16 Gauge Shells
 

Does anyone know of a good source, other than RST, for 16 gauge shells? I love RST but am looking for a less expensive source for target rounds.

Much thanks!

Herters ammo through Cabela's seems to be popular but they are 2 3/4". You did not mention your chamber length. If it is 2 1/2" you might be stuck with RST or reloading unless some of the other members knows of a source. Check that wall thickness before using the modern ammo or any ammo for that matter.

I just noticed those as well. Reasonable at $7 per box. I’m going to have the gun checked including,of course, min wall thickness. The barrels are fluid steel, so it may be just fine. If it is, I may go with the Herters shells.

Herters are probably the least expensive 16 G target shell. They have a bit to much recoil to suit my SXS Parkers & high volume targets though. Reload is a good option

William

We are not “stuck with RST or reloading” if looking for low pressure 2 ½" 16-gauge shells.

The link posted above to Polywad will lead you to a second source.

That company now offers a low-recoil 16-gauge Spreader load in 2 1/2". I believe that formerly the 2 1/2 " Spreader loads it produced were higher pressure, albeit within a 2 1/2" shell.

As for price, well... ammo for vintage guns is a specialty item for a narrow market segment.

Not sure what it will mean for the future, but the company is under new ownership.

I have always enjoyed excellent results with polywad ammo. I have not heard about a change in ownership. Do you have any details ?

Polywad would not be an improvement in price over RST. I buy 2 1/2 DE 1 ounce 16s from Remington. I have bought from Dick's at about $5.00 a box minus coupons, although Dick's is no longer our friend politically.

The Remington shells would be perfect, if I can find them. Sadly, Dicks is no longer an option.

The Rems are 2 3/4" , but are 2 1/2 dram equivalent. I have been told they are slightly shorter than 2 3/4, havent measured them. The recoil would probably have a little bite if fired in a light 2 1/2" chamber gun. I believe you are looking for shells to fire in your new 16 hammer gun--at least it ihas fluid steel barrels, so the extra pressure rise might not be a problem. I load almost nothing but 2 1/2" shells now for my 16's (9 of them). 7/8 oz and 3/4 oz thru a 16 are sweet shooters, but if you dont reload that is a moot point.