Do you ever wonder why your 20 gauge reloads do not perform the same way twice? Many shooters find that the secret to a perfect shot starts long before they pull the trigger. It begins with the hull. While 12 gauge components are easy to find, the world of 20 gauge reloading can feel like a frustrating maze of confusing brands and inconsistent quality. Choosing the wrong hull often leads to crimping issues, loose primers, or even dangerous pressure spikes that can ruin your day at the range.
This post is here to clear up the confusion. We will break down the differences between straight-wall and tapered hulls so you can stop guessing and start loading with confidence. You will learn which hulls offer the longest lifespan and which ones provide the tightest patterns for your specific needs. By understanding the unique chemistry and construction of these shells, you will save money and improve your accuracy on the field.
Stop wasting time with trial and error that leaves you empty-handed. Whether you are a competitive trap shooter or a weekend hunter, selecting the right hull is the most important step in your process. Let’s dive into the best options on the market and help you build the perfect 20 gauge load for your next outing.
Top 20 Gauge Hulls For Reloading Recommendations
- Precision 20-Gauge Scaling: Specifically engineered with bore-correct diameters to hold 20-gauge hulls securely, preventing the "leaning" often found in universal or oversized trays.
- Optimal 36-Round Batch Size: The 6x6 grid layout offers a perfect middle ground for efficiency, allowing you to process more than a standard box of shells without taking up excessive bench space.
- Rigid PLA Architecture: 3D-printed with a focus on structural integrity, the high-quality PLA ensures the tray remains flat and stable under the weight of fully brassed hulls.
- Aesthetic & Functional Colors: Available in color options, allowing you to color-code your 20-gauge equipment (like using yellow to match traditional shell colors) for enhanced safety and organization.
- Easy-Load Tapered Wells: Designed with subtle entry chamfers to allow for quick, "no-look" shell insertion, speeding up your workflow during the de-priming and charging stages.
- Streamlines shell packing to save time and effort.
- Designed to fit standard 20 gauge shell boxes for quick setup.
- Durable plastic construction built for repeated use.
- Keeps shells neatly aligned, improving labeling and organization.
- Compact and portable, ideal for on-site reloading stations.
- Elevate your firearm training – 20-pack 12 Gauge dummy rounds. Unlike others, these feature a 12 gauge hull with an orange ABS plastic insert, ensuring durability for all your training needs, just like live rounds. S.T. Action Pro 12 Gauge Orange Trainer Dummy Rounds are recognized as the finest, most durable trainer cartridges available—and have been the industry standard for over 20 years. Tried and true, these are the original Action Trainer Dummy Rounds that others try to replicate.
- Safely improve your shooting skills with S.T. Action Pro 12 Gauge dummy ammo. These inert training rounds are ideal for classroom training, safe firearm handling instruction, and dry fire exercises. Perfect for teaching safe firearm handling skills or diagnosing common shooter errors. Completely inert—they contain no primers or powder and will not fire. Designed by a U.S. military veteran and law enforcement rangemaster for trusted, professional level training.
- Emulates live ammo - Designed for military and law enforcement training. Ideal for malfunction drills, reloading practice, and defensive training. No hazardous components — just 100% inert, reusable, and realistic training ammunition. Bright orange safety inserts improve visibility and help keep training rounds clearly distinguishable from live ammunition.
- When loaded, these dummy rounds give your firearm a realistic, loaded feel for true-to-life practice. The bright orange color and distinct design make them easy to find and ensure they are never mistaken for live ammunition, even under stress.
- Enhance your training with S.T. Action Pro dummy rounds! Proudly assembled in the USA by a veteran-owned small business, built to meet the demands of professionals. Safe, durable, and reusable - your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities.
- STREAMLINE YOUR SHOTSHELL RELOADING PROCESS – Designed to quickly organize and stack 20 gauge reloaded shotgun shells, helping reloaders save time while efficiently preparing shells for storage, transport, and use at the range or in the field
- FILLS AN ENTIRE 25 ROUND BOX IN ONE EASY STEP – Simply place loaded shells into the E-Z Pak, position the box over the stacker, and invert to neatly transfer an entire box of shells without individually loading each round
- DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR 20 GAUGE SHOTSHELLS – Precision molded to properly organize standard 20 gauge shotgun shells, providing consistent alignment and reliable performance for reloaders seeking greater efficiency at the loading bench
- DURABLE LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION FOR LONG TERM USE – Manufactured from rugged materials designed to withstand repeated loading sessions while remaining lightweight, easy to handle, and convenient to store alongside other reloading equipment
- PERFECT ADDITION TO ANY SHOTSHELL RELOADING BENCH – Ideal for hunters, clay shooters, trap shooters, skeet shooters, and high-volume reloaders looking to improve workflow, organization, and productivity during shotshell reloading sessions
- 20GA Shotshell Reloading Block – Holds up to 25 shotgun shells securely, ensuring stability and precise positioning during every reloading session.
- Made in USA, Durable Plastic Construction – High-quality plastic ensures long-lasting performance, lightweight yet sturdy for reliable use by beginners and experienced reloaders.
- Efficient and Organized Reloading – Keeps 20 gauge shells upright and organized, making handloading or press setups faster and more accurate.
