That's an amazing amount of pressure.....I asked RST what the PSI rating is on their 12 gauge Falcon ultra-lite loads and standard lite loads and they advised 4,500 and 6,800 PSI respectively. That would seem to imply that almost any damascus Parker in decent shape will be able to shoot those loads with a tremendous safety margin to spare. I have a couple cases of those shells, but haven't fired them through any of my damascus guns yet...but I will.

RST shells
 

where can one buy cases of RST shells in Connecticut?
is there any possibility of reloading those shells- being the yankee i am- and where would one get the wads for a 2 1/2 inch shell?

You can order directly from RST over the internet. I have no idea about the reloading question.

That would be correct but as you see on in the TPS tables service load pressures are lower than proof load. The Sherman Bell DGJ Damascus and Vulcan barrels ruptured at 29000psi


Correction. Check the TPS tables which I do not have in front of me. I believe the proof load for a 12 ga was 13000 in 1920 then rose to 15500 in the late 1920s. Just refer and follow the Parker tables in TPS.

RST hulls can be reloaded with great success. You follow recipes for a Cheddite hull.

George - if you attend the big Vintager shoots in New England, RST usually has a tent selling their ammo. Buy from them there. Nice guys who are big supporters of the PGCA and other SxS associations.

George: They will also be present at the Southern SxS at the end of this month.

Best Regards, George

Actually, the Damascus barrels of a GH that Sherman Bell tested finally came apart at 31,XXX PSI

George I reload all 2 1/2 inch shells in 12, 16 & 20 and use RST hulls for the most part that I have scrounged up at SXS shoots such as The Southern. The wads I use are Galandi (?sp) and I order them from Ballistic Products in MN. The RST hulls reload wonderfully by the way.