I know that this topic has been discussed to death, but, I need loading info on Top Gun and Estate hulls. What hull can I reference in the Alliant Guide? I've got a bunch of each and would like to save some wear and tear on my Gold Medals. Thanks in advance, Dave

Dave:

Check your private messages.

sissy

Use the Federal Gold Medal data. It is close enough.

Jim Skeel
P/W Dealer/Distributor

Dave, In terms of loading for velocity (FPS) I have found the Top Gun hulls to load pretty closely to the data published by Federal for the "all paper" hulls. I base that statement solely on using F209 primer, 1-1/8 oz shot, and powders like green dot, red dot, international clays, and clay dot. Compared to the FGM plastic hull, the Top Gun hull definitely takes more powder to get the same velocity - see the samples I list below (all testing done with average of 5 shots over Chrony, -40 fps to calibrate to factory testing). I cant talk to pressures though - so be careful how you proceed.

FTG hull - 20.5 Int Clays, CB12S3, 1-1/8 oz, Fed209A, ave vel = 1170

FGM hull - 20.5 Int Clays, CB12S3, 1-1/8 oz, Fed209A, ave vel = 1230

FTG hull - 18.0 Claydot, CB12S3, 1-1/8 oz, Fed209A, ave vel = 1140

FGM hull - 18.0 Claydot, CB12S3, 1-1/8 oz, Fed209A, ave vel = 1180

What I have read is that the Estates load like any other Federal hull. Is this correct as I've got access to tons of them.

In Alliant's 2004 guide:

Fed 209A, Fed 12S3, 1 1/8 oz shot, 1200 f/s

Fed Hi power Plastic shell w/ rolled paper base wad: 19.0 gr Red Dot, 9300 psi; 21 gr Green Dot, 8000 psi.

Fed Paper: 19.0 gr Red Dot, 9800 psi; 21 gr Green Dot, 7800 psi.

Jason

Blusky and waverider have it right! If you use the gold medal data you will definitely be on the soft side! Use the paper data! Tom Rhoads

Whoops! Yes, MDMIKE! I actually found them to be more uniform in the internal capacity! However, I think the Top Guns may reload longer but not sure! Tom Rhoads

The Top Gun/Estate have paper basewads - no more than 2 reloads whereas the Federal Gold Medal is a premium hull and does not have the paper basewad so reloading can be more.

Alliant says use the FGM loading data for the Top Gun/Estate hulls.

The cheaper plastic in the estate hulls lets the crimps open up for me. Clyde

Thanks guys. I appreciate the info and the respectful manner it was given.

Dave

As a general rule with green dot, it takes about 1 grain more in a top gun hull than a gun club or AA. I load thousands of top guns a year and don't have any problems. Load them twice and throw them. Jason

Federal Premium's website has a shotshell reloading guide with published data for Top Gun Hulls. They are listed under "12 gauge Hunting type 2 3/4" plastic case" and data is available for 3 dram equivalent and heavier loads only. Data is included from all major powder suppliers.

Although limited, this is a nice addendum to the literature available in reloader guides from Gun Powder companies. Not sure if the posted link will work. If not, search for the Federal Premium website for this handy guide. Look under the Resources tab and select Shotshell Reloading Data. Data is included for most of the shells they manufacture.

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