doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Commercial 16ga loads for short-chambered gun?

Can I shoot 1oz 2&1/2 dr eq 2&3/4" lead loads in 16ga Winchester 97 with short chambers? The gun is in very good shape so I assume it can take about 10% extra pressure like a champ, no problemo? I ask because short shells are not available locally and politicians where I live may soon put stop to mail order ammo. Thanks.

6600 psi per manufacturer. I use in my Damascus guns that are 6.25lbs or better.

You're going to be screwed, eh? What do you plan to do about that, if it happens? Is living where you live more important than having freedoms?

I'm not making light of your predicament. I understand that age and other things may make a move to another place/state a major problem. You might have to leave family. We each need to make decisions about these issues.

But, ignoring these questions won't make them go away.

A good friend inherited a 16 ga. Model 97 from his grandfather, and used nothing but 2 3/4" field loads in it. His gun was in good original condition, and he never had a problem.

That proves nothing for any other gun we haven't seen, but I'd wager you'd be ok if the barrel is in good shape. You could always try the Firestone Proof Test using some even heavier loads.


Let me guess... those politicians that are working to ban mail order ammo... they are Democrats, aren't they???.... like the anti-gun Democrats you've always supported.

Some people need to be hit in the head with a brick to understand that Democrats are no good for gun rights, or much else.

I'm not going anywhere, the plan is to stock up on High Pheasant 67mm shells with #6 shot (US 7). It will be good load for birds and squirrels. It's just under an ounce but muzzle velocity is around 1375fps.

I shoot 2 3/4” loads exclusively out of my first year Winchester 1912 20 gauge. No problems to report. Short chamber, also.

Those 1375fps loads are going to beat you up in a model 97. Stock up on the pictured loads, before the law changes, and you’ll be good.

Best,
Ted

I haven't been there in a while, but I'm sure local Walmart carries 1oz lead load from Winchester, Federal or Remington. Old 97 in very good mechanical condition should handle those without problems. Gamebore offers 1oz 65mm shells at about 1200fps. The English velocities seem more impressive because they measure them closer to the muzzle.

PJ, those 1 oz loads are all loaded pretty hot, to run dirty semi-auto shotguns that the rest of the world seems to use.

You will definitely feel them go off.

Best,
Ted

RST currently shows 2.5" 16 gauge loads on their website. Falcon and Spreader. Single box or case.

Clark Bros had some in stock last year when I was there. When I'm in that area next time I will buy some from them. Interestingly thats the only 65mm game shells they had, no 20ga or 12ga.