A factory 3 inch chamber gun of that era would have been designed for the 1 3/8 loading, so that theory doesn't really hold up. I'm guessing it was probably shells loaded by the Bismuth Cartridge Company which weren't the greatest.
I have 10 gauge shells from them that are literally loaded so hot they'll make even a factory Ithaca Magnum 10 gauge double jump open after every shot. I had a batch of 12 gauge one time that every half dozen shells there would be a gross case failure. I literally cut the shells up and sold the shot to a friend rather than pass them along to some other poor soul.
That's why you never hear me bragging about their bismuth ammo, I'm actually glad it's gone out of production. Rio on the other hand, is a good solid company that loads good solid ammo.
I've shot a lot of hand loaded bismuth with good results.
DLH
__________________
I was as virtuously given as a gentleman need to be; virtuous enough; swore little; diced not above seven times a week; went to a bawdy-house once in a quarter--of an hour; paid money that I borrowed, three of four times; lived well and in good compass: and now I live out of all order, out of all compass. Falstaff - Henry IV
|