Posted by Greg Molatch on December 10, 2016, 12:59 pm
Greetings from Down East Maine.
The gods were kind and I lucked into a 16-gauge Ideal grade FWE with two barrel sets, 26-inch M/F and 30" F/F. Both barrel sets have 2.5" chambers. The gun also has the HOT.
There appears to be controversy regarding whether or not lengthening the forcing cones actually helps shot patterns, but it is my understanding that to lengthen forcing cones may be wise if attempting to reduce shock and strain to the head and wrist of the stock.
I have used a very few 2.75-inch shells on game, but now have a supply of 2.5-inch shells on hand for steady use. In the future I'm planning on reloading for my 16 gauge needs, principally because the variety of 16 gauge loads available to me locally is very limited.
My questions are:
(1) Will the use of 2.5-inch shells obviate the need to lengthen the forcing cones to reduce shock to the head of the stock?
(3) Is there enough steel in the 16 gauge FW barrels to safely accommodate lengthening the forcing cones and the chambers at the same time? If you have done this to your own gun,are you satisfied with the results? (i.e.: would you do it again?)
(4) Can I anticipate that lengthening the forcing cones and/or chambers will adversely affect the value of my gun?
(5) Are "low pressure" 16-gauge loads adequate for birds as large as pheasants? Since I have an heirloom Ithaca 37 and a German combination gun with 16-inch tubes, I would like to use the 2.5-inch shells in them as well, hopefully without a loss of ballistic efficiency.
Observations, comments and opinions welcomed. Thanks in advance for replies.