The SAAMI standard for cartridges marked 2 3/4" is 2 5/8" to 2 3/4". Many major cartridges will measure 2 5/8" expanded. Winchester AAs tend to be short.
Most major makers also sell 1 oz 2 3/4 dram loads. The standard trap load since the 1880 s has been 1 1/8 oz 3 drams , providing 1200 fps so there are many suitable loads for your gun. The 1 1/4 oz 3 1/2 dram loads will exceed maximum recommended service loads. You will need to determine the soundness of your vintage gun .
If you want to learn about the strength of Damascus barrels, study Dr. Drew Hause's thread in the Damascus barrels section. Unless honed thin, they are sufficiently strong for any reasonable load.
|