low pressure shotgun loads

[IM391]

I'm looking for a low pressure load for 12 gauge 2 3/4" hunting grouse. I have an old Parker double with damascus barrels. A gunsmith said it is safe to shoot if I keep the pressure down. I have PB and Top Gun empties on hand.

I did find a PB load at the IMR data sight of 19 gr PB with an CB 1100 wad (WSL 1oz) in a AA with Win209 primer. The recipe is rated at 4500 psi. I am wondering if anyone else has experiences in this area.

Anyone know if there is any difference between the Remington 209P shotgun primer and the new Remington 209 STS primer? All internet recipes are still showing the 209P primer.

 

[Earlsbud]

The ONLY loads I would shoot through a Damascus bbl would be black powder loads. Period.

 

[rcmodel]

Same here.

I have personally known three guys who blew some fingers off with Damascus barrel shotguns over the last 50 years. Two of them with trap loads.

Was I just having to shoot it?
I'd get a pair of 20 ga chamber inserts for it.
http://mpcsports.com/sidekickchamberinserts20gafreeshipping.aspx

http://www.nokick.com/Chamber_Mates_12_gauge_gun_20_gauge_inserts_p/cm 12g-20i.htm

rc

 

[IM391]

I know about the risk innvolved. That is why I had a gunsmith go through the gun and found it is shootable.

 

[oneounceload]

RST and Polywad have the low pressure loads you are seeking that will work well in your gunsmith-certified-safe-to-shoot Parker

Not cheap, but how many rounds are you going to shoot anyway?

 

[243winxb]

Damascus Barrels

Do not shoot it, but if you must. Proof test it first. Sit it in an old tire with a long rope. Damascus twist barrels rust within the barrel where no one can see it.

 

[brickeyee]

That is why I had a gunsmith go through the gun and found it is shootable.

Unless he has x-ray equipment to check the barrel there is not any other inspection that can be performed to determine if is is "shootable."

A visual check is not adequate.

Magnuflux is not adequate.

 

[243winxb]

Damascus

http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/components/shotshell-components/shotshellprimers.aspx New 209 Premier STS primers can be substituted for Remington's previous 209P primers without changes in published reloading formulas. Briley has a good rightup on old shotguns worth reading. http://www.briley.com/articles/grampas_shotgun.html

One would be advised to wear a heavy leather glove on the leading hand, since when barrels fail from other than obstructions, they tend to split and the danger inherent is to the leading hand.

 

[oneounceload]

There are thousands of folks who shoot old Damascus barrel shotguns everyday in this country - groups like the Vintagers do it all year long. Your gunsmith has given you the OK for low-pressure loads; check out the ones I mentioned above - they make them for EXACTLY this scenario, as well as for those who have guns with 2 and 2.5 inch chambers - it is what these folks do

 

[Uniquedot]

I have personally known three guys who blew some fingers off with Damascus barrel shotguns over the last 50 years. Two of them with trap loads.

I separated the barrels on a nice old Swedish damascus double with a trap load once. The problem with this happening is usually a reloader looks at low pressure target data in loading manuals and assume that factory target loads are low pressure and a non reloader just assumes! when in fact they are generally running at maximum pressures because the manufacturers take into account that many of these loads will be fired from autoloaders. I always preferred Goex or Elephant when using damascus guns anyway and besides it doesn't involve robbing the traditional old doubles of their flavor.

Was I just having to shoot it?
I'd get a pair of 20 ga chamber inserts for it.

He would want to make sure the inserts are good quality in construction since 20 ga. target loads are generally higher pressure than 12's.