doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Low pressure ITX loads?

Have the BPI reloading book, but none of the recipes seem like low enough pressure.

I want to reload for a 1929 Fox HE (2 3/4" gun), and an 1899 fluid steel-barreled LC Smith with factory-lengthened 3" chambers (NOT going to try 3").

Where can I find some load data to put through them so they can go back out and kill a few ducks?

Thanks for the help...

There were several 1 1/8 oz. loads using Steel powder below 9K , and some 7/8th oz. using AA hulls that are in the 8K range. These may not seem as low as you may want the Fox should handle a steady diet of those no problem. If the Smith barrels are as thick as they started, and the head of the stock is glassed you should be good to go. The pressure of 2 1/2 shells are below 9K. YMMV

Thanks, Mark.

I'm assuming the loads were/are in the BPI manual? If not, where can I find them?

One issue I'm finding is that the BPI manual I got last year specifies components that aren't even available anymore...PB powder, etc.

About the time I think, "Okay...", I start looking at components and can't get them...

Another followup...I don't know that there is a gunsmith I would trust here in Arkansas to touch these doubles...any recommendations on who could handle the Smith (or the Fox)?

Thanks.

I have had great success using 2 3/4 #4 1oz loads,RIO hulls, BPI wads w/spacer and Longshot powder. The load I am using is in the ITX manual and is in the 8700 psi range I have shot a fair number of these and they pattern well on paper,and I have taken geese and pheasants with them also.

A friend is loading for a couple of 16's. He has had the best luck with Steel Powder.

The truth be told the best patterns and performance I had
was with 1oz #4 ITX 10,AA hull, WW primers and wad with Green Dot. This load may have excessive pressure due to the combination
of components. Although my gun and I still in one piece I have
given upon the load.

I am shooting a 1909 Elsie choked full and full and a post-war
ic/mod both 2 3/4. There is a bunch of stupid info on the internet about loads. Some are dangerous.
Patterns vary a great deal from gun to gun,choke to choke.I would be very interested in what you end up with

Good luck. ITX10is a good alternative to keep our old guns in the field.

Those loads are in the BPI book. The light load worked well on pheasants.

I am sending off several different loads for pressure testing. I am interested in a source for pressures that were safe for vintage American doubles. I am aware a that they may not be relevant because of the age/condition of the gun but this seems a good place to start. I know some of the info that has been put out on the internet is likely dangerous, some just very adventurous. I am not trying to develop maximum pressure loads but instead loads that will be effective on mixed bag waterfowl. The performance of loads not in the ITX manual have so far worked best, pressure testing is the next step. Any info would be much appreciated.

Swampman