- Essential Reloading Accessory – A must-have tool for 20GA enthusiasts, streamlining your shotshell reloading workflow for consistent results.
- Stable and Reliable Design – Provides a secure base for every 20GA shotshell, supporting safe, efficient, and repeatable reloading.
- 12GA SHOTSHELL RELOADING BLOCK – Holds up to 25 shotgun shells securely, ensuring stable positioning and consistent handling during every reloading session.
- DURABLE PLASTIC CONSTRUCTION – Made from high-quality material for long-lasting performance, lightweight yet strong enough for repeated bench use.
- EFFICIENT BENCH ORGANIZATION – Keeps 12 gauge shells upright, separated, and easy to access, improving speed and accuracy in handloading or press setups.
- ESSENTIAL RELOADING ACCESSORY – A practical tool for 12GA enthusiasts, helping maintain an organized and smooth reloading workflow.
- STABLE AND RELIABLE DESIGN – Provides a solid base for each shotshell, supporting safe, controlled, and repeatable reloading operations.
- 12GA Shotshell Reloading Block – Holds up to 25 shotgun shells securely, ensuring stability and precise positioning during every reloading session.
- Made in USA, Durable Plastic Construction – High-quality plastic ensures long-lasting performance, lightweight yet sturdy for reliable use by beginners and pros.
- Efficient and Organized Reloading – Keeps 12 gauge shells upright and organized, making handloading or press setups faster and more accurate.
- Essential Reloading Accessory – A must-have tool for 12GA enthusiasts, streamlining your shotshell reloading workflow for consistent results.
- Stable and Reliable Design – Provides a secure base for every 12GA shotshell, supporting safe, efficient, and repeatable reloading.
- Chucks into any 1/4"; or 3/8";' drill or drill press.
- Spins and creates heat and when pressure is applied conditions the hull to remove signs of old crimp
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing 20 Gauge Hulls for Reloading
Reloading your own 20 gauge shotgun shells is a rewarding hobby. It saves money and lets you customize your loads for trap shooting or hunting. However, the quality of your finished shell depends entirely on the hull you start with. Not all hulls are created equal.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for hulls, look for consistency. You want hulls that are uniform in length and thickness. This ensures that your crimps are tight and your pressure remains safe. Check the base of the hull for any signs of rust or deformation. A clean, smooth base is essential for reliable feeding in your shotgun.
Important Materials
Most modern hulls are made from plastic. However, the internal construction varies. High-quality hulls feature a plastic base wad. Older or cheaper hulls might use a paper base wad. Plastic base wads are superior because they do not absorb moisture. Moisture can cause the internal pressure of your shell to change, which is dangerous. Stick to plastic-on-plastic construction whenever possible.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors determine how many times you can reuse a hull:
- Plastic Type: Harder, premium plastics last longer through multiple firing cycles.
- Brass Height: High-brass hulls are often built to handle higher pressures. However, low-brass hulls are perfectly fine for target loads.
- Crimp Memory: Good hulls “remember” their original fold. This makes them easier to reload without the plastic cracking or splitting.
- Previous Use: Avoid hulls that have been sitting in the rain or mud. Debris inside the hull can ruin your reloading equipment.
User Experience and Use Cases
For target shooters, high-volume hulls like the Remington STS or Winchester AA are the gold standard. They are designed to be reloaded many times. If you are hunting, you might prefer a hull that you do not mind losing in the field. In that case, cheaper, “one-and-done” hulls are a better choice. Always keep your hulls organized by brand and type. Mixing different brands in the same batch will lead to inconsistent crimps and poor performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many times can I reload a 20 gauge hull?
A: Premium hulls can often be reloaded 5 to 10 times. Budget hulls may only last for one or two cycles before the plastic starts to split.
Q: Can I mix different brands of hulls in one batch?
A: No. Different brands have different internal volumes. Mixing them will change the pressure of your shells and result in bad crimps.
Q: What is a “base wad” and why does it matter?
A: The base wad is the internal piece at the bottom of the hull. Plastic base wads are safer and more durable than paper ones.
Q: How do I know if a hull is unsafe to reload?
A: If you see cracks near the crimp, rust on the metal head, or if the primer pocket feels loose, throw the hull away.
Q: Do I need special equipment for 20 gauge hulls?
A: Yes. You need a 20 gauge specific reloading press or specific dies for your current press. You cannot use 12 gauge equipment for 20 gauge shells.
Q: Should I clean my hulls before reloading?
A: It is not necessary to wash them. Simply wipe off any loose dirt or debris from the outside before you start.
Q: Does the color of the hull matter?
A: No. Color is purely cosmetic. However, many reloaders use specific colors to identify different load types (like birdshot vs. slugs).
Q: Are low-brass hulls weaker than high-brass hulls?
A: Not necessarily. The brass height mostly relates to the original intended pressure of the shell, not the strength of the plastic tube.
Q: What is “crimp memory”?
A: This is the ability of the plastic to fold back into its original shape during the reloading process.
Q: Where can I find load data for my specific hulls?
A: Always consult the powder manufacturer’s website or a reputable reloading manual. Never guess your load data.