14 ga loading data
 

As posted a few months ago, I purchased a Parker grade 2, Damascus Hammer gun, frame size 1, in 14 ga..I just received 20 brass shells, 2 ½" length and loading equipment from Rocky Mountain Cartridge, but would like to know if anyone might have loading data. I have been using PB powder with 12 ga Damascus Parkers I have, ⅞ oz, 20.5 grains, 5500psi with Winchester AA hulls. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

That is actually an acceptable load for a 16 ga. - can't imagine why it wouldn't be good for a 14 ga.

You've checked the 14 for wall thickness, etc., right?

Yes, wall thickness is .035+ on both. This gun hasn't been shot in well over 100 years and most likely shot for a few years after manufactured. Thanks

It sounds like a very nice gun in high condition. Can you share some pictures of it?

I posted info about it a month or two ago. Just search my post.

Here is the link

http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14812

Thanks - I remember that thread. Nice Parker.

John, I load 16.2 grains of PB in my 16 gauge loads. If you are using a MEC that would be a # 25 bushing. I throw 1 oz of shot.

They are brass shells, so I am thinking of 21.5, ¾ oz. since there is no crimp, I am assuming pressures will be lower. Thanks

John, I just checked my brass loading info. You should have a great load there at 21.5 grains.

Thank you so much. Now I need to find my 2lbs of PB I lost.

OK, found my PB and loaded two rounds and shot fine. The only issue I see so far is the void between the top of the card over the shot and the end of the brass. I can part them all off .50" and most likely be good or add another cushion wad below the shot to fill the void. Not sure what is best. The brass measures 2.50" in total length, but that is the chamber length and most likely not the shell length. Any thoughts, appreciated.

John, Add another cushion under the shot and you should be good to go.

I'm loading 10 ga brass hulls using PB. I added a second fiber wad to raise the column and it tightened up the pattern which was a good thing. I wasn't able to find much data about loading smokeless in brass hulls so I started light and worked up. If anyone has loading data for smokeless in brass please share. I shoot the same PB load as you in my 12 gauges.

Does anyone have a source for PB powder? Thanks

14 gauge load
 

If you want to fill the case it can be done. I shoot my three 14's with 12 gauge plastic wads. Bill Murphy said sometime back that a 12 ga. plastic wad would work in thin wall 14 brass and it does. I use an old powder dipper with Trail Boss Powder (takes up more room in the case and is very close to the same mass as BP). It is low pressure and effective. I drop the shot with a MEC 12 guage loader. The overwad is 13 ga. I use the crimp starter on the MEC to seat the top wad. I shoot 1 and 1 1/8 oz. loads. Hope this helps.

Tom