What's everyone using for ammo these days?

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

I shoot 7/8 oz 6000 PSI handloads for targets and nickle plated shot full boogie factory loads for pheasants!

For waterfowl I load moderate pressure short ten's with Nice Shot and shoot factory Kent Impact and Bismuth in 12 gauge.

I have used factory "promotional" 12 gauge rounds in 10 gauge Damascus with gauge mates with great success. The larger bore (11% surface area) will allow more room for the pressure to expand and produce somewhat less peak pressure. I'd shoot the same in a fluid steel Parker 10 gauge if I could ever find one within my limited price range...

The bottom line for me is for everyday shooting I keep the pressure and recoil low in 100+ year old guns. But for a few dozen shots at game each season I trust my Parkers (which are in good condition and have appropriate Minimum Barrel Wall Thickness) to safely shoot factory loads.

PS: If you do not handload I suggest visiting someone who does to watch and help. You might make a new friend and discover how fasinating loading your own ammo can be!!!

Mark

[Chris T.]

I wonder how much pressure is in the 1150 fps STS loads? The biggest issue is the price, a case of STS is around $80 and a case of RST is $130, but I do realize it's not a cheap hobbby.

[10 bore]

AA win hulls, silver for 8 shot and red for 7 1/2 shot, 15.5 grs 700-x, claybuster pink wad, 209p primer with 1 oz shot at 1100 fps and 6000 psi. very nice load and very clean bores afterwards. scott

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

Originally Posted by Chris Travinski

I wonder how much pressure is in the 1150 fps STS loads? The biggest issue is the price, a case of STS is around $80 and a case of RST is $130, but I do realize it's not a cheap hobbby.

Man that is the best laugh i have had all week, maybe this month.
Not a cheap hobby. Ask my wife. Hell, even I have to admit that my passion for Parkers- started at age 16 and I'm 60 now- has kept me from having so much money that I became a drunk and a louse.
Now that I think of it, Parkers have probably been a health benefit.
Now that I think of it, Parkers may be some sort of tax deduction like a health club.
Now that i think of it, I will call my tax lawyer.
Oh crap- she's my wife- forget that.

[Chris T.]

After a little research, I think the load I've been using is around 11,000 psi. Is this acceptable, or too high? George, I'm can't figure your post, are you making a funny or are you busting my chops? What I was trying to say is that I realize a person (like my self) who is willing to shell out the bucks for a nice Parker should probably be willing to spend the money for appropriate ammo. I'm only trying to determine if I'm using appropriate ammo because it's relatively inexpensive and available.

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

defininitely NOT busting your chops. this is a very expensive hobby but worth every penny.
i reload and I buy RST shells- go figure.

[Bill Murphy]

George P., you have brought up a great point. Parkers have been the reason I don't drink in bars, don't fool around with women I'm not married to, don't pay interest on credit cards, don't buy a new car every four years, do my own home maintenance, what little there is, and utilize several other methods of saving a buck here and there. I equate trips to fast food joints as money wasted that could have been put into the "Parker Fund". My only financial vise, other than gun purchases, is wine and scotch whisky, very minor outlays compared to loose women and bar drinking.