Anyone use Holland & Holland light loads

[Rick Riddell]

Curious to see if anyone had information on these, I came across a flat of these and several boxes of Westley Richards awhile back. Not sure about pressures or how they would compare to RST. Any info would be great!

[Researcher]

Are they proprietary loads put up by Lyalvale for gunmakers?

Probably thirty years ago now, McIntosh sent me a flat of Lyalvale Express 20-gauge 2 1/2-inch 3/4-ounce shells, for my input for his Fox book. which to me were as good as it gets in a light, short chambered, 20-gauge double. I found similar loads by Gamebore much harsher.

[Dylan Rhodes]

For some reason I feel like those shells are worth some coin….

[Rick Riddell]

Originally Posted by Dave Noreen

Are they proprietary loads put up by Lyalvale for gunmakers?

Probably thirty years ago now, McIntosh sent me a flat of Lyalvale Express 20-gauge 2 1/2-inch 3/4-ounce shells, for my input for his Fox book. which to me were as good as it gets in a light, short chambered, 20-gauge double. I found similar loads by Gamebore much harsher.

I don’t know who made them, I’ve seen the Hollands at Classic shooting supply when they were open.

[Kevin McCormack]

I have no idea how they compare to RST ballistically re: velocity or pressures, but have shot both loads out of my 1891 Royal Grade H&H 12 bore. The gun is chambered for 2 1/2" and proved for 1 1/8 oz. but I limit whatever I shoot to 1 oz. maximum in deference to its 131 year-old wood. I will say that the "Light Load" is very nice for sporting clays and that the WR "Game Load", even though only 1/16 oz. heavier, produces slightly more recoil and noise. I enjoy shooting both and my gun "likes them" so there is no downside except for availability. The sub- 1 oz. loads put up in 2 1/2" with high-antimony shot and felt wadding made a believer out of me on my 2 trips to Scotland shooting driven birds; they are more than effective on duck and pheasant.

[Joe D.]

I believe they are the Lyalvale Express shells that McIntosh spoke very well concerning (headstamp says "L-express"). I have a flat of 1 1/16 oz. nickel plated 7 WR that I bought years ago to shoot in a tight choked Husqvarna. Used them at a tower shoot and was amazed at how hard they hit the birds. I have not shot them in any of my short chambered guns since then because I could not find any pressure information for them.

[Ken Hill]

If these shells are sold in the UK, they have to be CIP compliant. They probably aren't as low pressure as RSTs.

Ken

[Milton C Starr]

Have you tried emailing WR themselves ? In my experience they dont mind trying to answer any questions.

[Rick Riddell]

Milton, I think I’ll send them an email.