2200 Day Pack Review Features: T6 Internal Aluminum Frame Evenly Distributed Weight Upgraded Suspension Batwing Construction for Accessories Split Waist Belt Promotes Maximum Comfort Nylon Compression Straps Review: The Badlands 2200 Day Pack boasts durable Aramid thread with triple stitching for extra durability and bar-tracking with DuPont Kevlar and hypalon panels at all of......
  • huntingrifleChoosing your Hunting Rifle Caliber When you are choosing the right hunting rifle, there are actually a ton of different calibers that you can choose from. If you are a relatively inexperienced huntsman, then you may be feeling overwhelmed at the sheer number of different available weapons. When it comes to talking about gun calibers,......
  • elkChoosing Elk Outfitters If you're ready to go on an elk hunt, there are no doubt a variety of elk outfitters for you to choose from. If you're hunting in a different state then you may not know where to start. It's a good idea, if you've never been on an elk hunt......
  • birdshotUnderstanding what Birdshot Is Birdshot can be described as a type of metal shot that was designed to be packed into shotgun shells. Birdshot consists of a number of metal spheres that are milled so that they are all the same size, and so that they can be easily packed together into a shotgun......
  • mdoveGoing Hunting for Mourning Doves Dove hunting is actually a really exciting sport. You can gather together a couple of hunters in a single field that happens to be an active ground for feeding and you are likely to have a really eventful hunt with lots of good results. In some states, you should recognize......
Online Stores
ammunition animals antlers arrow arrows best time big game Binoculars Birds bow hunting camouflage compound bow Decoys deer deer hunters deer hunting deer season duck hunter duck hunting ducks going hunting guided hunts horns Hunting hunting deer hunting dog hunting equipment hunting gear hunting knife Hunting Season little bit local area predators prey quail risk Shotgun target trees trophy vegetation weapons weather what this means white tailed deer