When do you retire your shotgun shells?

WillametteWill · Jan 9, 2015

Been reloading shotgun shells since the late 70's and I know what I use to decide when to toss my shells (deep cuts in the crimp plastic, messed up brass). Just wanted to know if others have found anything else they find important when deciding to toss their hulls. In the last four years using Remington STS shells I seem to be getting scary long life out of the hulls (not a bad thing). Even if I miss one with really bad cuts in the crimp they still seem to work fine.

The only real issue I'm finding is when they get hard from the burning, seem to lose some pellets out of the center of the crimp. What are your experiences?

rick benjamin · Jan 9, 2015

I drip candle wax into the open centers.
When the folds break off is a good time to toss a shell.

Member 34319 · Jan 9, 2015

I toss um only when they start to crack. Not on the top, but top/mid to center crack. I'm a AA guy and they tend to have great she'll life.

This one is a few more away from the garbage. The bigger crack will eventually work its way further down till it affects the integrity to crimp.

I probably might still use it for makeshift slugs!!!

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Steve M · Jan 9, 2015

It's not like these things are precious and hard to come by. I can't walk 10 feet in the forest without kicking up a whole herd of them.

Nwcid · Jan 9, 2015

Basically when they won't hold the shot or have other damage.

I have not reloaded 12a in a long time. I still have all my equipment, but when the cost of loading became less then $0.25/box different then buying I quit reloading. At one point it was actually cheaper for me to buy field loads then reload.

Member 34319 · Jan 9, 2015

Steve M said:
It's not like these things are precious and hard to come by. I can't walk 10 feet in the forest without kicking up a whole herd of them.

Doesn't always work like that. Not all shells load equally.

I do grab those I see that are worth picking up.

jcweber · Jan 11, 2015

Boy oh boy. This thread brings back the days of paper shells with waxed hulls, fiber wads and candles to get that one last load out of 'em. We've come a long way! Enjoy those plastic miracles.

Stomper · Jan 11, 2015

Reno911 said:
I toss um only when they start to crack. Not on the top, but top/mid to center crack. I'm a AA guy and they tend to have great she'll life.

This one is a few more away from the garbage. The bigger crack will eventually work its way further down till it affects the integrity to crimp.

I probably might still use it for makeshift slugs!!!

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You'd actually use a low-base shell for throwing slugs?

Member 34319 · Jan 11, 2015

Stomper said:
You'd actually use a low-base shell for throwing slugs?

Yep. As well as home made buck.

Stomper · Jan 11, 2015

Yeah, thinking about it it's all encased in the chamber afterall. It just wouldn't have occurred to me to run a heavy payload in low-base shells... brainwashed I guess. LOL

WillametteWill · Jan 12, 2015

Interesting to see everyone's thoughts. I think I toss mine a little earlier but they are still saved in a bucket just in case I run low (small chance). The new vs reload cost is definitely a factor. I'm trying to recreate shells that are $9 a box and with premium components they cost me about $5.80, plus my time. For me this is worth it and I enjoy time at the reloading bench. I still shoot some factory shells at competitions so my supply of new hulls is refreshed over the season.

I've never reloaded paper hulls but I still know people who love to shoot them!