Pressure isn't the issue. SAAMI spec for 12-gauge (except for the new 3 1/2 inch) was then/is now 11500 psi. Up to 1935, 1 3/8 ounce was the heaviest payload being pushed out of the 3-inch 12-gauge progressive burning powder shells, and after that the 1 5/8 ounce 12-gauge 3-inch Magnum load was available.
Some of the older 12-gauge 2 3/4 inch and longer shells, with the heaviest loads which our North American ammunition manufacturers offered, 3 1/2 drams of bulk smokeless powder or 28 grains of dense smokeless powder pushing 1 1/4 ounce of shot, had pressures above what SAAMI specs are now according to several old DuPont powder booklets I have. Then again, those booklets were promoting their DuPont Oval progressive burning smokeless powder and its higher velocity and lower pressure.
I'd certainly stick with lead and the softer non-toxics, no steel or other harder non-toxics. Though I shot quite a few 1 5/8 ounce 3-inch Magnums in my Super-Fox in my youth, I'd probably stick to 1 3/8 ounce at no more than 1300 fps now days.
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