16ga Handloads - Pressure Test Results
 

Gentlemen,

I’ve attached results from pressure/velocity testing I received today.

My intent is to find a good non-toxic, low pressure load using 2 1/2 in cases and 7/8oz of shot for quail/dove and another for Chukar/Pheasant using around 1oz of larger shot.

These are for use in a Lefever 16ga made in 1903.

Please have a look at the results and give me your thoughts.

Best,
Brett

Wow, those longshot pressures on the last page are amazing low. I didn't know you could get those velocities with such low pressures. I've got a couple of old English 16 gauge hammer guns I'll try them in.

There’s more variation in that last Longshot load than I’d like to see. I would be a little worried about ignition in cold weather too. A little more powder might help those, I think.

I measured the powder and shot charges individually with an accurate powder scale. Generally, I’m a little surprised by the variation in some of these loads. But… this is the first time I’ve had loads tested!

Nice results. All of these are roll crimp. How does the roll crimp fare against a 6 or 8 point crimp in terms of pressure, more, less, about the same ?

Randy, I haven’t had star crimped loads tested. I’m told roll crimped loads have slightly lower pressure.

You used a nitro card over your powder? I’m not saying this condescending, I’m asking.

Jeff, I did. I read that one or the other powder could migrate with one or the other hull/powder combo. The card is a solution..

Thank you

Thanks for posting. Is Longshot a fine or dense powder when compared with Greendot and Unique. I am thinking of stack height with folded rather than roll ramps and the SG wad in Cheddite/RST hulls.

Compared to green dot it is. I was using long shot on a 2 3/4 low pressure load for my 16. I was using two over shot cards and a cheerio. Cut the hull shorter and it worked perfect.