Ted Williams 200 proper shell size.

[CSballer89]

I have a Winchester 1200 (Ted Williams 200) in 20 Ga. does anyone know what the suggested shell size is? It runs 2 1/2" shells like a champ, but when I try to put 2 3/4" shells through it eats that **** up. The action comes back maybe an inch or so and locks up. and it's hell trying to get it out. Any ideas? The 2 1/2" was game load and the 2 3/4" was a slug is that makes a difference.

 

[rcmodel]

It probably says on the barrel it is chambered for 2 3/4" shells.
That is what it should work with best.

Where in the world do you even find 2 1/2" 20 ga shells?

Are you sure you don't have 2 3/4" and 3" shells?

It should not work with 3" shells.

Shell length is measured on a fired shell.
Loaded shells are crimped, and are shorter then they will be after firing irons out the crimp.

rc

 

[chas08]

Where in the world do you even find 2 1/2" 20 ga shells?

He's probably measuring an unfired 2 3/4" shell. All the TW 200's I've ever looked at were 2 3/4" guns. I don't know if they ever made a magnum model, I've never seen one. They are essentially a Winchester 1200 with a few minor changes, many parts interchange.

 

[CSballer89]

That number refers to the size of shell yeah? They're old, my grandpa gave me his shotgun and all the shells he still had for it. last time he went pheasant hunting was maybe lat 60's or early 70's?

 

[Mr. T]

I've got that gun in 12 guage and it runs the 2-3/4" ammo fine. I wouldn't know about the 20 guage. I didn't know they made 20 guage in 2-1/2"....I've only bought it in 2-3/4"
but I've only owned 20 guage shotguns for a couple years now. I love my M200 in 12 guage; out of all my shotguns that gun is my favorite...without a doubt the best shotgun I own...mine's got a poly choke on the end of the barrel ... I love it! Good luck with your issue.

 

[chas08]

That 2 1/2 refers to the "Dram Equivalent" on the powder charge. Meaning the charge contained in the shell is equivalent to 2 1/2 drams of black powder. It's not refering to the length.

 

[oneounceload]

Shell length, as mentioned, is the length of a FIRED cartridge. If you have been shooting 3" shells in a 2-3/4" gun you've been taking unnecessary risks, as the pressures will be above the accepted norm for safe use.

2-1/2" shells are readily available from a variety of sources and are made to be used in older guns so chambered. Older guns as in early 20th century, typically.

 

[rcmodel]

That 2 1/2 refers to the "Dram Equivalent" on the powder charge.

+1
Don't recall ever seeing a 2 3/4" shotgun shell with the length printed on it. Or any other length for that matter.

rc

 

[oneounceload]

Don't recall ever seeing a 2 3/4" shotgun shell with the length printed on it. Or any other length for that matter.

I have - my Remington Gun Clubs in 12 do as do my Rios in 20 - both have the English and Metric length on them, along with the DE, shot size, etc. Many others have put in in Metric form (70MM) since there are a lot of 2-1/2" guns (65MM) still out there.

 

[CajunBass]

Never mind. I'm wrong. The Ted Williams 200 is a semi-auto isn't it?

I don't think any of the Sears/Ted Williams semi-auto's were chambered for 3" shells. 2 3/4" only.

 

[RUT]

>>The Ted Williams 200 is a semi-auto isn't it?<<

Mine's a pump.

 

[CajunBass]

Ok. See that's what I was originally thinking when I posted, then out-thought myself. I've got a Sears 200 12 ga. pump, but wasn't sure if the TW's used the same numbers. I should have remembered that the Winchester 1200 was a pump, and the 1400 was the semi-auto. :banghead:

My 12 ga is chambered for 3" shells. That's probably not much help, but generally pumps all are. Even back in the day that was a big selling point for a pump, they could take any kind of ammo.

Either way it should be marked on the left side of the barrel, next to the receiver.