Well I got the WC Scott all back together - action rejointed, chunk out of forend replaced and checkered, new piece of horn inlaid in the forend, firing pin spring replaced, a new screw for the side lever, and the barrels honed.
Bought a new loader the other day and received my "care package" from BP with new cases, wads, and filler wads so I'm ready to cut the cases down and begin to reload. I assumed the chambers were 2 7/8" but hadn't measured them so thought I should just to make sure. You guessed it - they weren't. They are 2 5/8".
That leaves me two choices as I see it. I could rechamber to 2 7/8" after measuring to be certain there is enough metal, or set up to load 2 5/8" shells. The problem is all the data for low pressure loads I've found is for 2 7/8" loads.
I've just about decided to go the 2 5/8" load route as I hate to open the chambers as that can't be reversed. I feel I can load using the 2 7/8" data without getting into pressure trouble as I'm using Remington and Federal straight wall cases. All I'll have to do is eliminate the filler wad called for in the recipe and the crimp should be fine. I thought I'd also drop the powder charge a couple of grains at first and chronograph the loads. I expect the velocities to be lower with less powder which would also mean lower pressure. If that's the case I'll increase the powder until I get close to the published velocity for the 2 7/8" data. That should provide an ample safety margin. Ideally, I'd get the loads tested, but I have no idea who could do that or who would have data for low pressure 2 5/8" loads.
What do you guys think? Am I way off base here? I sure don't want to have an accident or hurt my new to me pet. Thanks in advance, Don Hansen.
