R40X,
I handload for my 10 gauge DARNE, weight 7lbs 2 oz with 73mm chambers. Start by cutting down primed (with the hot primer) Federal 3-1/2 inch hulls. Have used both Bismuth and lead in 1-1/8 and 1-1/4 oz of #2, #5 and #7-1/2.
With the usual disclaimers, I use Hodgdon Longshot, 35 grains for 1-1/8 oz, and 32 grains for 1-1/4 oz of shot. Add buffer for the bismuth (pm me for details). Use a .125 nitro card overpowder, and then just enough lightweight wad so that I can add an SP10 shotcup to get the right column height to roll crimp. For the 1-1/8 oz loads I put a .125 fiber wad in the bottom of the shot cup so the shot load fills to the top of the cup. Then a .070 overshot card and roll crimp on an antique Brit handcrank tool.
Imagine your DARNE 10 gauge is triple proof so this load would work. BUT, STRONGLY urge that you put five shells together in each 1-1/8 and 1-1/4 oz and send them to Tom Armbrust for pressure testing.
I assemble these loads by hand as I cannot use 10 gauge shells at my local sporting clay hangout. Instead, a pair of gaugemate gold chamber reducers from 10 to 12 gauge serves so that I can buy inexpensive 12 gauge loads to shoot skeet and sporting clays. Have also used the gaugemate golds in the field with 12 gauge loads for upland birds. They work fine but the key is NOT to lube the reducers so much that they extract completely with your Darne and fall into the sand ...
REgards
Last edited by Tim Carney; 01/16/09 12:49 PM.
