Greetings all, My nephew just gave me a Parker shotgun he bought at a auction. It has damascas barrels and hammers. It is on face and appears to be in good condition.

I was wondering what your opinions would be on BP loads for it. I was thinking brass cases as well to be period correct. It was mfg in 1876 the auction claimed.

All replies appreciated, Byron

I used fffg Goex when I loaded BP shotgun loads.

Keith

Byron: Lovely gun, I'm sure. I use Magtech brass cases from Midway, Goex FFg and the appropriate wads from Circle Fly. Google them and read up on loading for Magtech cases, as you will need 11-gauge overpowder and filler and probably 10-gauge overshot wads.

I would get the bbls checked by a competent gunsmith before loading up any rounds. Damascus guns are beautiful and safe to shoot, just check 'em first.

What grade? Any pictures?

There are some very low pressure smokeless powder loads out there to use also. 4000psi to 6000psi.

I did find some smokeless low pressure loads by Polywad. They look promising but I think the black powder loads would be a hoot to shoot. After all they were all that was available when my gun was mfg. in 1876. Thanks for the help, Byron

BP shotshells are a hoot, and the barrels clean very easily if they're not pitted. All this, of course, assuming the gun is sound.

There's a great BP shotshell intro -> here <-