Shells for damascus guns
 

I may soon have a damascus gun, short chambers of course, and wonder if I really need to load 2 1/2 " shells. I already load and shoot mostly lower pressure, 7/8 oz, and under 1200 fps in 12, 16 , and 20. Are these suitable? I have also thought of getting some PB powder as it seeems to produce lower pressures. I prefer to not have to buy special shells for just that one gun.
Yes, the barrels have been checked out and deemed to be in very good shape. One of the guns is a 16,the other a 20.
What do you think, and what do you shoot? Thanks
Harold

Harold,

Shooting longer shells in short chambers, especially those with very short forcing cones, can cause excessive recoil. Interestingly the pressures may not rise significantly.

Mark

I shoot RST's in my short chambered 16's. The price is right and seems like the right thing to do.

i just shoot regular store bought in my old damascus guns except for the 8 ga and special loads for the other guns..never had any trouble barrel wise or stock wise.... charlie

Harold I shoot several damascuss gun but shoot all 2 1/2 inch shells regardless of what type of barrel steel. You can use low pressure 2 3/4 inch shells in 20 & 16 and several people do load them. I just prefer the shorter shell but its a personal preferance. For your damascuss gun order a case of RST (I would go 2 1/2 inch) and enjoy the gun and the absence of recoil. Your not a clay target shooter so a mixed case of RST's will last you a long time....even in Channing:rotf:

You should be fine with the cartridges you load. I've used 7/8 oz 1100 fps loads for sporting clays for more than a decade. They work fine in 2 3/4 inch AA cases. Long ago Sherman Bell did pressure testing on short chambered guns with 2 3/4 inch shells and the pressure increase was negligible. And that has been my experience as well.

As for recoil, that's more a factor of gun weight and payload than anything else. I've never been cognizant of any added recoil with 2 3/4 inch cases.

I make it a practice to shoot what the gun was originally intended to shoot. It's too easy for the odd stoutly loaded 2 3/4" shell to get mixed in with your others. For the odd occasions that my damacus and twist guns get used, the price of a flat or two of RST is cheap insurance. I started using Maxi-Lites in 2 1/2" and like them so much I also use them in 2 3/4".
One of my twist barreled guns had a minor bulge at the forcing cone, and while it was easily repaired, I can only assume it was the result of using a longer-than-intended shell, and probably paper.

Never a problem using the 2 1/2 inch shell...and there cool:)

If you have a Mec 600jr it's no problem to load any length shell you want. You can buy their short kit or just make up a spacer yourself. The main bar is also adjustable for height.

I have a nice little PH 12 twist (1 frame) that has the very same problem- a slight bulge at the forcing cone of the left barrel. You indicated you had it "easily" repaired. Who did the work? I have chosen to ignore mine; shoot it with light loads; and not worry about it. I would appreciate the benefit of your thoughts