I working on restoring a 1930's vintage J. Stevens single shot 20 gauge. I plan to have screw chokes installed. Does anybody have any suggestions on a decent 2 3/4" 20 gauge load to start with?
I use a 2 3/4" handload with 1-7/16 ounce of TSS.
I don't see why you couldn't shoot a reasonable pressure handload in that gun.
I shoot 2 3/4" 1 7/16 out of a Franchi Affinity 20 gauge compact. It's ideal atleast in my eyes. 230-250 in the 10" and around the same in the 20".
Quote from: BrowningGuy88 on April 10, 2018, 01:06:35 PM
I use a 2 3/4" handload with 1-7/16 ounce of TSS.
I don't see why you couldn't shoot a reasonable pressure handload in that gun.
Unfortunately, I don't reload. I am looking for commercially available offerings. Thanks
Quote from: Meatseeker on April 10, 2018, 03:52:41 PM
Quote from: BrowningGuy88 on April 10, 2018, 01:06:35 PM
I use a 2 3/4" handload with 1-7/16 ounce of TSS.
I don't see why you couldn't shoot a reasonable pressure handload in that gun.
Unfortunately, I don't reload. I am looking for commercially available offerings. Thanks
I would be looking for a good, fast load of copper plated lead 7.5's. If your gun will pattern them (and it should with the right choke) they will kill a turkey 35 to 40 yards.
They don't make them anymore but I started my son out on the federal hw 2 3/4" #7. They patterned well out to 30 yards. I think you may be able to find a few boxes around. Guys did not buy them up as quick as the 3"
Post some pics of that ol gal when you get it done
Honestly I think you'd be real happy with the hand loads mentioned above. If any of your friends do any type of hand loading ammunition it's really easy. And I think it will be easier to get a food load that way than just accepting the limited choices of factory ammunition available.
I shoot a factory original ( fixed full choke) Savage 220A that runs over 200's at 40 yards w a 1 7/16 oz of TSS 9's.
The amount you'll spend on the tubes, and cutting an old gun , you'll be money ahead. My .o2
Just read the thread about the Federal HW shell not be produced anymore. I have two 20 gauge guns that were built up to run that shell. Custom chokes made. I'll need to go back to the drawing board for these guns and chokes because I relied on factory ammunition.