new and need help

[jerryl]

I was recommened by some folks on the shilo site. They said that you folks may be able to help me. I currently reload black powder for a 45-70 and 45-90 bigtimber shilos. My problem is I just inheritated some guns from my grand father. The one that has really peaked my interest is a 1887 lever action 10 gauge. I would love to hunt with it. Where do I go to find reloading presses, dies.... or books that will guide me.
Thanks
Jerry

[Silver Creek Slim]

What do you want to hunt with it?

Slim

[Camille Eonich]

Have that shotgun checked over by a smith before shooting it.  Most of them had damascus barrels and while strong enough they can get rust between the layers of steel and become weak in spots.

[Advertising]

[Tensleep]

You are planning to use BP in your loads aren't you?

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

I've never loaded 10 gauge, but MEC makes the MEC 600 Jr in 10 gauge.

http://www.mecreloaders.com/ProductLine/600JrMark5.asp

I've used the MEC Jr for years for both 12 and 20 gauges, and have loaded both Smokeless and BP on my 12 gauge MEC Jr.The Jr is a great, entry level single stage shotgun press and should be all you need as far as a press is concerned.

I dunno if the '87 has a damascus barrel of not. I have a pump 1897 Winchester made in 1906 that I shoot light Smokeless loads through all the time, but I'm pretty sure they were designed for Smokeless. Regardless of what type of powder you are going to put through the '87 you should have it thoroughly checked out. I cannot recommend putting Smokelss powder through a damascus barrel, if that is indeed what it has. Even for BP only, you need to have it thoroughly checked out by someone who is familiar with the model.

As for books, I could recommend a passel of books for you for loading metallic cartridges, but I learned to reload shotshells so long ago I have no idea what the book was. But there should be plenty of shotshell reloading manuals available at your favorite toy store and you should be able to pick one up. Be sure you read the book and thoroughly understand the principles of loading shotshells before you load any.

If you are going to be loading Smokelss you must stick strictly to published recipes and must not deviate from those recipes. Smokeless shotshell reloading is much less forgiving than BP and you must not substitute components. Stick strickly to the published recipes as far as loads and components are concerned. All the powder manufacturers publish free reloading guides which will list their powders as well as what hull, primer, wad, and how much shot you should put in. You should be able to pick up one of these freebies anywhere you buy powder.

BP shotshell loading is more forgiving, and you can probably find all the information you need right here.

[jerryl]

I figured that I could use the gun for ducks and geese. I was a youngster when gramps took me along when he used that gun. I will find a gunsmith to check it over before I shoot it. I do appreciate that suggestion!!
Jerry

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Is it an '87 or a 1901? Both were made in 10ga. The '01`'s were 10ga only and proofed for smokeless. I don't think I would try a smkeless duck load in an older '87...............Buck

[Silver Creek Slim]

I assume you will hunt in the US. So you will have to use non-toxic shot for waterfowl, steel is not an option. Barrels that old may not handle steel shot. I would hate to see an 1887 barrel blow apart. I think your best bet for non-toxic shot is Bismuth.

Slim

[Trailrider]

Howdy, Pard,

BEFORE shooting your '87 or 1901 shotgun, check the chamber LENGTH!  The 12 ga were set up for 2-9/16" long (after firing), and the 10 ga. for 2-7/8" (after firing) rather than 3-1/2" or whatever.  Firing modern standard length shells with folded star-crimp cases and especially with plastic shot column protectors will raise pressures beyond the safe limits of the gun!

If the barrel is Damascus (twist) steel, I would NOT fire it at all!  If fluid (sometimes called "Cast Steel"...they are the same) steel, I would still have the gun checked by a gunsmith familiar with the '87 and '01, and have the chamber lengthened and a long forcing cone cut ahead of the chamber.

My experience is with 12 ga., so I'm not going to be any help with loads.

Ride careful, Pard!

[jerryl]

I am getting the gun checked this weekend. I think that smokeless powder is just a fad . I only reload black powder for the guns that I shoot. Their oldies but goodies. Thanks for the advise
Jerry