I have an 1874 and an 1880, both 2-5/8. Both of these are 9 gauge barrels which was the norm until later in the century. Even unmolested, the barrels are quite a bit larger than a regular 10 bore barrel and Parker even made reference as to the best load being with 9 gauge wads. This is also what is recommend by Magtech with their shells. I have a number of the cases you mention, and load them with 9 gauge wads under the powder and 8 gauge overshot. They fit perfectly and work well. I have also used a couple of brands of plastic uniwads, and they function fine, but are a little loose in the brass hulls. If your gun has a typical barrel,I would have no qualms about the stepped chamber, unless it gives problems in cold weather. The wadsare actually a little undersized for the bore size.
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