I think it's important to differentiate between "light" and "low-pressure" loads when talking about modern nitro powders. You may have seen on DocDrew's site that black powder loads were around 8,000 psi, a level that many "light" modern loads exceed. I'll summarize some of the info for you. Since this gun is considered a black powder era gun despite the fluid steel barrels, loads for it really fall into the same category as pattern-welded barrel guns (Twist, Damascus, and Laminated) in order to prevent mechanical deterioration. Recoil is another factor, (FPS relation to weight of shot charge) with lighter shot charge weights of an oz. or less in order to be easier on the wood. (factors that I learned from the learned folks on this board) There are people on this board who load low-pressure slug loads for Big Game, often black powder hand loads, which is fairly easy to set up for since you're not loading a high volume of shells. Then, you'd be able to use the gun for deer with no problems. If you choose to purchase brass hulls you don't even need a roll crimper. If I ever deer hunt again that's what I intend to do. For regular shooting with nitro powder, the low-pressure loads are more appropriate. Other older fluid steel barrel guns fall into the same category, such as Ithaca Flues, Crescents, Baker Batavia Specials, etc.
Regards
Ken
Last edited by Ken61; 01/26/15 09:55 AM.
