28 Gauge Reloading Data

28 gauge reloading data consists of tested recipes combining specific hulls, primers, wads, and powder charges to produce safe patterns and velocities. This article contains published 28 gauge reloading data for popular 3/4 ounce target payloads to help you assemble reliable shotshells. Keep in mind that exact data depends entirely on the specific hull and wad combination, and you must strictly follow the original publishing source without making component substitutions.

28 Gauge Reloading Data

Hull Type	Payload Weight (oz.)	Powder	Min Charge (gr)	Max Charge (gr)	Max Velocity (fps)
Winchester AA HS	3/4	Hodgdon Universal	13.0	13.6	1,250
Winchester AA HS	3/4	Hodgdon Longshot	15.6	17.1	1,300
Winchester AA HS	3/4	Winchester 572	13.4	14.5	1,250
Remington STS	3/4	Hodgdon Universal	12.8	13.5	1,250
Remington STS	3/4	Hodgdon Longshot	15.0	16.2	1,250
Remington STS	3/4	Winchester 572	13.5	14.4	1,250
Fiocchi	3/4	Hodgdon Longshot	16.5	18.0	1,300
Cheddite	3/4	Hodgdon Universal	13.8	14.8	1,250

Explanation Of The Data

The supplied 28 gauge reloading data covers the industry standard 3/4 ounce payload across several popular hull types. Unlike metallic cartridge reloading, shotshell reloading relies on exact recipes, and the minimum and maximum charges listed here represent the lowest and highest published velocities for a specific, verified combination of primers and wads.

Winchester AA HS Hulls

The Winchester AA HS is a two piece tapered hull and is one of the most popular choices for 28 gauge reloaders. Because of its tapered internal design, it requires specific wads like the WAA28HS or CB5034-28HS. Using Hodgdon Universal, safe recipes range from 13.0 grains up to 13.6 grains to achieve velocities between 1,200 and 1,250 fps. Slower burning powders like Hodgdon Longshot require heavier charges ranging from 15.6 to 17.1 grains to reach up to 1,300 fps safely.

Remington STS Hulls

Remington STS and Premier hulls also feature a tapered internal design but have a slightly different internal capacity than Winchester hulls. They typically require Remington PT28 wads or their exact clones. For a 3/4 ounce payload, Winchester 572 powder charges span from 13.5 to 14.4 grains. Because the internal volume is slightly different, the required powder charges are generally lower than those used in Winchester hulls to achieve the exact same maximum velocity of 1,250 fps.

Straight Wall Hulls

European hulls like Fiocchi and Cheddite utilize a straight wall design, which creates a larger internal volume. This increased capacity typically requires larger diameter wads and heavier powder charges to seal gases effectively and reach target velocities. For example, a Fiocchi hull utilizing Hodgdon Longshot requires a substantial charge of 16.5 to 18.0 grains to reach 1,300 fps, noticeably more than the tapered Winchester AA HS hull requires for the same speed.

Understanding 28 Gauge Load Data

In shotshell reloading, a starting or minimum charge represents the lowest published powder weight for a specific recipe, usually targeting around 1,150 to 1,200 fps for clay target shooting. The maximum charge represents the highest published recipe before exceeding the SAAMI maximum pressure limit of 12,500 psi for the 28 gauge. Velocity is measured in feet per second (fps) at the muzzle. Load data differs vastly between hull types because internal geometries dictate how chamber pressure builds. Tapered hulls compress the powder and wad differently than straight wall hulls, completely changing the pressure curve.

Manufacturer Data vs Provided Data

The provided table is built on authoritative published data from the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center. The ranges represent standard 1,200 fps to 1,300 fps recipes using Winchester 209 and Remington 209P primers matched with appropriate manufacturer wads. The 28 gauge load data accurately reflects the industry standard practice of adjusting powder charges based strictly on hull volume. Minor variations in your actual velocity may occur due to environmental factors, shotgun barrel length, or the specific crimp depth applied by your reloading press.

28 Gauge Safety

Shotshell reloading data is absolutely component specific. You must never substitute hulls, wads, or primer brands without consulting a published recipe. A wad designed for a straight wall hull will not fit properly in a tapered hull, and substituting primers can spike chamber pressure by several thousand psi. Shotshells do not show traditional pressure signs like metallic cartridges, meaning you could be firing dangerous loads without knowing it until a catastrophic failure occurs. Always follow published manufacturer data exactly as printed.

FAQs

What is 28 gauge reloading data?

It is the tested and published set of exact recipes for loading 28 gauge shotgun shells, detailing the specific hull, primer, powder, wad, and payload weight required for safe operation.

What powders work best for 28 gauge?

Popular and highly effective powders for the 28 gauge include Hodgdon Universal, Hodgdon Longshot, Winchester 572, Alliant 20/28, and Alliant Unique.

What is the standard payload for 28 gauge target loads?

The industry standard payload for 28 gauge target and skeet loads is 3/4 ounce of lead shot.

Can I substitute wads in 28 gauge load data?

No, you cannot safely substitute wads unless the powder manufacturer explicitly states that the specific wad is an exact ballistic clone of the original.

Why does 28 gauge reloading data vary by hull brand?

Data varies because different hull brands have completely different internal capacities and base wad designs, which directly affects how pressure builds upon ignition.

Where can I find 28 gauge reloading data?

You can find reliable 28 gauge reloading data in printed manuals from Lyman, as well as online from the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center and the Alliant Powder website.