doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Commercial 16ga loads for short-chambered gun?

Can I shoot 1oz 2&1/2 dr eq 2&3/4" lead loads in 16ga Winchester 97 with short chambers? The gun is in very good shape so I assume it can take about 10% extra pressure like a champ, no problemo? I ask because short shells are not available locally and politicians where I live may soon put stop to mail order ammo. Thanks.

6600 psi per manufacturer. I use in my Damascus guns that are 6.25lbs or better.

You're going to be screwed, eh? What do you plan to do about that, if it happens? Is living where you live more important than having freedoms?

I'm not making light of your predicament. I understand that age and other things may make a move to another place/state a major problem. You might have to leave family. We each need to make decisions about these issues.

But, ignoring these questions won't make them go away.

A good friend inherited a 16 ga. Model 97 from his grandfather, and used nothing but 2 3/4" field loads in it. His gun was in good original condition, and he never had a problem.

That proves nothing for any other gun we haven't seen, but I'd wager you'd be ok if the barrel is in good shape. You could always try the Firestone Proof Test using some even heavier loads.


Let me guess... those politicians that are working to ban mail order ammo... they are Democrats, aren't they???.... like the anti-gun Democrats you've always supported.

Some people need to be hit in the head with a brick to understand that Democrats are no good for gun rights, or much else.

I'm not going anywhere, the plan is to stock up on High Pheasant 67mm shells with #6 shot (US 7). It will be good load for birds and squirrels. It's just under an ounce but muzzle velocity is around 1375fps.

I shoot 2 3/4” loads exclusively out of my first year Winchester 1912 20 gauge. No problems to report. Short chamber, also.

Those 1375fps loads are going to beat you up in a model 97. Stock up on the pictured loads, before the law changes, and you’ll be good.

Best,
Ted

I haven't been there in a while, but I'm sure local Walmart carries 1oz lead load from Winchester, Federal or Remington. Old 97 in very good mechanical condition should handle those without problems. Gamebore offers 1oz 65mm shells at about 1200fps. The English velocities seem more impressive because they measure them closer to the muzzle.

PJ, those 1 oz loads are all loaded pretty hot, to run dirty semi-auto shotguns that the rest of the world seems to use.

You will definitely feel them go off.

Best,
Ted

RST currently shows 2.5" 16 gauge loads on their website. Falcon and Spreader. Single box or case.

Clark Bros had some in stock last year when I was there. When I'm in that area next time I will buy some from them. Interestingly thats the only 65mm game shells they had, no 20ga or 12ga.

What's your point? In last local election non of the candidates I voted for won, not even Attorney General candidate. The only upside is I no longer have to vote because in my county I'm probably outnumbered 10:1.
The Republican elites that have imput in who runs need to be shown the door. Their last choice for governor was Afro woman with inadequate credentials to face her opponent. She had about 1% to 2% chance of winning.
I'm expecting assault weapon ban w/o grandfathering, no mail ammo sales, paperwork extended to gun parts like barrels, slides, massive amount of paperwork and training requirements to buy a gun,....
I can honestly say I dont give a shıt, fụck everything and I'm not moving.
Being far away from home I'm buying this sight unseen based on imput from trusted salesman at LGS. It's original shape 16ga Model 97 28" Full 2&9/16" chamber, no wood cracks, no dents rust or pitting, screws in perfect shape. Price <$500 which is great because almost every time I go shopping I'm paying more for almost everything. This put smile on my face and now I almost never 😁.
PS, I apologize for stupid question of course it's fine to shoot light 1oz 2&3/4" lead shells out of it. It probably hasn't seen short shell since early 1930s.

I am just wondering, Jagermeister- your location says W KNIEI. Where is that, if I may ask? Is there any way you can get a reloader and just reload your own? It would save you a lot of money in the long run. And watch out for mashing your thumb on the gun. 😊 Good luck.

I live in wooded area of Virginia. I love this place the weather is nice, lots of history and very accepting, tolerant, open-minded "square-headed" Democratic neighbors.

solve problem...

have chamber opened to 2 3/4 "...

shoot 0ne ounce field loads, 1200 fps or less...

I will solve that problem if they mandate non-tox for shotgun hunting. I will have chamber lengthened to 70mm and choke opened up to light modified.

Jager: there is no concern about the slight rise in pressure using standard 2 3/4" shells in a 16g M97.
The problem is that 2 3/4" shells will often hang up in the ejection port, which will need to be modified.
OTOH nominally 2 3/4" modern 16g shells are often shorter than 2 3/4". The old black Rem. Game Loads were, but not anymore. Aquila 1 oz. were reported to be short, but components change.

Winchester Super-X 16g 1 oz 1165 fps in 2023 67 mm

I saw those as well. If I remember right, they were all #9 shot.

old remington shur shot, green and orange box are short, as well...

Yes or shoot the 2 3/4 peters paper shells.

Thanks all, it turns out the gun is E series from 1939. The shop employee attached short chamber warning notice to wrong firearm. I can get shells from closest source Walmart 10min away.