Chamber pressures for 12 Gauge VH

[Bruce Day]

The origination date is unclear. P. 515, TPS. The table is based upon historical data from American manufacturers for gauges 10, 12, 16, 20, 28, 32, and 410. Although the table was published in a 1934 article, I have been unable to identify any differences between turn of the century guns and late 1920's guns that suggest that earlier guns were intended for less pressure. Parker shot guns met SAAMI pressures when SAAMI was established, and the pressures used by Parker and other noted makers became the foundation for SAAMI standards ( Small Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute).

Assuming Mr. Cutler's VH 12 is a standard for the type, his gun was intended for a service load limit of between 9500 and 10,800 psi. Not knowing present condition of the barrels, I make no current recommendations. It would have been targeted with 1 1/8 of No. 7 shot at 3 dre if it is like most other 12ga 2 frame guns.