16 ga

[Bruce Day]

The recoil formula, widely available with calculators on the internet, has three variables:
weight of the ejecta ( Shot, powder, gas, wad)
velocity of the ejecta
weight of the gun

Chamber length and cartridge length are irrelevant to recoil. You want less recoil, reduce the shot load, slow the speed, or start taping on lead weights to the stock.

It's fine to like light loads under the appropriate circumstances and even better to understand what comprises recoil.

[OH Osthaus]

Rich has a serious point

I have a 16 made in 1904, later rebarrelled by Remington with 2 3/4 chambers so
I shot what ever modern 16s I could find for years- until I noticed a crack starting in the wrist - could have bought a lot of RSTs for what the restock will cost

can I prove the heavier recoil did it, no, but none of the even older guns that have a steady light recoil diet have had wood issues.

since the light shells work so well, on clays or game - i am now firmly in the better safe than sorry side of the discussion

[Michael Kitterman]

Can you recommend a favorite brand of shell in say 7 shot for Dove and Quail with lighter recoil. I don't reload so no option there.

[OH Osthaus]

http://www.rstshells.com

[C.O.B.]

RST no question about it. they will mix a case for you for different shot sizes and ship directly to your door. you can't/won't find better people to deal with.

[Michael Kitterman]

In doing some quick looking, I see there is another company offering Vintager shells for short chambered older doubles and Damascus barreled ones. Anyone familiar with Polywad? Ever buy from them?

[OH Osthaus]

Originally Posted by Michael Kitterman

In doing some quick looking, I see there is another company offering Vintager shells for short chambered older doubles and Damascus barreled ones. Anyone familiar with Polywad? Ever buy from them?

i have used them- no issues at all

I just prefer RST - for many of the reasons just mentioned

[Jeff K.]

Both are good shells. Morris from RST has been a very generous sponsor for PGCA
for years.

[Bill Murphy]

RST comes to our shoots. That's enough for me.

[Michael Kitterman]

Good point! The price difference is small, I will look into placing an order with RST for short 12 and 16 ga. If they support the PGCA then I will buy from them. I will feel more comfortable shooting my 100+ year old doubles with these lower pressure shells. I have 3 Lefever and a Parker, made between 1897-1909.