If my memory serves P.O.Ackley did an article in The American Rifleman back in the 50’s about Damascus vs Fluid Steel . He took four Parker’s two fluid steel and two Damascus . Started loading for them at what I assume would be RST level loads and worked his way up in velocity . All four made it past what would be considered a stout . And as he increased he split the fluid steel barrels and went further with the Damascus barrels I think if memory serves he stopped with the Damascus barrels because the frames had sprung or something like that . Now granted all four of the guns he used had mirror bores and a good many Damascus you run across now look rather rough in the bore . But it seems to me on an even playing field Damascus or twist oughtta hold their own against fluid steel . And by no means am I telling anyone to go out and shoot factory in their Damascus/twist barreled guns , but with a modicum of common sense you can most likely figure something out .

That’s worrisome, in shells that were advertised as being low pressure?

I also bought a few boxes of Gamebore 2.5” regal shells and the recoil was on a whole other planet from RST. I used them a few weeks ago hunting and they were so jarring that after firing 3-4 shells at birds I noticed I had a headache. I can shoot rst’s while hunting with no effects.

I am looking forward to trying the armusa shells as RST’s have gotten out of sight with shipping. Where are folks buying BPS from?

6100 PSI

If you're looking for a nice factory 12 gauge shell to shoot you will not be sorry for trying Competition One shells from B&P. They have a 1165 fps, 7/8 oz option that is wonderful to shoot and effective on targets and birds. Natchez has a free shipping special right now and they are usually under $10/box. I also shoot their 7/8 oz 20 gauge, 1200 fps shells in my Parkers and they are equally as effective.

Steve replied to me after I asked about the pressures. 12,500 is definitely way to high. I wouldn't want to shoot them out of a modern gun let alone a vintage gun. :eek:

Double Gun Journal published a whole series of tests done on Damascus, twist and fluid steel on vintage guns. The test results showed that the old Damascus and twist barreled guns were very strong and held up to proof loads. The plus was those guns were not closet queens and were definitely used over the years. Sherman Bell did a whole series and I think a few other guys did some of their own tests.

Exactly my thoughts.

I checked the RST web site and they are asking $25. per box for 12ga shells.

Just a few years back the shell loading gent at RST told me Alliant 20/28 was heavily used for its 20 and 28g loads. As many here know production of all Alliant shotgun powders had been curtailed earlier this year after a long period of limited production due in large part to increased military demands at the few powder production facilities. There are few good substitutes for Alliant 20/28 and they've been in short supply also. Is it any wonder RST production has been limited as compared with the days of truckload sales at the Southern SxS etc? I'm sure Morris and his staff are doing all they can to maintain some production and at the best pricing possible in these trying times. Will Alliant ever come back with its powders? Who knows, check your crystal ball.