I am trying to learn about ammo pressures and what is "safe" and what is "good" for use in SXS shotguns.
I talked to RST and know their shells are in the low 7,000. William Larkin and Moore also has ammo in the low 7,000. area. Someone mentioned to me that Winchester AA ammo-even the low recoil variety is around 10,000. has someone published the pressures for the various factory loadings?
I also don't know how to interpret or think about these numbers. I gather they are pounds per square inch? How does one interpret proofs marks and translate that into PSI terms? How does one need to think about PSI numbers versus their own particular shotgun(s).
I have two AYA boxlocks of 2010 vintage (12 and 28 gauges). I feel comfortable shooting any 2 3/4" shells through them. Obviously recoil is more pronounced with "high brass" loads. I don't know how to think about dram equivalents and pressures other than simply assuming that higher dram equivalents means higher pressure. But, doesn't that depend on the powders used in the loads and their burning curves?
I am in the process of purchasing a 1930's English boxlock. It's a 2 1/2" 16 ga. Thus, my factory ammo choices will be limited. I know that Gamebore ammo has higher velocities. Is there published pressure information for their loads?
I also do not understand the correlation between "safe" but higher than desired for shotgun longevity. Is the issue shooting the gun "loose" before it's time, or concern for what will happen to the old wood in the stock as a result of the recoil forces on it? Or, all of the above? With Damascus barrels, is the concern mainly focused on the barrels integrity?
Are there any good reference materials I should obtain? I didn't find what I was looking for after searching this forum. I may not have searched correctly. Are there any threads here that you can link me to?
Any thoughts and advice will be appreciated. Thanks!
