8 ga trap

[Roundsworth]

The 'Trap' empty shell is in my 1896 UMC catalog, but not in the 1910 UMC catalog. The "Trap shell is equal to the best imported, with no. 8 primer, battery cup, metal outside reinforce, the head of the shell being independent of the reinforce, thereby doubly strengthening it for heavy charges." It is listed in 8, 10 and 12 gauges in varying lengths. I do not see any factory loadings with that hull. Old handloads can be identified by the topwad printing, or lack thereof. Often, the topwad was inscribed with a pen as to the charge and, sometimes, the date, depending on how thorough the loader was. Topwads could also be purchased pre-printed with a number to denote the shot size. Factory topwads usually have nice machine printing of high quality. The top edge of the roll crimp is normally rounded. Many bench closers offered the square or round crimp. All of my factory loads have nicely done, rounded roll crimps.