Can anyone say when the 1 5/8oz 10ga load was first offered ? Maybe Researcher or Doc. Thanks - Paul

TTT

The Western Cartridge Co. Super-X Super-Ten shell with 1 5/8 oz. of shot and 4 3/4 Dr. Eq. Progressive Burning Smokeless Powder in a 2 7/8 inch case was introduced about 1926.

And those were fantastic waterfowl loads, several years ago a friend and I were hunting in southern Utah and ran short of shells, after driving around what felt like all of the state we found 2 boxes of those disappointed we reluctantly bought them, we wanted 3.5 inch shells, we were pleasantly surprised!!

TM

Drew, thanks for the reply. Marshall Williams, who writes in Shotgun Sports had ask me the question and I knew I could get the answer here. I gave him your web site - might give him an idea or two for future articles. He writes about imaginary friends shooting shotguns. Thanks again - Paul

A lot of the Western Cartridge Co. paper from the early 1920s when the Super-X loads were being introduced is not dated. The earliest Western paper I have including Super-X loads has the 2 3/4 inch 12-gauge and 20-gauge loads. I equate those to 1922. The next Western Ammunition Pocket Catalog I have adds the 12-gauge 3-inch and the 2 9/16 inch 16-gauge Super-X loads. I date this to 1923. The next item I have has a slightly changed name, Western Ammunition for Rifle, Revolver and Shotgun, adds the 2 1/2 inch .410-bore Super-X load. I date this to 1924/5. The next Western Ammunition for Rifle, Revolver and Shotgun I have is dated 1926 and it includes the 2 7/8 inch 10-gauge Super-X load. By the February 1, 1929 edition of Western Ammunition for Rifle, Revolver and Shotgun the Lubaloy shot loads were added.

This is from Marshall Williams who writes in Shotgun Sports with whom I email with occasionally.
I have a question, and since you have been shooting big bore doubles much longer than I have (I just started yesterday), I wonder whether you can tell me when the heavy 1 5/8 oz. load was introduced? Elmer Keith calls the load the Super Ten.



Here’s what I have deduced:



It was in production in 1929 because Major Askins mentions it in his book, “Modern Shotguns and Loads.” Since the book was copyrighted in 1932, we can assume it was already in production.



In 1925, Ithaca introduced the Ithaca New Ithaca Double/NID which was stronger than the Flues model; and



I have seen a 1930s period advertisement which mentions both the Super Ten and the 3 ½ inch magnum ten, so it must be after 1932, the year when the 3 ½ inch magnum appeared.



My wild-eyed-guess is that the heavy 1 5/8 oz, load probably was introduced in 1925 with the NID, but I have nothing to prove that.



Can you or any of your double gun buddies help me with this?



Many thanks.



Marshall