Low Pressure 16 Gauge

[Mike of the Mountain]

Originally Posted by Clark McCombe

I really like my 16 for shooting targets but have been frustrated the most in reloading them.
What works for me is a 2 1/2 RST hull, 7/8 shot, clay buster wad, chedite primer and green dot powder. This was a non tested load that just “feels right.” It was shared by a member here. Loading 1 oz in a 2 3/4 hull felt too heavy and why 7/8 didn’t work right in the 2 3/4 hull - I don’t know.

If 7/8 didn’t work because the crimp went in too far and/or left a hole in the center, you can add a 1/8” nitro card under your wad. That should move your wad column high enough for a good crimp. If you try that just load maybe 6-8 of them to be sure they all crimp properly, then break a few clays with them. You’ll know whether you like them or not.

[Mike of the Mountain]

One other thing that may affect your crimp. If you are using RST hulls, their crimps seem to have “more plastic in them” than other brands. Not saying RST are bad, it’s just an observation having reloaded A LOT OF THEM. You may have to adjust your wad column(such as adding a 1/8” NC) and/or start and finish crimps.

[John B White]

I’ve three 16’s , all acquired this year. A dolls head Trojan, a refinished VHE, and a well used Sterlingworth. I’m not shooting any of them well, but intend to hunt them in the fall.

So for now…. I’m dancing with each until I find the one I want to marry (while having an occasional tryst with the others).

Probably shoot a lot better if I just stuck with one. But what fun is that?

[Andy]

I’m the outlier. I like to shoot clays with my 16’s. Since I have about a metric ton of longshot and a lot of rst hulls I ahoot one oz loads a lot. And a mix of factory or 2 3/4” cheddite handloads for my sweet 16 and model 31. And a 16 VHE is my number one gun. If I fall into a pile of money then it would be 28’s more but for now 16 does all I need it to. When I ahoot my zoli 28 I feel badly for my 7-8 Parker 16’s then invariably grab one next.

[Keith Doty]

Neglected to add Craig's test results.
1145 FPS
5933 psi

[Andy]

I do very similar Keith with 18g longshot and 1oz #8 with the TUWG1816 wad at 1200fps and about 7200 psi as tested. It’s my favorite 16 vintage load because I can get all the stuff

[Keith Doty]

Andy, that's why I started fooling with Longshot....I could get it. I've since discovered it's great for short 10s and 20s. A very versatile powder, cheap and has remained available. I'm still using International in 12 ga. as I have a pretty good stash. If I run low I'll be working up some loads for Longshot I'm sure. May not live long enough to see International or Universal available again!

[William Woods]

I bought some of the Armusa 16's and 12's. The box states "not for use in Damascus and Twist barrels". Is this just a legal move by them, or is the pressure too high with these shells? There is no pressure listed. I obtained some old RST shells and there is no pressure listing on their box. I have never reloaded, and would really prefer not to go into all that for the tools to do the job correctly, but I would like to have some safe pressure shells to shoot.

[John B White]

The Armusa website states the 16 gauge “Vintage” 2 1/2” shells generate 6600 psi.

https://ammofix.com/product/armusa-1...free-shipping/

[Mark Garrett]

Just an FYI, On RST home page

Our shells are safe to shoot in Vintage Guns. Even with Damascus and Twist Steel barrels!

Of course after a reputable SxS gunsmith has given the OK.

(With the exception of the Pigeon loads, A-5, Heavy Hunting)