A 1970 Hercules catalog arrived in the mail yesterday. It contained the same load data as the 1968 version I obtained. The difference being the 1970 catalog gave specifics on hull type and primer wheras the '68 version did not. Neither cites chamber pressures. Unique is looking like it is a very good powder for use in composite barrels with 1 1/4 ounce lead loads for sure and my intuition based on multiple sources tells me 1 3/8 ounce and perhaps 1 1/2 ounce loads could be tamed to sub 9000 psi with it. I am now awaiting arrival of some mid to late '70's Hercules guides with the hopes they provide further details especially chamber pressures.

If my personal calculations are correct (and I believe I am close) my home brewed crow load of 2 7/8" Fed Hull, Win 209 primer, 27 gr of Green Dot, SP10 wad, .135 NC and folded crimp should be giving around 1150fps and 7600 psi. This will have to be sent out for testing to confirm. My calculations also indicate using 29 gr of Unique in this load should bring about 1220 fps and 7200 psi, again needs to be sent for testing to confirm.


If you decide to use these loads it is at your own risk because they are based on educated guesstimates

As EDM used to say, investigation continues.

1967 Alcan 10 ga. 2 7/8 1330 fps 1 5/8 AL- 5 44 Grs. 2-.135" + 3/8" FBS
1330 fps 1 5/8 AL-5 41 Grs. PGS + .135" + 3/8" FBS
1335 fps 1 1/4 AL-5 41 Grs. 2 - .200 + 3/8" FBS
1335 fps 1 1/4 AL-5 38 Grs. PGS + .135" + 1/2" FBS
1300 fps 1 1/4 AL-120 37 Grs. 2- .200" + 3/8 " FBS
1300 fps 1 1/4 AL-120 34 Grs. PGS + 2- .135" + 3/8" FBS
All using Alcan 220 MAX-FIRE primers and no to 50 to 60 pounds of wad pressure. Wad pressure should be adjusted to form the perfect crimp.

Amazingly I have a little bit of AL-5 in a small can. Does anyone know if Alcan went out of business completely or were they bought up and their products marketed under another name and designation?

Ray, that's a great web site. Had it bookmarked for another reason - have to go back and look again. Paul

I also sent questions to Alliant referencing the load I came up with on my own seeking information and advice. The response was disappointing.

"Unfortunately we have no data for 2 7/8" 10 ga shells. I can find no information to verify the loads you are shooting. If I can find anything from some old data sources, I will let you know. Thanks for your note."

Ben Amonette
Technical Service Manager
Alliant Powder Company

Out of Production Reloading Components

Alcan
Incorporated in 1951, Homer Clark Jr's company Alcan is credited with greatly expanding the popularity of shotshell reloading in the United States after World War II1. Most of the components that he sold were imported from Europe and were for reloading shotshells. Alcan did however sell some bullets and rimfire ammunition as well.

In 1972, Smith & Wesson in conjunction with Fiocchi aquired Alcan after the company had apparently over extended itself. Smith & Wesson continued to manufacture ammunition and components under the Alcan Name until about 1980.

Pete, Ben and I have been emailing each other for a bit now about a load you posted. When I mentioned damascus I got a quick reply. I've been trying to enlighten him that low pressure loads for the 12 and 10ga would be nice as there are many who shoot the old SxS's. Paul

I am sure you did get a quick reply. I think it is best to discuss such matters with a powder company that it's for use for use in old fluid steel guns. Most of the world is not enlightened about the strength of good condition thick damascus and twist steel barrels. Alliant has to concern themselves with product liability laws and I suspect once use of nitro in composite barrels comes up the discussion will end quickly. Hopefully I am wrong.

bet your rite pete about not getting much of a discussion out of the powder companys about wanting some loads for the damascus barreled guns...i think it would be a short answer or no answer at all..... charlie

I told him I understood his position - covering your ass - but did it in a polite manner. Also explained we like low pressure/recoil loads so the action doesn't get shot loose or 100+ year old wood isn't spliting. And there are more and more people shooting the old SxS's. Because autos need a certain amount of pressure, he's used to thinking higher pressures and thinks 9700psi is low pressure. I let him know we're used to shooting at 7000psi or less with no problems. He seems like a nice fellow - maybe he'll get back with me again. Paul