1897 16 Gauge

[Bigbear54]

i just got a 1897 16 gauge takedown with a 19 in barrel ser# 120485. I questioned the 19 in barrel, but the person i got it from said his gramps got it new like that. it is tight and Cycles well.
I also bought an older shell master press that came set up for 16 gauge. There is about 500 Plastic wads for 1OZ. a bunch of fiber wads 1/2 in. ans some over powder fiber wads. there is also 3 boxes of C I L Dominion Used Hulls 2 3/4.

Now i do know that the Chamber is 2 1/2 to 2 9/16ths, because of the older Gun. this one came of the line between 1899 and 1900. I have been cutting the Hulls down to 2 1/2 in, Using the Plastic wads and 7/8ths oz #6 shot and a 6 star crimp. could i use a 1 oz shot load instead as the press is set up for that. I have universal Powder would a load of 20 grains be ok, or can i go a little more. I also have tite group powder as well. I did By a box of Federal 16 gau, 2/3/4 1 oz, and cut those down and re-crimped them an they seemed to shoot well.

This for cowboy action so its not like I will be shooting ducks or geese with it. Well Maybe the odd Grouse.
Opinions Please, powder, shot size, etc.
Thanks in advance

 

[HUNTERROD]

Here's a load I use in an old sxs
18.5 gr of red dot, Winchester 209 primer
I've used it in Remington and imperial hulls
No issues, 1oz shot, I used Winchester 16 gauge plastic
Wads, with a # 6-7.5 shot
Makes 6500 psi, even safe for Damascus guns, 1180fps