Introduction
If you’re a shotgun enthusiast or a seasoned reloader looking for a unique and rewarding experience, hand-building paper shotgun shells could be your next project. A simple hand tool such as the DADDY AMMO star-crimp reloader is enough to load your own shotgun shells in paper hulls. This article walks through the process step by step, with tips for getting started.
The DADDY AMMO Press: An Overview
The DADDY AMMO press is a small, manual, bench-mounted shotshell tool made of steel and aluminum. It needs no electricity, and it is sold in 12 gauge and 16 gauge versions.
It is not a progressive press. It does four jobs: it knocks spent primers out of fired hulls, presses new primers in, seats wads and spacers with a loading rod, and folds the mouth of a paper or plastic hull into a star crimp. It has no powder measure and no shot dropper, so you weigh or measure powder and shot yourself. It works with paper, plastic and metal hulls, which suits anyone loading paper shells the traditional way.
How to use the press
Step 1: Gather Your Components
To get started, you’ll need to gather the necessary components and materials. Here’s a list of items you’ll require:
- DADDY AMMO press
- Paper shotgun hulls (new or fired, depending on your preference)
- Shotshell primers
- Smokeless shotgun powder (only for modern shotguns rated for smokeless loads; black powder era guns such as Damascus-barreled doubles and the original Winchester 1887 take black powder loads only)
- Shot and wads (choose the appropriate size for your shotgun and desired load)
- Shotshell reloading data (consult reloading manuals or trusted online sources)
- Reloading tools (powder scale or measures for powder and shot, reloading manual, calipers, etc.)
- Safety equipment (safety glasses, hearing protection)
Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace
Safety should always be your top priority when hand-loading ammunition. Set up your reloading bench in a well-ventilated area, away from open flames, and ensure there are no distractions. Wear safety glasses and hearing protection to safeguard against any accidents.
Step 3: Inspect and Prepare Your Hulls
If you’re using fired paper shotgun hulls, inspect them carefully for signs of damage, splits, or cracks. Discard any hulls that show structural weaknesses, as they may pose a safety risk when reloading. New paper hulls, on the other hand, should be in pristine condition.
Check that the hulls are the right length for your shotgun’s chamber. Never load a shell longer than the chamber it will be fired in.
Step 4: Prime Your Hulls
With your hulls prepared, it’s time to prime them. If the hulls have been fired, use the press to push out the spent primers first. Then set a new primer in place and work the press by hand to seat it in the hull’s primer pocket, one shell at a time.
Always double-check that each primer is properly seated and flush with the base of the hull. Misaligned or high primers can result in dangerous malfunctions.
Step 5: Charge with Powder
Next, you’ll need to weigh or measure and charge your hulls with the appropriate amount of smokeless shotgun powder. Consult your reloading manual or reputable online sources for precise load data for your desired shotgun shell.
Use a powder scale to ensure you’re delivering the correct powder charge. It’s essential to avoid overcharging or undercharging your shells, as this can lead to unsafe conditions and poor performance.
Step 6: Drop Shot and Wads
After charging your hulls with powder, it’s time to add the wads and shot. Seat the wad over the powder with the press’s loading rod, then weigh or measure the shot charge and pour it in by hand. Add any spacer your load data calls for.
Always use the recommended shot size and wad type as specified in your reloading data. This ensures proper patterns and reliable performance when you fire your handmade shotgun shells.
Step 7: Crimp the Shells
The final step in creating your paper shotgun shells is crimping the hulls. The DADDY AMMO press folds the hull mouth into a star crimp, holding the shot and wads in place.
Ensure the crimp is uniform and tight, as a loose or inconsistent crimp can lead to erratic shot patterns and decreased performance.
Step 8: Quality Control
Before considering your handmade paper shotgun shells ready for use, it’s crucial to perform a thorough quality control check. Inspect each shell for the following:
- Primer seating: Confirm that primers are seated flush and securely.
- Powder charge: Verify that the powder charge is correct and consistent.
- Shot and wad placement: Ensure shot and wads are correctly positioned.
- Crimp integrity: Check that the crimp is tight and uniform.
Conclusion
Hand-building paper shotgun shells with the DADDY AMMO press is a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor for shotgun enthusiasts and reloaders alike. This traditional approach to shotgun ammunition manufacturing allows you to embrace the craftsmanship of yesteryears while customizing your loads for improved performance and nostalgia.
Remember that safety should always be your top priority when hand-loading ammunition. Be meticulous in your processes, double-check your measurements, and consult reliable sources for load data. With practice and attention to detail, you can create custom paper shotgun shells that deliver consistent patterns and reliable performance, whether you’re hitting the skeet range or heading out for a day of hunting. Enjoy the satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition and the rich history that comes with it.
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