Cavasback, my reference to the heavy loads is what I hunt with and have historically hunted with throughout my life. He and I didn't discuss heavy loads vs lighter loads. His recommendation was to watch the the wooden stock and pay attention if anything changes. The breech locks up very tight. I'm here and speaking with others collecting the best information I can get and doing so primarily to determine the strongest load I can safely use in the gun. It looks to me like I may be good with one ounce at mid 1100 fps range but I am considering like Stanton Hillis has mentioned. I'm considering my options. I do have some places where a bit lighter load may be plenty but I hunt other locations that pretty long shots. I do have other shotgun options but want to hunt as much as I can with the old double.
