Burrard listed 6drams with 2 1/8oz as standard load for a 3¼" 8 ga case. As chamber lengthened loads grew, up to an 8dram x 2 3/4Oz for a 4" case.
The 1904 Scale of Proof for the 8ga shows a service load of 6drams x 2¼oz shot.
W W Greener cites three classes of 8 bores; Light, Medium & Magnum.
Light --- 3¼" case, 11-12 lbs; 6Drams x 2¼-2½ oz
Medium -- length not stated, 13lbs; 6drams x 2½-2 3/4 oz
Magnum -- 3 3/4" case, 15lbs; 7drams x 2 3/4-3 oz.
The later was recommended for "Boat" work as it was stated to be too heavy for carrying.
Greener recommended thin brass cases for all classes.
