Old HOPKINS & ALLEN SXS 12ga question

**ironcowboy** · November 18th, 2009, 02:36 PM

Well i'm getting a pre 1898 HOPKINS & ALLEN double barrel 12 gage in a trade. It looks good (has some repair work on the stock) but my question for you guys is; can i use modern shotgun shells in it? If i cant, what should i use? Anything i should look for?

Thanks for the help,

-Samuel

**knight0334** · November 18th, 2009, 06:53 PM

First it'd depend on its condition of course. If its in safe order, then the following applies:

Is it a Damascus twist type barrel? If so you can only use black powder cartridges or the specialty low pressure loads.

If it is "nitro proofed" you can use the same as above, and standard pressure shells. But not "magnums".

If its a non-Damascus twist barrel, many of that time period had "Nitro Proofed" stamped on them. D-twist barrels are evident with their patterned markings.

Be sure of your chamber length too. Some of those old guns were 2-1/2" or 2-5/8". ...which a 2.75" shell will fit in, but when it fires the crimp will constrict the throat and you'll end up with a grenade. (remember, a shotgun shell is measured by its uncrimped length)

Absolutely NO steel shot!

**phill** · November 18th, 2009, 08:00 PM

The only shooting of our old 12ga's is with sub caliber inserts. The most use is with .410 sleeves as they are about as thick as .410 barrels. The old wisdom is to not use any twist steel shotguns. The internal rusting in the twists is not always visible.

**ironcowboy** · November 19th, 2009, 02:30 PM

Ok thanks. I guess i'll see what comes of it.

-Samuel

**justashooter** · November 22nd, 2009, 03:17 PM

https://www.bandpusa.com/Shopping/index.php?cPath=84_86

2.5" shells, sub sonic.

**ironcowboy** · November 22nd, 2009, 03:25 PM

Great, this is looking like its going to be very expensive to shoot!

**knight0334** · November 22nd, 2009, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by ironcowboy

Great, this is looking like its going to be very expensive to shoot!

Not all that bad.. For $80 at that link given by justashooter you get (10) 25rd boxes. Thats basically $8 a box, which depending on load and purpose, is what one would pay for some shells for a modern gun.

**ironcowboy** · November 22nd, 2009, 04:38 PM

I guess your about right, last time i bought 250 rounds i think it came out to be $4-$5 a box, but i dont think i'll be shooting this too much, so it should last.
Thanks guys!