I just started to reload the RST (Cheddite) hulls in 16 gauge, 7/8 ounce a few months ago using the Hodgdon recipes and found that they were pretty hot based on recoil and how loud they were. Because of this I started to load some shell with reduced powder charges by going down one powder bushing at a time in my MEC Sizemaster until I got a few loads that were similar to the recoil and sound of the RST factory loads. I picked a few of the best loads and sent samples to Precision Reloading for testing. I should have the results in a week or two and will let you know if any of them worked out. I could tell by the smoke color that I went too low on the powder charge on a few of these modified reloads. Black smoke indicated to me incomplete combustion.
I also had problems at first with the reloads and ejector guns. The top of the shell was slightly larger and they were difficult to insert in the barrel and to eject. I have played with the crimper and made the crimp a little deeper. I also found that if I rotate it and recrimp it a few times that helps. These procedures seem to help.
