Short 8 Gauge Load Test Results
 

With the availability of shortened 8 gauge shells, I sent a load to Bruce Ducksworth for testing. The load is from data found in a recent Parker Pages provided by Mike Loneski. The load is as published: Winchester 3.25” hull, 26.5 grs Clay Dot, Hi-Cap wad with 12 gauge 1/2” fiber wad in shot cup, Cheddite 209, and 1.5 ounces shot with six point crimp. The load I sent for testing is this load, with the exceptions of 2.75” hull and no 1/2” fiber wad. Because of the short hull the fiber wad is not needed for proper stack height. Pressures are approximately 1,000 psi more than the load published in the PP. Bruce Ducksworth believes the increased pressure is due to lack of a fiber wad which apparently reduces pressure. Velocity is the same.

Turned it for ya !

Nice! If you use 3” hulls with a 1/4” felt wad the pressure would be less. That 2 3/4” load is definitely shootable. I bet you can break 50 yard clays with it. :cool:

wad for 8g
 

Can you give more detail on the "Hi-Cap wad? I only know of Gualandi and Rem SP8 wads in plastic.

The Hi-cap is the Gualandi wad sold by Ballistic Products

Truth be told that’s the only option now , since Remington in their infinite wisdom saw fit to not manufacture the SP-8 anylonger .

What wad does Winchester used in their kiln loads? I’ve seen some with smaller shot, not the big 3oz zinc slugs

It’s not like an SP-8 or the BPI wad . It’s a piece thing with a wrap around the payload .

I think it's a gas seal with fiber and cardboard wads stacked on it with a red plastic wrap surrounding the shot. I bought a bunch of those components from the Canadian gent.