Quote:
Originally Posted by john70t
Maybe a note of caution for using faster high explosive (modern) ammo in older thin-barrel weapons such as shotguns. They may require specialize loads to be safe at all.
|
Absolutely. As a guy who shoots mainly 19th century guns and their modern continuations and reproductions, I agree - this cannot be over emphasized.
Arms designed for black powder, even modern day iterations, must be approached with caution when using smokeless powders. For some, like those pretty Damascus barreled shotguns, smokeless is entirely off limits. For others, like my Peacemakers, originals up to 1901 are black powder only due to their cast iron frames and non heat treated cylinders, but modern examples can be safely fired with appropriate smokeless loads.
Modern made Model '74 Sharps rifles from the two manufacturers in Big Timber are unbelievably hell for stout. Originals were designed with a lot of steel in the action and barrel, because it was the only way to provide the strength needed. Translate that design into modern heat treated steels and we have some of the strongest rifle actions ever made. They will readily digest some unbelievable high pressure loads. That said, I have never even tried, I have no interest in that. Black powder only for me in those rifles.
Quote:
Originally Posted by john70t
Also harder steel-cased ammo (such as Russian Wolf brand made for Ak's) may not be the best thing for those delicate barbie dolls.
|
I don't shoot those rifles in those calibers, but an awful lot of the guys at my club shoot them. I've never seen an issue but, admittedly, I don't pay attention to those guys. They seem to function just fine, even if they shoot shotgun patterns (ammo, rifle, shooter, or all of the above?). Is this stuff harder on rifles? Not surprising if it is, due to that steel case.