Boss shotgun ammo

just a couple points Rob

the transition to smokeless began in the last quarter of the 1800's and smokeless was the norm by WWI
Winchester's Super X heavy progressive burning load was introduced in 1922

IMHO picking WWII as a marker may be a little misleading - there were many well built heavy duty guns made before that and many lighter guns and some poorly made guns after that - each one needs to be evaluated on its own

Ithaca came out with the NID in 1926 - a gun specifically designed to handle heavier smokeless loads better than the pre WWI Flues design

the Super Fox came out about 1922 and was purpose built (many with 3" chambers) to pattern heavy loads at long range,

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Parker built some heavy 12 gauges on their number 3 frame (normally one step up in the 10 gauge frame size range) my 32" 3 frame 12ga Parker was made in 1902 and was chambered for 2 3/4 - it continues to digest waterfowl loads without issue.
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and LC Smith was not going to be left behind when they built the LongRange model with 3" chambers in the late 1920's






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This has become a very enlightening discussion, and I appreciate all the input on the subject.


The model 12, Heavy Duck that I am the current care taker of was made in 1955. It shoots Winchester 3", lead, turkey loads very well, and has been my turkey gun for over 20 years,in Spring and Fall. So far no problems, but not many shots are fired turkey hunting.

In all my years shooting a shotgun. The only real problems I ever encountered were with reloads (given to me in lean times 1970's), prior to steel shot. The problems were very serious, for me as well as the man that gave me the shells. I have never used a reload in any of my guns since, nor plan to in the future.

When you witness a shogun burst from a heavy loaded round, it is something that one never forgets.
 
I appreciate the points Rick, particularly regarding the transition from black powder. My focus has been specifically on Belgian guns so my research is quite biased towards what was going on in Liege during the era.

Through my internet travels with the '37 Belgian it has appeared the post Damascus/Pre-WWII era produced a rather wide range of quality as Standards developed (SAAMI 1926, Liege 1924, Rules of Proof 1925 London). Where as black powder/Damascus have generated a "bright line" of Don't Shoot/Wall Hnagers, the gray era pre-WWII everything seems like a case by case basis. In Belgium, the parts were often made by contractors in their homes and there were multiple barrel manufacturers of varying degrees of quality and reputation. No one appears too worked up over Post-WWII barrels. It seems you might have a crappy gun but the barrel isn't going to send shrapnel with factory loads.

I don't doubt Tim J can shoot BOSS just fine. I'm guessing my '37 would as well. Vince's '35 likely wouldn't have any problem.

When I look at my SxS, factor in 85 years of life, consider the relatively 'new' technology and measurement standards at the time of it's manufacture, remain confounded that I cannot find any copy of printed standards from that era (like that you supplied above) and contemplate that the forearm is the most beautiful piece of wood I've ever held in my hands..... low pressure shells seem like the better option. The BIGGEST challenge is finding non-tox shells at lower pressures. RST has 2.5" bismuth for $65 a box. HeviShot Classic Doubles comes in 2 3/4" around $50 for 25 shells if you can find it and don't read the reviews.

Low pressure lead is readily available.
 
i do also shoot damascus waterfowl guns, Parkers and and British. My only Belgium gun is a nice quality Henri Pieper made in 1877 - light and fast
handling, I love carrying it in woodcock covers

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But I do hand load - really, hand load, measure each powder and shot charge - low pressure Nice Shot or bismuth loads for the Damascus and short chambered waterfowl guns.

Vince says he doesn't shoot reloads, and I'll agree for repeaters - factory only for my Model 12 heavy duck - in spite of my care, I won't take a chance of a bad load leaving an unseen wad in a barrel -- BTW - same for shooting clays - i reload for doubles but when I take the Model 12 (the only repeater I shoot) to the range- its quality factory shells
 
Thank you for the information Rick. I anticipate I'll be starting to hand load in the new year.

I do wish the factory non-toxic options were a bit more developed, but I traded a fishing rod/reel combo for a beautiful firearm. The scarcity of shells is the cost of ownership I undertook in the trade.

Vince, I wish you the best in your search.

Very best,

Rob
 
Vince,

I too am the caretaker of an old Model 12 Heavy Duck. I inherited it from an old friend that passed away two years ago. It's rather tight for most our our over-the-decoys goose hunting, but I still haul it out goosin' a couple of times a year for nostalgic purposes. I shoot 2 3/4" bismuth out of it.

The attached photo was Malcolm's last goose with the Heavy Duck.

Matt
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Matt -

They do shoot very tight. That is why I use it for turkey hunting, and carrying it gives me a good workout.

I have only used it a few times to goose hunt, with the 3" No-Tox bismuth. As you wrote it is not a good choice over decoys.

What I did find it very good for, when I lived in PA, was late season dove hunting. Close shots are rare. The duck gun, and AA Heavy Trap 7 1/2's, work very well. Once ya get the gun moving it does the job seemingly on it's own.

In the future, God willing, when I use it for waterfowl I want to use 2 3/4" ammo, and heed your suggestion. That is one reason I was inquiring about the Boss shells.


Man O Man the photo of your dear friend Malcolm sez it all.

The joy on his face, of still getting it done speaks well of a life fueled with the passion of a waterfowler.

It sure did put a smile on my face. Good friends are a blessing.

Inherited guns have a very special place in my mind and heart. With them comes trust and responsibility unlike anything else.


Nostalgic purposes for sure.

Many a time when I'm using the 16ga. or the Heavy Duck. I just look at it and wonder what stories it could tell.

A whole lotta history right there in your hands, and for sure the Perfect Repeater.


Thank you so much for your post.


Best regards
Vince
 
Vince,

Yes, the old stuff speaks to me too. I also acquired some old decoys, artwork and a 20 ga Parker from my old friend's estate. So, I have ample reminders of him.

Regarding the Boss shells; Friend of mine is a layout sea duck hunter. He recently mentioned that they had a guest along that had problems with the Boss shells. The Benelli autoloader would not fire them. I asked him if the primers were dimpled by light strikes and he didn't know.

Matt
 
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