20 gauge 2 1/2 inch loads

[Bruce Day]

I have no informed opinion about that. But I do know that a gun so marked will be perfect with the pictured Remington and Winchester shot shell lengths. Not that it matters very much anyway, what with the minimal pressure increase of a true 2 3/4 expanded length shot shell.

So what are the measured chamber lengths for SN 208,485?

[William Davis]

I do understand the chambers are longer than 2 1/2 inches and modern hulls are shorter than 2 3/4 inch. Been shooting it all along with 2 3/4 no problems. Hulls about a 16th of an inch too long expanded.

Was thinking though, since I start with new Rem STS, never range pick up's and reload for the Trojan only might cut them back to shorter, for no good reason other than tailored to my gun.

Found those case cutting tools on Ballistic Products Web site. They also have a guide to loading 2 1/2 inches which I will order. I can see me switching wads to suit shorter and changing the powder charge accordingly. Roll crimp is another complication I would probably rather avoid. Simply run the Mec Jr down one hole and use a folded crimp, no extra labor save the one time hull cut down.

Trouble with Google lately is it's add driven, search 2 1/2 inch 20 it comes up with dozen places selling shells. Scroll down couple of pages links to forums that may be questionable advice wise compared to this one.

Thanks all

Bill

[Double Play]

Originally Posted by Bruce Day

So what are the measured chamber lengths for SN 208,485?

Not sure yet as it went right to Mr. Chaber for a good cleaning but it will be ready for the Southren so you will see it there. It's an interesting gun as it is a very late Damascus gun.

[C.O.B.]

I load all 2 1/2 inch hulls from 12, 16, 20 & 410 For everything except the 410 I use RST hulls which are Cheddite hulls and can be ordered through various reloading supply houses. If you come to any of the bigger sxs shoots such as the Southern or hausmanns you can easily scroung once fired RST hulls. I can't get to the load data for my 20ga loads at the moment but I'm using 20/28 powder and 7/8th or 3/4 oz shot charges. These are all low pressure loads, easy on you and your Trojan.

[William Davis]

Rich

How are you crimping ? Roll or fold.

Bill

[C.O.B.]

Fold, I think it's a six star crimp. I can't get to anything in the gun room as it's chucked full of mounts and stuff as I'm having the basement finished off. They just have trim to do so by the end of next week I can get you my load data. I'm using a Mec 9000 press.