Marcus
The problem with most 16 ga shells and old guns is strength of the wood.
I have always loved the 16 ga and own a large collection of them. A nice 16, as intended for use, will weigh around 6 to 6-1/2 pounds. They are intended as upland guns and are relatively light. The guns are old and the wood may be dried out or have some oil that has seeped in over decades. Completely serviceable but maybe not as strong as original 100 years ago. A constant beating by stout loads of 1 oz (or more) shot may cause a sudden damage to the stock wood. During the 50's and 60's shooters got into a more is better frame of mind and now it is difficult to find loads less than 1 0z in 16 ga. Many companies are making loads of 1-1/8 oz loads. Seems like everyone is trying to make a 16 perform like a 12. As mentioned, I have found that 7/8 oz loads pattern better and recoil much less than heavier loads. They are all I shoot personally. The weight of the shot load is a big factor in recoil and in a light gun the heavier loads are not brutal but not something I care to absorb all day. Do your gun and shoulder a favor and find some 7/8 oz loads to shoot. They are out there, just do a little looking. When you locate a supply, order a flat of 10 boxes and have them delivered.
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