What shells to use in vulcan steel barrel?

[Bruce Day]

Mr. Samearle, the following is what Parker recommended. The first photo is from the Parker Small Bore Shot Gun brochure. The second from TPS, p.514. Cartridges meeting those powder and shot loads are available from many sources, including Remington, Winchester, RST, Federal, Rio and handloading.

Your gun would have been patterned with a 3 dram, 1 1/8 shot load, however, the load table allows for acceptable stouter loads. Obviously, a person can always chose to use a lesser load.

[Feathersjr]

Bruce:

I hope to take delivery next week of a light weight VHE 20 gauge manufactured in about 1923. If I read the tables you were kind enough to provide it looks like 2¼ drams was the load used to test my gun. However, if the shot table shows a step up in psi from 10400 to 12700 do you think standard loads such as AA or Remington STS qualify? I need to do the research and I guess I am getting lazy by asking you the question....I haven't had a need to buy RST loads before but will now. The gun is chambered for 2½" shells, but I will have the forcing cones lengthened to at least reduce the felt recoil. I don't know that I am concerned so much about the steel in these Parkers, but I just don't want to shoot it loose with heavy loads.

Thanks for your help.

John