I'm wanting to load a 12ga Double-Baller, 2 RBs size .600" in a 2-3/4" recipe?

[xxfireboy]

That would be a load very simular to the Cheddite 3" Dixie Tri-Ball load but in a 2.75" hull.

I know someone must have had this idea already so I'm looking for their recipe if you can help.

I just feel I could do a lot better without all that heavy pounding that the Dixie Tri-Balls are going to be dishing out! Still, I think a 12ga Double-Baller .600 in a 2-3/4" hull, like the Tri-Ball Dixie has but with two .600 RBs would do a great job too with just a hair less pounding! The Dixie Tri-Ball load is over 2 oz, but 2 RB's would falls right between a 1-3/8 and 1-1/2 oz. load which would still be very devastating in my book.

The Dixie Tri-Ball load uses the orange #TUPRW123 wad in the Cheddite 3" hulls and I see that there is even a 2-3/4" white #TUPRWW12 wad like the 3" orange #TUPRW123 wad at Precision Reloading. But they do not post the specs for their wads so it's hard to know if this would work out or not or if it's even close.

I have a lot of Cheddite 2-3/4 hulls and I like what I've been reading about the Dixie Tri-Balls and I can not see any reason why it wont work in the 12ga 2-3/4 unless there is some big difference in the 2-3/4 wad or maybe there is another wad out there that will work or maybe no wad using gas seal and felt wads.

BTW: I've been searching for over five days now on Goggle and many forums including this one to no good end, trying to find anything on a two rb load and nothing.

Thanks in advance. FB

[Pawildman]

.... Here's what I would look at... Is the 2 3/4" wad of the same basic design as the 3", just shorter? If so, I would try it as is. If not, I would try trimming the 3" wad to the length of the 2 3/4" and load it up. Is filler used inside the wad with the RB's? If so, you should use something too. I'd give it a go..... Got an old single-barrel "proof" gun around to try it in?

[xxfireboy]

A lot of ground has been covered since my original post. Like they always say "great minds think alike".

Not getting any answers that I needed it hit me to take a look at the Tri-Ball and see what I could come up with for comparisons. Like copy the components used in it, so after finding out what was in the 3" load I went to the Precision Reloading website searching for a wad like the 3" Tri-Ball uses. Bam! I searched for TUPRWW12 not knowing there was a 2-3/4" and sure enough up pops the wad(TUPRW12) like the 3" wad(TUPRW123). I did not know I had left of the "3" at the end of the part number.

Then I called them and spoke with Trent who was more than eager to help and is sending samples of the slit and unslit TUPRW12 wads for me to check out.

My plan was to not use buffer at first but because of all that I've read about it creates higher pressures when used. But I posted a post at Dixie to Mr.Gates and he had changed my mind. I'll post below what he responded to my question for a two ball load below.

I had searched the web for wads and wad specs hoping to find some heavy duty wads being used for the different metals but that was useless also, then I remembered I had a old Ballistic Products catalog and dug it out. After some time I found three wads that looked like they could work. As it has turned out one of those wads TPS1275 is almost identical in the picture to the TUPRW12. The only other possibilities I saw were the LBC30 & LBC43.

I picked these because I wanted them to be as heavy duty and as close fitting to the balls as I can get. All wads have a very close fit to the balls, total clearance of .006" with .003" on each side. The LBC30 is a little short in length but it may work also. You'll see what Mr.Gates says about the LBC wads also.

I have got everything on order and in several weeks maybe I'll have some good results to share. Well maybe a little longer because finding the time to go test them maybe later than sooner. Thanks again fb

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Although Dixie has not worked up any two ball loads for 12 ga 2 3/4".......we will give some suggestions.
First of all, weigh the balls and divide that weight by 437.5....that will give you the ounces of your balls. Look up a shot load calling for that ounce weight.
Then...measure the overall length of the balls and check the length of BPI's LBC wad's inside. This will select the best wad. Your crimp index may call for filler wads. Select the slowest burn powder listed for your weight of balls or shot. Buffer the balls to cover the top one. Since there is less sidewall pressure with the balls, the buffer will be safe. The balls should be hard so the will not deform and cause sidewall pressure.....Regards, James

[Pawildman]

...... What Dixie told you is 100% in agreement with what I figured you were going to try, according to your post describing load duplications changing shot weights to ball weights or vice-versa. The wad selection process doesn't need to be so complicated... match up a sturdy wad that fits your needs and is the same configuration as something you are trying to duplicate. Powder charge duplication for reloading should be a fairly easy selection from a competent reloading manual.

..... Let us know how it works out for you...