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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 119
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 119 |
Greetings all,
I have a greener boxlock circa 1897, 12ga. 2 1/2" chambers, with either laminate or best figured 30" damascus barrels. Bores measure R.734" & L.735" and min. walls .027" in each except one thin spot 8" from muzzles on L outside which is .016" (probably a dent removed). Black powder proof with no re-proof. Would you shoot modern nitro factory 2 1/2" shotshells out of it? Perhaps Gamebore F2's or B&P High pheasant? If not, what would you reccomend as the maximum pressure for nitro handloads? My understanding is that these barrels should be in every way equal to or perhaps even superior to any fluid steel barrels from the same time period. I just need someone to agree or let me know I'm out to lunch! Thanks for any advice.
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,292
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,292 |
I personally think the Gamebores and for sure the B&P High Pheasant are too stiff for the old damascus...........just my opinion....other opinions around here will differ...... Light hand loads are best for any damascus IMO.....7,000 PSI or less IMO......especially with the wall thickness you mentioned..... Damascus & Twist wrapped barrels all have SEAMS....Fluid Steel Barrels DO NOT.....there lies the difference mate, especially with age and any previous owners "handy-work" figured into the equation..........
Doug
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,522
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,522 |
The only references I have found for pressures indicate a 12ga from the blackpowder era probably didn't exceed 8000psi. Unfortunately, it is hard to say how they were measuring pressure then, probably with LUP. If I were certain my damascus barrels were sound, and could get a pressure value for the ammo you are citing indicating it is less than 8000psi I would likely shoot it. If you handload the pressures can be brought well below 8000psi. It is the pressure and the weight of the shot charges which have changed over the years. You could also submit it for Nitro Proof.
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 119
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 119 |
Thanks for your thoughts. To the best of my knowledge, the bores are original and could have been nitro proved (if so ordered) at the time they were made. I have data for loads around 8000 PSI but I'm having trouble locating recipies for loads less than that which do not require exotic components. Any suggestions? Those photos certainly are concerning...
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 267 Likes: 4
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 267 Likes: 4 |
Lot of ifs here.
The bores are larger than 12 gauge, and may have been honed, any pitting? .027 minimum wall thickness isn't bad, but you're talking nitro shells. .016 is bad, although the location could be a lot worse.
Sounds like a nice gun, I wouldn't risk it. Might shoot black powder loads in it though.
Once you get used to cleaning it not such bad stuff.
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 496
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 496 |
Blue: Try 16 grs. of Clays, 7/8 oz. of No. 6 and any one-piece wad designed for 7/8 oz. loads. Primer of your choice in a AA or STS hull.
Shot this for years. Easy on the gun and kills birds like a death ray. No worry in any reasonable Damascus barrel.
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 544
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 544 |
Why not just shoot black? End of concerns. In a smoothbore breech loader it probably cleans easier than nitro and in 2 1/2 in. cases you won't be giving up anything in performance.
Last edited by sharps4590; 10/12/12 08:01 PM.
NRA Benefactor 2008 NRA Patron 2007 NRA Endowment 1996 NRA Life 1988
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598 |
Here are 2 sources: The Lyman data is for a muzzle loader. I would want a bore scope to see that thin spot. Make sure some fool did hone it. Pete
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 610
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 610 |
IMR powders;PB and 7625 offer a wide range of very low pressure loads. I've been shooting them for years and they beat cleaning blk powder gunk out of your gun.
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 119
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 119 |
Great info. Thanks to all that have responded. I don't have the gun here to check the bores for the original proof size but will try to find out. Pete- What would you be looking for at the thin spot? I understand that it is about an inch or so long in a isolated spot on the left side of the left bore.
I had never even considered using black powder loads. I have done a fair amount of reloading with nitro, including PB, Longshot, Int. Clays. All of the loads being at 8000PSI or less. Forgive my ignorance but can you handload black powder in modern cases? There is no chance, near as I can tell, in finding commercial black powder loads in Canada. Commercial nitro loads in 2.5" are hard enough.
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