Jason,
I have shot Kent Tungsten in the duck marsh through my Fox Sterlingworth and more recently (3 seasons) an L.C. Smith Grade 2 shipped in 1902 with fluid steel barrels and a regular frame.
We shoot alot of ammo and a few ducks. First, Tungsten Matrix knocks the stuffin' out of em, they are most often dead on the water. It is a very noticeable difference from Bismuth.
Second, I have not had any mechanical problems with either gun in the way of shooting loose, etc. These guns were proof tested somewhere around 15,000psi, and I believe that 10,000 psi is not harmful to Classic American Doubles with nitro proofed steel and good tight actions. Maybe someone out there can tell us what pressures were developed when shooting a 1 1/2oz magnum duck load of 1940 Winchester Super-X shells.
I would also be interested to know if someone has data on "magnum" loads from the late 1920's. Guys were shooting heavy payloads of lead shot back then as well, during the same time period most of these guns were sold. My bet is that the heavy loads of the 1920's developed slightly over 10,000psi.
If the guns were designed and tested to shoot that type of load then, considering a shotgun in good working order, it should be of no harm now.
That said, RST Shot Shells now loads a Tungsten based non-toxic at lower pressures, and I am going to try them. As much as I believe the old guns can take it, I know it is less stressful on gun AND SHOOTER to shoot lower pressure shells if available.
Also, a company called NICE SHOT is selling the same Tungsten based non-toxic shot to the public in 2.2 Kilo bags for those that load their own. LOOK AT IMR POWDER'S LOADING TABLES FOR 12 GA. 1 1/4OZ LOADS. There are quite a few that leave the barrel at around 1300fps and are under 8000psi. That is a nice duck load.
NICE SHOT is expensive, but IMR has some loads that are under 7200psi and leave the barrel at over 1200fps. This allows guns in lesser condition to be shot at waterfowl, and I have tried this shot on early season geese and it was potent indeed. Go to niceshotinc.com for more info.
good luck.
