A question of pressure and length

[Matt Valinsky]

The length first. I seem to be getting the idea that it is accecptable to use 2-3/4" shells in guns chambered for shorter shells. The shotguns in question a 16 and 12g. Trojan. Your thoughts on this.

Next, What would be considered a safe working pressure for those two guns?

I'm going to start reloading for both the 16 and 12 soon and want to start off on the right foot.

If I can use 2-3/4" hulls I can buy once fired, if I have or should use 2-1/2" hulls, so far I haven't found any once fired.

That leads to chamber pressure, knowing where I need to be will help figure out what I need for components.

I just spent about an hour looking through the Alliant powder reloaders guide. Alot of loads for the 12 but only about half dozen for the 16 and I really like 16g.

Thanks for your help in getting the new guy started.

Matt

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

I will lets others address the first questions but the hull problem for 2.5 inch hulls is easy. take your boxcutter/razor knife and remove the last 1/4 inch off those 2.75 inch hulls.

[Kensal Rise]

Matt:
The issue of pressure is relative. If a skivved 2 3/4-inch hull is used in a gun with a more or less normal forcing cone, the added pressure is minimal. Sherman Bell tested this whole issue long ago with professional help and equipment. His results are in DGJ. He found that the added pressure for the longer hulls amounted to about 25 psi., which is negligible.
With heavy unskivved hulls like Federal, it might be a bit higher.
You can cut back hull mouths if it makes you feel better. But I've used 2 3/4 Win AA hulls in my 12s and Rem black hulls in my 16s for years and have noticed absolutely no cause for concern. I keep velocity around 1150 fps.

Best, Kensal

[King Brown]

Same with Kensal here.

[Paul Harm]

Your Trojan would handle any shell but because the gun is 100 years old most guys like to load to lower pressures than modern shells. New shells put an unnecessary strain on the stock - it doesn't need 9 to 11,000psi to work a semi-auto action. In any gauge, say 16 for example, take the data for 1 1/8oz loads and load 1oz - the pressure will drop. To get a good crimp you may have to add a navy bean or cheerio. There's two or three guys at my club who shoot 16ga and all load less than the 1oz load. I noticed on the Allaint web site they only list 1 1/8oz loads. Accurate and IMR both list 1oz loads. You may want to look around a bit more. Accurates Solo 1250 will work in both 12 and 16ga at lower pressures. Clay Buster wads makes a 1oz wad for 16ga - no bean needed. Or use a 1/4" filler wad in it [ or bean ] and load 7/8oz - a really nice load for pressure and recoil. I used the Solo 1250 for years and really liked it. A Mec press with an adjustable bar is nice - no bushings to buy and you can fine tune it to any load you want. If your gonna shoot every week then a 650, if not then a 600jr would be fine . And if you're starting out for the first time , then the 600jr would be the way to go. Good luck.

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

Thanks Paul
I think I'm going to be raiding the pantry tonight.
BTW- can you see the bean when you shoot?

[Paul Harm]

Matt, if you're not too far down in Ohio, come to our winter shoot in Michigan. We're off the I-69 x-way, exit 159, half way between Flint and Port Huron. In the summer SxS Shoots we get quite a few of guys from Ohio. My brother just moved back from Alaska and I'm setting him up to load 16ga.

[Paul Harm]

George - if you use a pop corn kernel you could get accused of shooting over bait.

[Kensal Rise]

In order to keep a rein on breakfast cereal/snack food consumption, it might be worth checking out the 16-bore 7/8 oz. plastic wads offered by Downrange. Their web site also has loads listed for the wad. This is the one I use.

Best, Kensal

[Paul Harm]

Thanks, didn't know they listed one.