I thought that I had hit the jackpot today. I went to a stall run by a guy that specialises in old shotshells, reloading gear, etc. I was picking up an old Aussie built reloading press and a lubesizer for an American friend who is a collector of such wonderful junk. I had seen it at a previous gun show and contacted my friend, and the guy bought it to our local show.
While I was paying him, I spotted several packets of empty 12Ga Cheddite paper hulls. I immediately thought 'U-beauty!!! They wil be great for Black Powder loads. When I pulled one out and looked at it, I couldn't figure out what I was looking at. He then pointed out that they had a huge primer which was a European thing and he said that he was unable to source them.
I was disappointed, but as I went to leave, I spotted bags of older loaded paper shotshells. 50 shotshells for $15. After a bit of arm wrestling, I ended up walking out with four bags (200x) for $50. They are a mix of loads, some roll crimped, some star crimped, trap loads and hunting loads.
I'm pretty pleased about them as I haven't seen paper shells in Australia for many moons. I'm toying with the idea of going back fo rsome more tomorrow.
I also picked up an antique 16Ga crimp tool for $20. These are normally really expensive as people collect them (even though they often don't know what they are???). There were several at the show, but the others were all $90-$100.
I was speaking to my mate after the show and he was telling me about a 38Special Victory Model S&W which I missed. It was real cheap and was still there at closing time. I will land on that tomorrow morning.
I'm extraordinarly well set up for black powder shotshell, I just have to go hunting and free up some of these shells. Tough job, but someone's gotta do it, lol.