Does anybody have a book or reliable source for data for a damascus 12 gauge. Either in BP or smokeless (is it even an option?) Would like to make up some shells to try out some of my old sxs. Just a few shots at some clays or something. As far as scatterguns go, all I have is an old lee loader kit for 12g.
Damascus shotguns
- Thread starter wd113
- Start date
First, make sure the gun is fit to be fired.
Black powder loads are easy. Equal volumes of powder and shot, wads to suit. The powder/wads/shot column needs to fill the shell, allowing for the crimp.
An ounce of shot would be a good start, same measure with FFg or Fg powder. Your Lee Loader would be fine.
Black powder loads are easy. Equal volumes of powder and shot, wads to suit. The powder/wads/shot column needs to fill the shell, allowing for the crimp.
An ounce of shot would be a good start, same measure with FFg or Fg powder. Your Lee Loader would be fine.
Some years ago, The Double Gun Journal published a study done testing smokeless loads for vintage guns. Proper pressure testing equipment was used. There were loads that produced less pressure than equivalent black powder loads, yet gave good performance.
The quality and condition of the gun is more important than black or smokeless, assuming that the loads (shot charge, velocity, etc.) are appropriate for the gun. There are many quality Damascus barreled guns bearing current, valid Birmingham Proof House proof marks for smokeless powder.
The quality and condition of the gun is more important than black or smokeless, assuming that the loads (shot charge, velocity, etc.) are appropriate for the gun. There are many quality Damascus barreled guns bearing current, valid Birmingham Proof House proof marks for smokeless powder.
^That's the trick right there.
Wolverine has Challenger shells advertised : 12ga - 2.5" - 7/8 oz. - 7500 psi.
Londonshooter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
I'm in London, ON, and regularly shoot low pressure smokeless loads in BP-proved guns. PM me if you would like any help.
Hodgdon has some low pressure loads for 12 gauge , down to 5500 psi , but you must use the exact components as changing even a primer can raise pressures ore than you'd expect. I use a low pressure load in my Parker that is less than 6200 psi. All the presupposes the barrels have been checked out by someone who knows what to look for.
Post 2 (tiriaq) says it well. I have a double Damascus barreled 12g that I reload BP (well, Pyrodex) shells. Made myself an equivalent "Lee Loader" based on various Youtube videos. Trim old shell, remove primer, insert new primer, XX volumes of pyrodex (square load) as detailed, cardboard disc 3/4" using a punch I bought from Amazon (I hear Michaels sells the same one), tissue paper, another cardboard disc, XX volume of lead shot, another cardboard disc, then while glue to seal it.
Shot a bunch of trap with my gun. Fun! Probably take it rabbit hunting soon. Just be sure to clean it well.
Shot a bunch of trap with my gun. Fun! Probably take it rabbit hunting soon. Just be sure to clean it well.
Couple of comments...
Avoid plastic wads with black. You might get bad plastic fouling. Stay with card/fiber/felt/cork wads.
I use antique loading tolls with a crank roll crimper for 12ga. Have a power roll crimper (use in drill press) for 10ga.
If you get brass shells, they do have to be washed and cleaned to avoid corrosion.
Brass, paper, plastic cases use different diameter wads. Simplifies things to pick one.
Avoid plastic wads with black. You might get bad plastic fouling. Stay with card/fiber/felt/cork wads.
I use antique loading tolls with a crank roll crimper for 12ga. Have a power roll crimper (use in drill press) for 10ga.
If you get brass shells, they do have to be washed and cleaned to avoid corrosion.
Brass, paper, plastic cases use different diameter wads. Simplifies things to pick one.
