Short Chambered 12's.

[B. Dudley]

I to not yet have a copy of TPS. But I have a sneaking suspicion that there might be one under the tree in a few weeks. :-)

My major concern is putting regular 2-3/4" shells, either Target or Game loads, through it with the 2.5" chambers. My gunsmith says not a good idea because of the higher pressures that it will cause, but he is not as well versed in these older guns.

If I am reading into what you guys are saying correct, then there should be no concern?

[J.B. Books]

Originally Posted by Brian Dudley

I to not yet have a copy of TPS. But I have a sneaking suspicion that there might be one under the tree in a few weeks. :-)

My major concern is putting regular 2-3/4" shells, either Target or Game loads, through it with the 2.5" chambers. My gunsmith says not a good idea because of the higher pressures that it will cause, but he is not as well versed in these older guns.

If I am reading into what you guys are saying correct, then there should be no concern?

Brian I have become a big fan of light loads, especially 7/8 ounce 12ga. Some hunting situations call for heavier loads. I have come to enjoy the light recoil and how much longer a bag of shot lasts.

I have given you first hand testimony of my experience, how many other Trojans (and other Parkers) were fed steady diets of "heavy" loads without problem? The railroads overbuilt their bridges, Parker overbuilt their guns is my theory.

The evidence is in through Sherman Bells tests, pressure rise from using 2 3/4" shells in short chambers is negligible. However I am older and wiser than I once was and I reload. I have learned to tame my loads in terms of both pressure and velocity (the latter for less recoil). I can tell you low pressure lower velocity loads are quite deadly and I see no reason to go back to punishing my guns and shoulders unless I am waterfowling.

[Autumn Daze]

Bruce, Please recheck your numbers standard 12 gauge 1 1/8 oz. loads are closer to 9,500 psi.

[J.B. Books]

Originally Posted by Dave Suponski

Bruce, Please recheck your numbers standard 12 gauge 1 1/8 oz. loads are closer to 9,500 psi.

I think you are both on the low side. Factory shells are designed to cycle autoloaders. Tom Armbrust reported his findings on Winchester AA Light Target loads (2 3/4 dram 1 1/8 ounce) as 11,200psi + or - 600psi. They still won't hurt a sound Trojan.

http://www.armbrust.acf2.org/aalight.htm