What length shell to use in 2 5/8 chamber?
 

What is the general thinking on the size shell for safety etc. to shoot in a 12ga Parker with 2 5/8 in chambers? I am sure 2 1/2 would be ok but what about 2 3/4 ones? Carvel

Parker Bros. (and some other early shotgun manufacturers) chambered their guns 1/8" shorter than the paper shells intended for the gun in the belief that the shell opening into the cone provided a better gas seal while only increasing the pressure an insignificant 100 psi or so.

Makes me wonder where are all the 2 3/4" chambered 10 guages for 2 7/8" shells are :whistle:

If the 2 7/8" chambers were made for paper cartridges and not for brass.... why wouldn't 3" shells be just about perfect for them?

My point is the 1/8" shorter chamber for better gas seal somehow does not seem to apply to the hammerless Short Tens. Whether built in the 1890's or in the early 20th century they are all pretty much 2 7/8" chambers and the paper shells sold in 10 gauge were predominantly 2 7/8" in length.

Was that 2 7/8" length measured before or after firing?

As far as I know, the advertised length for a factory paper and plastic shell is the before crimping and after firing length regardless of gauge.

I'm sure that is true today but would that also have applied during the era when these guns were made?

i have some 80 year old 10 ga. hulls, i will check and let you know, scott
Ok just checked very old Winchester and Remington factory hulls. the win, was 2.900 that is .025 longer the 7/8ths and rem. was 2.850 that is .025 shorter now i went and checked a fed 3 1/2 inch new empty hull and it was 3.400 that's .100 shorter than a 3 1/2 inch ???? i think we are cutting hairs with shell length ? "the investigation continues"

I'd be very interested in hearing from anyone who has fired factory paper 2 7/8 inch 10 gauge shells in the older lifters with 2 5/8 inch chambers without the tapered forcing cones.
I have a supply of those old peters papers but to date I've been reluctant to shoot them even though my old lifter is in good condition and has a # 3 frame. Pros? Cons?