SR7625 does not perform well in light loads. Variable ignition is common. It seems best in robust loadings. Squibs are as bad as not being able to get it up. Just miserable! David

I don't know...I have used SR7625 in all my 16 gauge reloads and never had a problem.In fact I shot them 3 years ago up in New Hamphire on New Years Day and it was 10 degrees. But I must admit I haven't shot them at temps. as low as Rich has.

i have had about 3 out of a 100 that didn't go bang with 4756 way to many for me( sucks trying to cut a sapling to ram out the wad from barrel when birds are flying:cuss:), went to blue dot 38 grs with 1 1/4 or 1 3/8th oz shot all have gone off just wright :) so i just picked up a 5 lb. jug (75.00 = 15.00 a lb.)of it and it is all i will use with hunting loads.

So far everyone has overlooked the fact that Calvin stated that he was going SNOW GOOSE hunting---the feathered version of a Sherman tank compared to Canada geese. Honestly, I don't think that he can safely stuff enough powder and shot into that NH 10 to consistently kill those armor-plated SOB's !
JMHO

They die pretty easy if you can get them inside 50 yards, but therein lies the trouble.....


DLH

Since I dont currently reload, and dont plan to take it up in the near future (though I probably will at some point), what is the best factory available pheasant load that is clearly safe for an average vintage double?

I second the complaints about the "classic doubles" shells - it has been a common sentiment that I shrugged off but I am not impressed by knockdown power. I shoot a lot and am fairly proficient...

If I had a good 2 frame 12 I would try Winchester super X 1 1/4 5's or 6's or the Remington's... forget the name as I reload.
I did use the Super X's.. two boxes and they where deadly on crows
Shooting pheasant I've found requires you to take a shot at a going away bird never the best shot... fur or feather

this is my personal load... 10 ga federal hull winchester primer 35 grains alliant blue dot winchester steel wadding plastic daisey copper bbs thin top wadding....glued top wad or 6 fold crimp....forgot to add that was a 1 1/4 ounce of those daisy bbs....byem at wall mark...charlie this is for the short ten

this load will kill those geese if whithin 60 yards in a good choked gun.. charlie

Good for you Charlie! I've always wondered if the BB's were dense enough to use. Seems the newer ones aren't as much copper as the old ones. What are they made of these days?

As for temps and SR7625. I don't have any problems at all with 1oz loads down to -10deg; below that it's an issue. Even below +10 I don't sit my ammo box outside while I shoot. I have 25 at a time in a belt carrier; the rest is inside the car. I shoot pretty low P loads for target also; 1100fps/4700psi. If I shot a lot in the cold I'd raise the velocity and pressure to get a better burn. If you really want to see bad burn, use PB at -25deg. Barrels look like you've been shooting black powder. I always finish up all my cold wx shooting with 1-2 factory target loads through each bbl to clean out the 'soot'...