I don't load 12ga because I don't shoot enough to break even. I doubt that I'll break even on 20ga either, but I was considering it because of the option of loading some low recoil prosylitizing shells.

What are my options here? Someone suggested stocking up on dove loads and not messing the reloading. Should I get a Lee Load-All or a Mec Jr and scrounge for data? Does anyone have any low recoil 20ga data they'd like to share? I'm open to suggestions, including off the shelf stuff.

I was suprised at the recoil myself - it's no Mauser, but it does have a healthy kick. It has the hard plate buttpad, but if I put a pad on, I'll need to shorten the stock to keep the fit. (I'm suprised when I hear about people starting the kids on crickets and chipmunks at 5 - my niece is 8, but quite large framed (all my sister's kids are), and even the cricket was too long for her.)

The nephew that's doing well with it complained the first couple shots, but kept going. When he hit some flying clays, he told me that he didn't even notice it - so he's on his way to figuring out the mental aspect of recoil. He's also about 5' and 100 lbs, even though he's 10.

Besides, when they go on sale, factory 20 gauge are cheaper than reloading.

You can get the promotional game loads in 20 gauge, 2-1/2 dram, 7/8th ounce shot for around $3.25 a box.

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quote:

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Originally posted by ricciardelli:
There is no sense in buying a reloading press for really light 20 gauge loads...in a year the kids will have outgrown them.

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Other points taken. But I have 14 nephews and nieces, only two of which are old enough or interested at this point. And I hope to have some of my own eventually.

If you are really planning on starting 14 or more kids, maybe you should look into an 1100 and a couple of replacement stocks.

At least when they are done you have a decent field gun for yourself.

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