I wouldn’t actually be in a hurry to run the 2 3/4” Federal paper loads in a 2 1/2” English gun, either.
I like really light loads in light guns, same reason as you.
Best,
Ted
Ted, All of the US (and European) cartridges that I have with the CIP mark are 2 3/4" and intended for 2 3/4" chambered guns so I will not shoot them in my 2 1/2" inch guns. CIP 2 1/2" (65mm & 67mm) cartridges are are proofed specifically for 2 1/2"chambered guns.
All of my guns are relatively light and light loads are much more pleasant to shoot.
I should clarify. There are no English short chambered guns here, old, or, otherwise. There have been, in the past.The lone 2 1/2” gun is a very old Darne. Old enough to have been proofed with powder S or J, because they were optional at that time, but, it was proofed with powder T. The barrel walls, 9” from the breech, are just over .050” wall. It is a 12, with beautiful, unaltered bores. Pits are a thing in old European guns. Not this one.
It is not an especially lightweight Darne. I will sneak an occasional 2 3/4” round in that gun, typically a 1 Oz or less at less than 1200 FPS. NOT a Pheasants Forever 1 1/4 Oz loads of #5s at 1300fps. The increase in pressure, using rational loads 2 3/4” long, in a short 2 1/2” chamber, is negligible. I wouldn’t do it in a gun that I didn’t feel was up to snuff, but, I wouldn’t own a gun like that.
I have no doubt that the Darne is up to it, and that it will be in use long after I am not.
Best,
Ted
