George. Thank you. Yes, I believe if I can’t get what I want I will start reloading again. It seems that my two Parkers don’t require 2.5 inch. So this may be a moot discussion. However, after selling off my MEC Jr and all accoutrement some
Years back I will have to start over. From the great advice I’m getting here I believe my classics will do just fine with store bought loads. I used to shoot so much that it made sense to reload. I won’t be doing that much with the 20, 16 and 12. Just enough to figure out how they behave before going afield. Really appreciate your advice.

I have two GH parker Damascus guns, 1890s vintage, both have 2-5/8-inch chambers. They shoot 2-3/4 shells fine. My favorite new shell is the AA low recoil, low noise, 28 gram shot load at 980 fps when I can find them. Otherwise, I load federal papers, 3/4 or 1 oz. with Clays, International, or Green Dot powders. See loading data for several suggestions on # of grains which has loads under 7,000psi. But, as stated previously, have the barrels checked out by a Gsmith, checking the wall thickness and lockup of the action.

James. Thank you for the details. The barrels and fit have checked out as exceptional. So my confidence is up and I’m looking forward to trying some different loads to see how the chokes and my skills align with the loads. I’m keeping pressures down and within published tolerances for the steel and vintages of the barrels. Thanks for the advice.

RST has 16 gauge available now!

I'm on the list...
 

Reggie: Thank you. I got on the notification list and ordered a case. Once I figured out how to work their portal, I've managed to get some 20 gauge and now 16 gauge. I really like these shells. Shot them last week at the clays range and at / on some birds. Very nice shells. Easy on the shoulder. Thank you for the alert.

Just ordered a Flat..... :bowdown:

I went ahead as well and ordered a flat of 16 in size 7. Ya never know when they are going to be available so you have to act when you see them for sure.

$20 per box plus freight. That is painful. Not too painful if used as hunting loads but that makes a round of sporting clays pricey.