The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]

Modern shot shells

Posted by Marvin Susott on May 19, 2023, 9:27 pm

Does anyone have an idea on what year our guns would be able to shoot modern loads? Boss shotshells are non tox but the 20 gauge shells look to have a velocity of 1350 fps. I'm looking at a post war (~48) field model. I was looking through the FAQs and it refers to a hangtag from when the gun was purchased. This is not w the firearm. Thanks in advance!

BOSS Bismuth 20g load

Posted by Drew Hause on May 20, 2023, 11:42 am, in reply to "Modern shot shells"

The BOSS Bismuth loads are made in the U.S. so will follow the SAAMI pressure limit of 12,000 psi for 20g
The 2 3/4" load is 7/8 oz. at 1350 fps

The recoil would be significantly greater than the recoil of the loads for which the gun (and esp. the stock wood) was designed. Personally, I wouldn't consider those loads unless the head of the stock was glas bedded or cyanoacrylate impregnated.

CIP service pressures

Posted by Drew Hause on May 20, 2023, 2:56 pm, in reply to "Modern shot shells"
Edited by board administrator May 20, 2023, 4:12 pm

It is important to recognize that shells loaded to CIP standards (English, Italian, etc.) have two service and proof pressures:
“Standard Proof” lead or steel, limited to no larger than 3.25 mm / U.S. No. 4 and max. fps 1,300.
Maximum Average (Service) Pressure 740 BAR = 10,733 psi;
Maximum Statistical Individual Pressure 850 BAR = 12,328 psi;
Mean PROOF Pressure 930 BAR = 13,489 psi

“High performance/Superior Proof”
Maximum Average (Service) Pressure 1050 BAR = 15,229 psi;
Maximum statistical individual pressure 1200 BAR = 17,405 psi;
Magnum proof 1320 BAR = 19,145 psi

If the shells are "Superior Proof" the box will be so marked.

Smith guns were not designed for service pressures of > 15,000 psi

Re: BOSS Bismuth 20g load

Posted by Marvin Susott on May 22, 2023, 9:01 am, in reply to "BOSS Bismuth 20g load"

Thanks for the info! I think I'll look at glassbedding the stock.
I'm wanting to get a 20g as my everyday quail gun. I've a 12g "long range" that I shoot well and I like the fit, but it is a beast to carry all day.

Re: CIP service pressures

Posted by Marvin Susott on May 22, 2023, 9:04 am, in reply to "CIP service pressures"

Thanks for the response. Great info! I'm not new to shooting but new to guns. I love the history of these and the seem to fit me. However, I'm not sure if I should/could find something comparable that is more suited to modern loads.

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