Polywad “SpredR” Shells

[Brett Trimble]

I have several boxes of older Polywad 2.5in 16ga shells, 28grams (1oz) of #6 shot, 2 3/4 dram eq.

Are these safe for an early 20th century LeFever side plate gun with fluid steel barrels in good condition?

My guess is that these shells are probably near 10k psi, but I may be off..

Any knowledge and or opinions?

Best,
Brett

[Bob K]

Originally Posted by Brett Trimble

I have several boxes of older Polywad 2.5in 16ga shells, 28grams (1oz) of #6 shot, 2 3/4 dram eq.

Are these safe for an early 20th century LeFever side plate gun with fluid steel barrels in good condition?

My guess is that these shells are probably near 10k psi, but I may be off..

Any knowledge and or opinions?

Best,
Brett

Be careful with some older polywads. I bought a flat that apparently had no powder in them. They had enough charge in them to push the wad to the end of the barrels. They must have had issues because they replaced them right away. No issues after that.

[Brett Trimble]

Thanks Bob, I’ve shot a few from one of the boxes so they’re probably good.. but I’ll watch for issues!

[Drew Hause]

Old data
Polywad Spred-R - 1 oz - 1200 fps - 9000 psi
Doublewide - 7/8 oz - 1200 fps - 7500 psi

[Brett Trimble]

Drew, Thanks very much!