I have just bought a 10ga Charles Boswell, it is not nitro proofed and has Damascus twist barrels.
The overall condition is excellent and I want to load up some blackpowder shells for the old girl.
No sense in having a new toy and not being able to play with it.

I will probably use #6 and # 7 shot for this exercise. I was given a few handfuls of empty plastic hulls and an antique reloading kit with the gun.
Any suggestions for loading?
Weight of shot/blackpowder charge/tips and cautions etc would be greatly appreciated to start me on the right track.

500 nitro -

Boswell made some real sweetheart guns! It would be great to see a photo.

Pick up some back issues of the Double Gun Journal and read Sherman Bell's "Finding out for myself" series. He has done extensive pressure investigation using modern components to mimic black powder pressures and has defused the myth that Damascus barrels are unsafe. I don't have the information with me at this time though.

Possibly more important...if you can't measure wall thickness of those tubes, have a gunsmith check it out. I shoot a Joseph Lang 12 bore (2.5" chamber) Damascus game gun, sidelever. It's bores measure .729" and .730" and are bright and shiny, minty really for a circa 1884 gun. I've had no problem going up to about 6,800 psi with any loads in 2.5" shells. The wall thickness is over .030" at the thinnies point in each barrel and 9" from the breech face the thickness is .042"

You might also try posting at http://shootingsportsman.com at their bbs. Many friends there and many more experienced than I.

redleg

Thanks Redleg,

I have a Fred Williams 12ga as well which is damascus and is nitroproofed. I shoot it regularly with standard as opposed to HV loads.
The Boswell is a solid boxlock and the barrels look mint inside. I will get some pics posted. I only picked it up this morning and can't wait to get it home and check out dimensions etc.
I believe you are correct and I will be able to work with sensible nitro loads but I will get my gunsmith to check it out first. Thanks for the link.