Manual
Cases
Exercise extreme care in determining use of the exact case listed in the data. Be certain to select the exact case being loaded. Substitution could be dangerous and data
is not interchangeable from one case type to another. When in doubt contact the manufacturer of the case.
Primers
Winchester
®
Ammunition has a long-standing tradition of providing shooters and hunters with the finest ammunition products available. The company continues that
tradition with the announcement of improvements in the performance of the Winchester 209 component shotshell primer. Winchester component primers have been
the standard by which others have been measured for years. The improved 209 primer uses the same time-proven priming mix that has made the Winchester primers so
popular among reloaders. The difference and improvement comes in the surface finish of the primer cup and battery cup of the 209 primer. Specifically, Winchester is
changing the copper plated battery cup to a zinc plated battery cup. In addition, they are changing the nickel plated primer cup to a brass primer cup. These
surface finish changes have resulted in an increase in the sensitivity of the primer with a more positive ignition of the primer even with off-center firing pin hits.
Consumers should note that the new primer contains the exact primer mix as the old primer. No changes in existing load recipe data for the Winchester 209 primer are
required. New packaging and graphics feature a banner to highlight the improved primer. For the immediate future, the Winchester 209 package will feature the words
"NEW Surface Finish for Improved Sensitivity" on both the outside of the package and on the sleeve inside.
Use only those primers which are specifically shown in the data; do not substitute one primer for another. To do so could result in a significant change in ballistics, and
could result in an unsatisfactory or even dangerous load. Never use shotshell primers having uncovered flash holes with BALL POWDER® smokeless propellants. To do so
could be dangerous.
Powder
Check all powder charges with a scale. Check about 10 shells to determine the average weight of charges thrown and the uniformity of the charge. Variations in how
the loading tool is handled, in the bushings themselves and in the specific components used, will alter the charges thrown. It is essential to check charge weight with a
scale and go to the next larger or smaller bushing when and where required.
Wads
Use only those wads as specifically shown in the data; do not substitute one wad for another. To do so could result in a significant change in ballistics and could result in
an unsatisfactory or even dangerous load. The uniform ballistics obtained with brand name wads may not be achieved with lower cost substitutes.
Wad Seating Pressure
Wad pressure, when using BALL POWDER propellant, is not critical. Pressures from 0 lbs. to 100 lbs. may be appropriate. The only criterion is enough pressure must be
used to insure a good crimp. A safe level to use is 40 pounds, from which the loader may vary at his own choice to get the best crimp. Wads must be seated on the
powder (no air space should exist between wad and powder). Do not load any components that require more than 100 pounds wad pressure.
Shot Bushing Diameters
.424-1/2 Oz. .565-7/8 Oz. .664-1 1/4 Oz. .750-1 5/8 Oz.
.477-5/8 Oz. .596-1 Oz. .695-1 3/8 Oz. .780-1 3/4 Oz.
.517-3/4 Oz. .641-1 1/8 Oz. .721-1 1/2 Oz. .809-1 7/8 Oz.
Velocity
Velocities quoted in the data are averages of a series of shots fired in accordance with equipment and techniques used throughout the American arms and ammunition
industry. Listed loads have given uniform velocity results in tests.
Shotshell velocity barrels used conform to the following lengths as approved by SAAMI*
10 ga.-3 1/2" Full Choke 32" 20 ga.-3" Full Choke 30"
12 ga.-3" Full Choke 30" 20 ga.-2 3/4" Full Choke 26"
12 ga.-2 3/4" Full Choke 30" 28 ga.-2 3/4" Full Choke 26"
16 ga.-2 3/4" Full Choke 28" 410 bore-2 1/2" or 3" Full Choke 26"
*Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute
Pressure Data
All pressure data listed as psi has been measured with the latest Piezo electric system showing actual pounds per square inch (psi) and cannot be compared directly to
the old data which used the copper crusher method (cup) or lead crusher method (LUP).
Black Powder Warning: Never substitute smokeless powder for black powder or Pyrodex
®
or mix smokeless powder with black powder or Pyrodex
®
. Never use smokeless
powder in black powder firearms or in saluting cannons. Smokeless powder has much more energy than black powder or Pyrodex
®
. Substituting or mixing powders may
cause the firearm to blow up resulting in personal injury, property damage, or death. Ballistics of shotshells are affected not only by the type and amount of powder, but
also by the pellet size and charge weight of shot, the type of crimp, the type of shotshell case, and the type of wads used. Follow loading data instructions and do not
deviate from recommended combinations.
Patterning
Typical Percentage of Pellets in a 30-inch Circle at 40 yards (Pattern) for Various Choke Sizes.
(Choke is a Constriction at the Muzzle of a Shotgun Barrel.)
Full Choke-65-70% Improved Modified Choke-55-65% Modified Choke-45-55%
Improved Cylinder-35-45% True Cylinder-25-35%
Selection of Shotshell Loads
Shotshell loads in this data reference are listed in order of gauge, shell length, case type and shot weight. Be certain to select the data for the exact case being loaded.
Data is not interchangeable from one case type to another.