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< 16ga. Ammunition & Reloading ~ 1942 LC Smith Field Grade load advice |
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Posted:
Mon Nov 06, 2023 1:57 pm
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Joined: 09 Apr 2009
Posts: 36
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I came across an Lc Smith Field Grade and picked it up. Dates to 1942 and has 2 3/4” chambers.
Looking at what factory loads to put through it. I’ve seen a few recommendations to stay with 1 oz loads at less than 1200 fps.
What is everyone’s thought on that? I typically shoot Fiocchi Golden Pheasant 6’s in my Browning. |
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Posted:
Mon Nov 06, 2023 2:11 pm
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Member
Joined: 30 Nov 2011
Posts: 1700
Location: Minnesota
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Definite no to the Fiocchis, theyre hot. |
_________________ Great dog, Great friends,Great guns |
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Posted:
Mon Nov 06, 2023 5:28 pm
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Joined: 27 Sep 2015
Posts: 177
Location: Alabama
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I've shot RST 1oz #5 in my '40 Smith field grade at Phez. Not sure how available they are now though. Think they make the same shell with #6. |
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Posted:
Tue Feb 13, 2024 9:14 am
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Joined: 06 Jan 2017
Posts: 93
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By 1942, all the American gun companies were chambering their 16s at 2 3/4". I think Elsie was about the last to change. I'll certainly defer to the opinion of those with experience with Elsies that left the factory with 2 3/4" chambers. American shotshell companies were making the same high brass 3 1/4 dram equivalent, 1 1/8 shot loads then that they're still making. In terms of velocity, those loads are just a little slower than the Fiocchi Golden Pheasants. Seems to me they should work OK. |
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Posted:
Tue Feb 13, 2024 5:51 pm
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Joined: 09 Aug 2007
Posts: 452
Location: WI
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If you're concerned about shooting any modern 16 gauge ammo, best thing would be to have it checked by a good gunsmith. Personally, I would probably not hesitate to shoot any modern factory ammo in a 1940's vintage gun with factory 2-3/4" chambers and good, solid, clean & unmarked/dinged/pitted barrels.
Of greater concern to me would be inspecting the stock by removing it and checking for cracks and weak oil-soaked wood in the wrist and behind the action. The barrels might be fine, but if the stock has internal damage and the gun ends up punching you in the face you won't be very happy. |
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Posted:
Tue Feb 13, 2024 7:26 pm
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Member
Joined: 19 May 2006
Posts: 323
Location: Too far south in New England
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I’ll echo njgsp, check that stock out before shooting. Me personally I would not worry about modern loads assuming the gun checks out, but I would avoid repeated target shooting with normal hunting loads. If you feel the need to practice with it, either reload some 3/4 or 7/8 oz loads, or buy some low speed 1oz loads.
The damage to a stock, especially an Elsie or any sidelock, is cumulative. Again, have that gun checked out by a competent gunsmith.
Enjoy, I’ve been eyeing some just like yours! |
_________________ "You keep saying that word. I do not think it means what you think it means" - Inigo Montoya |
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Posted:
Wed Feb 14, 2024 5:28 pm
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Joined: 03 Feb 2008
Posts: 830
Location: Adirondak Mtns
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I use 1oz rem game loads, herters, and federal with no problem.
Joe |
_________________ Interested in older US made SxS and upland hunting. New to reloading shot shells and looking for info and advice. |
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Posted:
Wed Feb 14, 2024 6:50 pm
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Joined: 17 Oct 2019
Posts: 456
Location: New Jersey
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No matter what loads you shoot, make sure the stock is on tight. If it’s loose it’ can crack behind the lock plates. The wood shrinks over time. This is really the only weakness the LC’s suffer from. |
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Posted:
Thu Feb 15, 2024 7:00 pm
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Joined: 16 Jul 2015
Posts: 2127
Location: Hudson,Wy
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The metal work is fairly robust and I shot both 1oz. and 1 1/8 oz. loads in my Smith 16's, but I reload for the 1,185 fps to 1,250 fps range. The bigger concern is the weak stock head that does not handle prolonged exposure to high recoil. |
_________________ Only catch snowflakes on your tongue AFTER the birds fly south for the winter... |
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