The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
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Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge

Posted by Larry S. Moore on January 8, 2019, 3:26 pm

I've seen Jent's post from some time ago on reloading 16g and RST shells. I can't find any reloading data for RST shells - proprietary information. I understand they are in business to sell shells. RST told me the 16g 2 1/2" is load to 7000 PSI in 1 ounce and 5500 PSI in 7/8 ounce.I have a MEC JR 16g with the short block for loading. Trying to find a good recipe. Thanks!

Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge

Posted by Michael Harris on January 8, 2019, 3:39 pm, in reply to "Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge"

Larry, You should talk to Pastor Charlie. He is the 16 gauge Guru!!! Best, Mike

Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge

Posted by Drew Hause on January 8, 2019, 4:24 pm, in reply to "Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge"

A friend worked up a load that I use regularly in my 1906 damascus (and slightly thin

) 16g 0E.
RST uses Cheddite hulls which reload OK once you get the crimp depth right. 2 1/2 Cheddite hull, 14gr Green Dot, 3/4 oz. shot., BPI SG 16 Sporting wads, and Cheddite Clerinox 209 primers. Pressure is less than 5500 and a buddy chronographed the load at 1185 fps. The RST 3/4 oz. load is listed at only 1100 fps.
I use an ancient (gift) Lyman Easy Loader which works fine.

Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge

Posted by Larry S. Moore on January 8, 2019, 8:18 pm, in reply to "Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge"

Thanks a bunch Drew. Knowing that RST is Cheddite hull is the key I was missing. I have a number of Cheddite loads from Ballistic Products 16g book and from Hodgdon website. I should be good to go. I also have a chronograph which will do shotshells.

Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge

Posted by David Williamson on January 9, 2019, 6:11 am, in reply to "Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge"

Larry good to hear from you, if you go to the Hodgdon site there are loads for Cheddite 2 1/2" hulls. RST uses Cheddite hulls.

Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge

Posted by Drew Hause on January 9, 2019, 9:56 am, in reply to "Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge"

I should probably clarify that the load IS in the BPI reloading manual. My friend figured out the correct bushings.
Delightfully low recoil, but with the 3/4 oz. load, the powder does not fully burn in cold temps - usually not an issue here in the desert

Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge

Posted by Terry Reckart on January 9, 2019, 9:57 pm, in reply to "Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge"

Going to the Southern Larry?

Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge

Posted by Charlie Brooks on January 9, 2019, 10:11 pm, in reply to "Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge"

Larry,glad to see folks who like to shoot and load the 16g. Here is just a few thoughts on what you are seeking information on.The ring type sizer on Mec Jr. loaders can cause problems using these type cases.The ring sizers like to push the metal or brass down around the rim,causing the rim to be oversize and stick in your gun.Using a loader with a collet sizer works much better on these cases.The RST 16g cases are not a true 2.5" in length.They messure about 2.560" which is what the older Smith chambers were.I made a spacer for my MEC that is .190 thick which works better for me.I am not a big fan of the BPI SG-16 wads in these hulls.Because of the way this wad is made,it can twist easily being seated and go in crooked.This will cause a blooper effect when fired.This problem can be helped by ironing your hulls on a heated steel shaft of proper size before loading.A word to the wise on loading extra low pressure loads:Certain powders are not user friendly in low pressure loading.In cases where large amounts of unburned powder is left in the barrel an effect of a load hang firing or going off twice can happen.This condition can bulge a barrel and you may wonder what caused it to happen.I would be glad to chat about loading by phone if you like. 410-756-2095 Charlie.

Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge

Posted by John Pulis on January 10, 2019, 6:55 am, in reply to "Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge"

Look at the Hogdon's reloading web site. They have posted or reposted reloads originally tested by Sisley in RST/ Cheddit hulls some time ago in Skeet Shooting magazine. Most use the dr-16 rather than the BP wad, for 3/4 and 7/8 loads. Universal, International, and 20-28 powders have replaced PB and 7625, now discontinued.

good shooting,

Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge

Posted by Larry S. Moore on January 17, 2019, 3:50 pm, in reply to "Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge"

Yes I have that information from Hogdon's website. Thanks!

Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge

Posted by Larry S. Moore on January 17, 2019, 3:51 pm, in reply to "Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge"

Charlie thanks for the info and I'll save your phone number!

Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge

Posted by Larry S. Moore on January 17, 2019, 3:52 pm, in reply to "Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge"

Terry - sorry for the slow response. I've not decided. Had some unexpected major bills already this year. I'd love to go and was telling my son in NC about the Pickin' Pig. Are you staying at the Holiday Inn??

Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge

Posted by Terry Reckart on January 17, 2019, 5:01 pm, in reply to "Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge"

Larry - Barb and I will be bringing the camper down. I am shooting a couple of shoots on the way down starting with the "Sea Food Blast" at M&M in NJ.So we plan on being on the road for about 3 weeks. Got 6 flats of shells ready to go.

Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge

Posted by Brian McMahon on January 18, 2019, 12:31 pm, in reply to "Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge"

MAN

This why I love being a member of the LC Smith Collectors Club. Reading the advise on something and the great response from members and learning something. Now I got to look into reloading 16 gauge. I got a 16 gauge Mec Loader will be asking Rev. Charlie how he set his up. Hope to make the March shoot in Carlise.

Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge

Posted by Byron Whitlock on January 19, 2019, 8:10 am, in reply to "Re: Reloading 2 1/2" RST 16 gauge"

You can find a lot of good information and chat about loading the 16ga at the 16ga Society site at www.16ga.com

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