1887 12ga loads

[OldWin]

Hi all,

Doing a fair amount of bird hunting this year but missing the lever. Was wondering if any of you guys had a safe smokeless load for an 1887 12ga.? Also is it possible to trim back plastic shells for the shorter chamber? Shotgun in question is rough finish wise but very sound mechanically. It's a standard not a deluxe so it's not damascus.

[RustyJr]

I don't know anything about the load data but have you thought of getting some brass shells for that gun? My dad bought some a couple years back that are 2.5". They are made by Magtech.


RustyJr

[Hobie]

...and load BP.

[OldWin]

Thanks guys,

Yes I've thought of going that route and know a guy that does this. Just did'nt want to use black powder if i did'nt have to. Also would like to use components i have on hand if possible.

[Lefty Dude]

Some Cowboy shooters use original 87's in CAS/SASS competition. There is a firm that makes a factory shell that is metric size to approx. 2 1/2". I believe it is BP. This is also a low pressure shell.

A Gun Smith by the Cowboy Alias of "Coyote Cap" is the 87 & 97 specialist.

[OldWin]

Thank you Lefty. I do handload for 12ga but I did'nt know about the factory offerings. I know black powder would probably be best. I'd just rather go with a light smokeless load if at all possible. I am much more familiar with the rifle and pistol cartridges. Never worked with a shotgun other than modern ones.

[irl104]

http://www.rstshells.com./

Great people to deal with.

[Nath]

Lots of 2 1/2" loadings over here. The metric length is 65mm. They tend to be no more than 1 & 1/8oz loads based on older standard service pressures.

I use them in preference to 2&3/4" loads! Can't tell the difference (apart from less recoil n' noise), get a few pells on the bird, down comes the bird

The only time I want a little more is under geese but even then,,,,,,

N.

[M. M. Wright]

I load ffg in brass shells but before I got the brass I used to cut off plastic. Works fine but you need the correct over shot cards and you must glue them in unless you can find a way to roll crimp them. I never had that capability so glued mine in. Very easy in the brass as I use water glass. It may work on the plastic too but you'll have to try it to see if it will hold the shot during recoil. Think about trying the black. I think I get better patterns and clean-up is not really that bad. Use HOT water.

[Griff]

You can use Ox-Yoke 12ga wads in plastic hulls. Just that if you use brass, it's much thinner and you need to use 11ga. Start with an over-powder card, then Cushion Wads, lastly an over-shot card. I use the wife's clear fingernail polish to clue 'em in. Works fine. Just don't go droppin' 'em... that nail polish will break and spill your shot all over the place! At least, that's what I've been told!

[OldWin]

Wow! Thank you all so much for the great info. I feel like i have some options. I actually have some old roll crimping tools and a hull trimmer. I'd forgotten I had the stuff haha.
Hey Nath sounds like you guys have the shells to go along with all those beautiful shotguns you have over there. My son was in Manchester a couple times I really hoped he would bring me one back! No luck.

[Nath]

I use nail varnish to close the brass shells Gamekeeper sent me (Fine gent ).



Fantastic little shells below!

http://www.hullcartridge.co.uk/products ... ame_12.cfm

Nath.

[OldWin]

Looks like photographic evidence of a fine day Nath. I love old doubles but confess I own none of good quality. Thanks for the nail polish tip!