I'm jealous. Rio Piedra does it up right and them birds are going to be flying hard and fast I am betting. They pretty much set the standard for that Orvis award they have won a few times. Have been to about a dozen different operations down there and that doesn't even scratch the surface of all the places. Alabama and Florida have some really good ones as well. Have not made Morrison yet but that one does sound compelling.

I know you didn't ask and not certain where you hail from but I remind folks that South Georgia, Florida and Alabama is snake country year round and October can be pretty sultry down there. Odds are you will never see one much less have a run in and they will steer clear of you. You may even be a herpetologist in spare time. Just be mindful and you'll be okay. If you have snake boots or other snake protection consider wearing them. You probably won't die but it is not a pleasant experience and rattlesnake bites are nasty stuff if you are really unlucky to get hit by one.

https://www.cnn.com/2017/06/29/healt...ase/index.html

BTW the above article claiming global warming is causing snake bite increases is an overreach but data on bite numbers is what it is. Causes could be combination of a bunch of reasons but I choose not to be statistic. Personally I think of snake protection like toting a an umbrella or jacket on sunny day here in the SE. There is always a chance of rain and every time I think it could rain I am prepared it never does. I figure that mentality works for me with snake bite issues on a lesser degree.

Looking forward to hearing your trip report and seeing those pics.

Leighton's shells seem to be 20 gauge. The 16 gauge from the same supplier are eight bucks a box, no bargain compared to the 20 gauge he cites at $5.49. If the hated, anti gun Dick's ever gets another shipment of Remington promotional 16s, they will probably be $5.49 or $5.99 on sale.

Much thanks for the good advice on snakes. Coming from Northern VA, I didn’t think about them.

Bill regarding the shells, I didn’t follow the reference to Leighton. Which supplier are you referring to?

Leighton posted a link to Academy Sports that referred to 20 gauge prices. If we follow the link, we get $8.00 16 gauge promotional loads. By the way, yesterday in Woodbridge Virginia, just outside of D.C., we read about the finding of a two headed copperhead.

Being from NOVA I would think you were well aware of all the two legged snakes in the District :rotf:

You have no idea how accurate you are. Every day, every day. Haha.

Here's a simple and practical solution for vintage 16 bore guns made for 2-9/16" shells that are capable of being opened to 2-3/4" - as confirmed by barrel wall measurements forward of the chambers.

1930's 16 gauge chamber reamer that was made to period 2-3/4" specs. Note the relatively short forcing cone that's only about 3/8" long as measured on the diagonal.

Joe when your ready for your next trip give Morrison Pines a try, better yet just come with our group. We always go the last week in January for 3-4 days.

Where can I find recipes for low pressure 16 gauge reloads? 1 oz, 7/8 oz, 3/4 oz. Hodgdon powder preferred. Thank you!

John

On Hodgdons web site. Look at the Cheddite 2 1/2 data. Great 3/4 & 7/8 oz loads.

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/shotgun

William

Thank you William. I noted on the Hodgdon web site 1 oz loads are listed under 2 3/4” shells only, and there are a few lower pressure recipes there also.

My VH 16 gauge, has 2 3/4” chambers so I could go either way. However, it would be a bit more convenient to have low pressure recipes for all three shot weights (1, 7/8, 3/4) in one hull length, either 2 1/2” or 2 3/4”.

Thank you again for the reply. I am new to 16 gauge and just trying to find my way.
John

Thing about the 2 3/4 cheddites is they need fillers to load 3/4 & 7/8. You read recipes that say they will handle lighter shot loads but I gave it up as a lost cause. Too many leaking crimps. 1 oz they load fine. I found it easier to stick with the 2 1/2 inch shells . 12 g I load 7/8 & 1 oz. so no need to go to an once in my 16s anyway.

Hodgdons 3/4 data produces near exact duplicate of RST 3/4 . I buy RST shoot and save the hulls for later loading.

William

William - thank you again for all of the advice. Nothing like experience to draw on!

John

William - one follow-up question. Have you loaded 1 oz in the 2 1/2 inch shells?

John

I have not loaded 1 oz in the 2 3/4 inch hulls. It was hard for me to give up on 2 3/4, Ponsness Warren all set up for 20 & 16 G 2 3/4. Now loading 2 1/2 on a Mec 600 with the short kit. However if I wanted 3/4 & 7/8 it was the right choice.

Looking at Hodgdons site they only list 1 oz for 2 3/4 Cheddites 3/4 & 7/8 for the shorter shells.

Before Hodgdon published recent data 16 G shooters used all sorts of tricks to light load long cases successfully . Most using fillers of some sort. Fillers work well that’s how I load short 10 with thanks to guys on this forum. If you want to stick with 2 3/4 hulls fillers would be a good solution. My choice of 2 1/2 was due to majority if not all my 16 G shooting with 3/4 oz.

William

I would like to begin loading my own 2 1/2 in shells. I haven’t reloaded shells since doing so with my father many years ago on a Lee Load All. I noticed that the loaders are setup for 2 3/4 and 3 inch. For those that load 2 1/2 inch, how do you go about it? After experiencing the pleasure of shooting 2 1/2, 7/8 oz loads through a light hammergun, I will probably stick with it or 3/4 oz.

Best way is buy a used 16 G 600 Jr. mine cost 50 bucks plus shipping off eBay. Then order a “short kit” from Mec. It’s just a spacer that raises the shell holder plate 1/4 inch. It’s possable to make the riser too. It’s easy to remove and load 2 3/4 same press.

Pick up once fired RST hulls or order some new primed 2 1/2 inch Cheddites from Ballistic Products. 3/4 oz best wad is Downranges DR 16 7/8 it’s BP’s 7/8 wad, both specified Hodgdons data.

My Parker 16 Hammer loves the 3/4 oz. 16 Trojan could handle heavier loads but it’s a real pleasure to shoot targets with 3/4. About the only time I use 7/8 is with the Trojan dog training on Chukkers. Bigger or wild birds would need more.

William