Winchester 1887 pressures

[Jessesky]

Picked up a new lovely lady the other day. I would really like to take her to the sporting clays course.

This 1887 was made in 1890, chambered in 12ga. The gun was made with black powder loads in mind, but does have a fluid steel barrel.

Currently I shoot 2.5” RST ultra-lite in my old sxs box and side locks to be gentle on the thin English wrists and not to promote action wear. This load is smokeless with 3/4oz at 1125fps. How do you think this load will fare in my 1887?

I would prefer to shoot smokeless “trapdoor” level loads so it’s less corrosive and I won’t have to clean as often. I appreciate the tradition of black powder, but I know it means I won’t take it out as often to shoot with.

 

[kudu]

Considering that load is about the equivalent of a light 28 gauge load it should be fine unless there are already problems with the gun. Probably safer than using a standard black powder load.

 

[EMC45]

Nice Browning designed gun in very good shape!

 

[unspellable]

You should be using loads that are specifically "nitro for black powder". So called "lite" loads are not necessarily low pressure. They often use a reduced charge of faster powder that will run the same pressure as a heavy load.

 

[Jim Watson]

RST shells are stated to be loaded to low pressure for old guns except for those made to function old autos like a 2 /16" Browning.

 

[halfmoonclip]

Lotta drop in that stock. Nice catch, in great shape. Enjoy.
Moon

 

[Jessesky]

You should be using loads that are specifically "nitro for black powder". So called "lite" loads are not necessarily low pressure. They often use a reduced charge of faster powder that will run the same pressure as a heavy load.

I wasn’t able to find pressures on RSTs website. I only know they are frequently used in older guns. Wanted to see if anyone had much experience with them.

I was able to find on another forum they ran 4300psi average, but that is hearsay, and not confirmed

 

[tachelberry]

I have three 1887's. Two shooters and one parts gun. When I do shoot them I load either low pressure smokeless, RST, or I load black powder for them. The 2.5 inch Mag Tech brass hulls seem to cycle the best. The other alternative is the Federal Gold Metal paper hulls that I cut down to 2.5". When you do shoot the 1887 or 1901's be careful with that short bobbed hammer. It can easily slip from your thumb. enjoy...