Shell length

[Jeff S]

I'm about to order some RTS Nice shot shells so that I'm ready for next duck season. I have a 1915 20 ga. Sterlingworth and a 1922 12 ga. Sterlingworth. I have a shot a few hundred shells through both of them and I have always used low brass 2 3/4" shells. Now I'm noticing in a few posts that guns of this vintage probably have 2 5/8" chambers. To be honest I have never checked the chamber and I'm not smart enough to know the consequences of using the longer shells. Is it okay to use 2 3/4 shells, and what size RTS shells should I order?

[eightbore]

The factories recommended shells 1/8" longer than the chambers. With thin plastic shells, even longer shells can be used before they encroach on the forcing cone. Third, most 2 3/4" shells are not really that long. In my opinion, it is a non issue. Shoot 2 3/4" shells in 2 1/2" chambers. The 20 gauge guns probably have 2 3/8" chambers, so you may want to measure and consider RST 2 1/2" shells. Myself, I would shoot light loads of any length.

[fox-admin]

I shoot 2 3/4" shells in all my vintage guns, not an issue in my opinion. Nice shot has not been available for many months so it may make sense to consider another non-steel non-toxic. Rio now loads bismuth and Hevi-shot has a product call Vintage Doubles. I am not recommending either but they are currently available and are being used by many waterfowl hunters using vintage SxS's. Enjoy your Sterlingworth in the marsh.

[jolly bill]

Jeff,

As pointed out, many of us shoot 2 3/4 inch shells in our 12 gauge Fox's.

But I'm sure we would not be comfortable shooting 2 3/4 inch shells in our short chambered, 2 1/2 inch, 20 gauge Fox's or other vintage 20 gauge guns.

Jolly