doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Heavy Loads in Older SxS's ?

To what extent are so-called heavy loads likely to damage an older American classic SxS ?

I regularly shoot 1-1/8 ounce 12 gauge loads in my older American SxS's, for both pheasant and quail. Others that I hunt with often use 1-1/4 ounce and some Golden Pheasant 1-3/8 ounce loads.

Setting aside the question of whether the additional weight of shot is necessary; are these heavy loads damaging to the shotguns? Especially to L.C. Smiths and Lefevers with their sidelock/sideplate inletting. Are these heavy loads more likely to cause cracks in the buttstocks or wrists?

I'm supposing that since the pressure is within SAAMI limits, metal damage is probably not a significant issue?

Opinions ???

Jerry