Ammo for an oldie?

[kdm]

So, I'm looking at this old shotgun...actually, been looking for a looong time. It's a 7 pound SxS 12 gauge, 28.5" barrels with integral full/IM chokes, 2.75" chambers, external hammers, and by appearance looks to be in great condition. It's pre-war German...Kruppstahl on the barrels. If I buy it, I'll have a gunsmith check it out...like to keep all my parts.

OK. So, the question is, what should my ammo selection be? Gun'll be used for breaking clays...at least 'til I'm rich enough to go hunting. I'm sure the all-steel shot would jack up the barrels, so those're out. What about pressures? Given everything checks out with the gunsmith, will this shotgun handle the pressures of modern loads?

[Mike A]

First make sure it has 2 3/4" barrels; many prewar German guns don't. If it does, it was probably made for export and the chamber length will be shown as a "70" (means 70 mm)on the barrel flats when you take the barrels off. If it says "65" then you have 2 1/2" chambers unless it has been rechambered, and you should stick to short shells which are available from several sources (Gamebore is one). If it is a 2 3/4", you can use standard US lead shot shells. I would avoid using heavy loads unless you are duck hunting; your old gun will last longer.

A good place for double info is www.doublegunshop.com/BBS There is also a German Gun Collectors website with lots of info.

Good luck with your old double!

[PEZHEAD265]

Are they steel or damascus barrels?If they are damascus you can shoot low pressure loads after it's oked by a smith.If the chambers are smaller then 2 3/4 Midway has smaller shells.

[mjsweims]

If you want to use it for waterfowl later on Bismuth, Hevi-shot Classic Doubles, and ITX. Lead is good for upland game in most locations. Lead is great for clays and much less expensive than the others I mentioned, so find a place for clays that doesn't require non-tox loads.

If the barrels are damascus try to keep lead velocities below about 1150-1200 fps.

And of course have the gun checked out by a competent gunsmith familiar with older shotguns.

[kdm]

Thanks for the info, guys.

Nope...these are not Damascus barrels.

[Killawhale415]

+1 on Hevi shot

[BigDogatPlay]

Not Damascus and with a 2.75 inch chamber you ought to be pretty much good to go with any low base load, and presumably most high base. Steel shot would, as noted, be out and I too would opt for Hevi Shot in that scenario.

Depending on how the gun checks out, it might be worthwhile to get a Lee Load All and roll your own tailoring loads to the needs of the gun.