16ga Handloads - Pressure Test Results

[Brett Trimble]

Gentlemen,

I’ve attached results from pressure/velocity testing I received today.

My intent is to find a good non-toxic, low pressure load using 2 1/2 in cases and 7/8oz of shot for quail/dove and another for Chukar/Pheasant using around 1oz of larger shot.

These are for use in a Lefever 16ga made in 1903.

Please have a look at the results and give me your thoughts.

Best,
Brett

[Bob Brown]

Wow, those longshot pressures on the last page are amazing low. I didn't know you could get those velocities with such low pressures. I've got a couple of old English 16 gauge hammer guns I'll try them in.

[Brett Trimble]

There’s more variation in that last Longshot load than I’d like to see. I would be a little worried about ignition in cold weather too. A little more powder might help those, I think.

I measured the powder and shot charges individually with an accurate powder scale. Generally, I’m a little surprised by the variation in some of these loads. But… this is the first time I’ve had loads tested!

[Randy Roberts]

Nice results. All of these are roll crimp. How does the roll crimp fare against a 6 or 8 point crimp in terms of pressure, more, less, about the same ?

[Brett Trimble]

Randy, I haven’t had star crimped loads tested. I’m told roll crimped loads have slightly lower pressure.

[Jeff Elder]

You used a nitro card over your powder? I’m not saying this condescending, I’m asking.

[Brett Trimble]

Jeff, I did. I read that one or the other powder could migrate with one or the other hull/powder combo. The card is a solution..

[Jeff Elder]

Thank you

[john pulis]

Thanks for posting. Is Longshot a fine or dense powder when compared with Greendot and Unique. I am thinking of stack height with folded rather than roll ramps and the SG wad in Cheddite/RST hulls.

[Jeff Elder]

Originally Posted by john pulis

Thanks for posting. Is Longshot a fine or dense powder when compared with Greendot and Unique. I am thinking of stack height with folded rather than roll ramps and the SG wad in Cheddite/RST hulls.

Compared to green dot it is. I was using long shot on a 2 3/4 low pressure load for my 16. I was using two over shot cards and a cheerio. Cut the hull shorter and it worked perfect.