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