For reloaders, the question of whether Herter's shotgun shells are suitable for the process is a common one. Herter's, once a prominent sporting goods company, is now known primarily for its legacy and the availability of its older products on the secondary market. This article will delve into the pros and cons of using Herter's shotgun shells for reloading, offering a balanced perspective based on experience and available information.
The Herter's Legacy: A Blast from the Past
Before we dive into the reloading aspect, it's crucial to understand Herter's history. The company was known for offering affordable hunting and shooting supplies, including ammunition. Their shotgun shells were widely used, particularly in the mid-20th century. However, the company's manufacturing processes and quality control standards may differ significantly from modern manufacturers. This is a crucial factor when considering reloading.
Analyzing Herter's Shells for Reloading: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Potential Advantages:
- Cost-Effective (Potentially): Depending on where you source them, Herter's shells might be cheaper than buying new hulls from current manufacturers. This could translate to cost savings if you're a high-volume reloader. However, the cost savings must be weighed against the potential for increased time and effort, and potential losses due to issues described below.
- Availability (Limited): Finding Herter's hulls might be a challenge, depending on your location and access to surplus sporting goods or online marketplaces.
Significant Disadvantages:
- Age and Condition: The biggest drawback is the age of these hulls. Older shells can suffer from degradation of the brass, plastic, or primers over time. This can lead to:
- Primer failures: Old primers may become unreliable, resulting in misfires or hangfires, posing a safety risk.
- Hull damage: Cracks or other damage to the hull's body can compromise its structural integrity, leading to potential explosions or malfunctions during firing.
- Inconsistent Dimensions: Over time, the hulls may warp or deform, making them incompatible with modern reloading presses and potentially impacting shot patterns.
- Unknown Components: The exact composition of Herter's hulls might be unknown, making it difficult to determine their suitability for modern powders and shot charges. Using an improper combination can lead to dangerous pressure increases.
- Safety Concerns: The combination of age, unknown components, and the potential for degraded materials significantly increases the risk of accidents during reloading and firing. Safety should always be the paramount concern.
Alternatives to Reloading Herter's Shells
Given the significant drawbacks associated with reloading old Herter's shells, it's advisable to explore readily available alternatives:
- New hulls from reputable manufacturers: This guarantees consistent quality, reliability, and safety.
- Recycled hulls from reputable sources: Many reloaders use recycled hulls, ensuring they are in good condition.
Conclusion: Proceed with Extreme Caution (Or Not at All)
Reloading Herter's shotgun shells is generally not recommended. The significant risks associated with the age and condition of these hulls outweigh any potential cost savings. The safety hazards are simply too great. Investing in new or reliable recycled hulls from reputable manufacturers is the far safer and more sensible option for consistent reloading performance and, more importantly, personal safety. Always prioritize safety when handling firearms and ammunition.
