Sorry 2-piper, but wrong again.

Burrard states on p.175 of Vol III about the crimped cartidge "I doubt whether its use can make any practical difference to the conclusions I have ventured to draw".

He goes on to mention the heavily loaded Eley Maximum cartridge, introduced in 1933 and still available from Eley (I use them loaded with bismuth for duck shooting).

"it contains a low-velocity load 1 1/4oz) ... but at a pressure which is normal for the standard 2 1/2" 12-bore load." (Again- showing case length and pressure to be key rather than pellet load).

On p.162 he illustrates a gun with 1 1/2" chambers used with 2 3/4" nirto cartridge.The barrels burst.

When manufacturers moved to crimp closed shells, they made the nominal chamber length markings they put on the boxes refer back to common proof markings:

I have in front of me a box of Hull 'Imperial Game' 28g 2 1/2" shells. The box states:

"These cartridges should only be used in guns proof marked for a shot load of at least 1 1/8oz and/or marked for a service pressure of at least 3 tons per square inch. DO NOT USE IN GUNS OF CHAMBER LENGTH LESS THAN 2 1/2".

Also, from box of Game Bore Pure Gold; "for 70mm case length; These cartridges are suitable for use in guns with a chamber length of 2 3/4" or longer, nitro proofed to a service pressure of 3 1/4 tons per square inch (900kg per square cm).

Ammo makers load 2 3/4" cartridges to higher pressures and they require higher proof charges to test for them. This is irrespective of the pellet load in the case.

So, the manufacturers say don't use 2 3/4" shells in 2 1/2" proofed guns. I also spoke in person about this with the Proof Master of the London proof house last week. He told me in very clear terms that it was not safe and that 70mm cases should only be used in 2 3/4" chambers.

I believe the message that goes out from here to readers should be 'Use the right ammo in your gun' not 'use the wrong ammo if you like because sometimes it is OK'.

There are issues of public safety here and we should be giving out the right messages. Too many people will come away from reading this with the impression that you can pop into Wallmart, pick up a slab of whatever normal 2 3/4" shells they have and happily fire them off in their 2 1/2" chambered Webley 700 with no ill effects. Bad idea.

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