02 May 2002, 04:35
<thumbtrap>20ga low recoil
I reload rifle and pistol, but have no shotshell loading equipment or experience. I just got a NEF 20ga youth gun, and while one nephew has acclimated to it (and is already breaking 50% within the first couple of hand thrown targets), it's still a bit much for my other nephew. (Been shooting Federal #7.5, 7/8oz target loads in it.)
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.
02 May 2002, 05:12
<Gary Rihn>I'm not sure on the 20, but at least in 12 ga, Win has "Lite" loads in the 12 ga AA's. Excellent ammo. See if you can find the same in the 20 ga AA and you'll be happy. Good luck.
02 May 2002, 07:34
Major CaliberGet a .410 adapter. You put the insert in the barrel, then fire 2 1/2" .410's
First make sure your gun has a good pad on it and use good hearing protection. I remember as a skinny 11 year old (long time ago) shooting someone's light 20 ga. with out a pad and it kicked the crud out of me. Also make sure the stock isn't too long.
I thought someone loaded 3/4 oz loads for the 20 ga. but I can't seem to find them. You might try Precision reloading or Ballistics Products as they tend to carry some non-standard ammo. If you reload, 3/4 oz loads are no problem. If you buy factory 7/8 oz loads be sure to get the target loads (1200 fps) and not the generic field loads which are usually 1275 fps. Don't get the kids started flinching as it can take a long time to cure.
Of course the best fix is to get yourself a MEC loader and let the kids started loading, then you have an excuse to do more shooting!
C.G.B.
02 May 2002, 07:51
<thumbtrap>The dove loads suggested were 3/4 oz, but with a smidge faster muzzle velocity. (don't know numbers, just what I was told)
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.
02 May 2002, 08:48
ricciardelliThere is no sense in buying a reloading press for really light 20 gauge loads...in a year the kids will have outgrown them.
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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02 May 2002, 09:15
<thumbtrap>quote:
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.
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.
02 May 2002, 13:10
ricciardelliMy daughter started with a 12 gauge at age 5. It was a Remington 1100 and I let her shoot 3 dram, 1-1/8th ounce trap loads.
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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