Dram measure on RST 16ga shot shells

[whisperbow]

Two questions:
1. Do we have any idea what the drams of powder are on RST 16ga 1oz loads?
2. Does the answer to that relate to any other shot-shell manufacturer's same dram equivalent? I suppose it totaling depends on the specific powder used.

[Researcher]

The Dram Equivalent measure came about back in the days of Bulk, Dense and Progressive Burning smokeless powders. The idea was to give customers a means of comparison with black powder loads. A smokeless powder load of 3 dram equiv. pushing 1 1/8 ounce of shot will give the same velocity as a black powder load of 3 drams pushing that same 1 1/8 ounce of shot. That 3 dram equiv. could be produced by any kind of smokeless powder. The move in recent years has been to put the velocity on the box, which is a much more useful bit of information.

[kgb]

If only there were a chart depicting the velocities generated by the various charge weights and black powder dram charges by gauge, the RST weights and velocities could be used to determine dram equivalents.

[Silvers]

If only there were a chart depicting the velocities generated by the various charge weights and black powder dram charges by gauge, the RST weights and velocities could be used to determine dram equivalents.

Such charts are available in tech reference books. They could be reproduced here but I don’t want to get into copyright issues. FOR EACH GAUGE you can look up drams equivalent if you know the shot charge weight and velocity at 3 ft as in the US protocol. Likewise if you know shot weight and drams equivalent you can reference the velocity. RST shotshells generally are loaded to relatively low drams equivalent for a given shot charge weight, which accounts for comparatively lower pressures and velocity.

[J. A. Early]

Just a guess but if the one ounce loads are in the 1150 f.p.s. range, it would be equal to the old 2 1/2 Dram equivalent/1 ounce 16 gauge load of days gone by, which you seldom see today. If it is in the 1200 f.p.s range my guess is that it would be the 2 3/4 D.E./1 ounce. The modern high powered stuff in the 1350 f.p.s. range is the 3 1/4 D.E.-1 1/8 ounce load.

[eightbore]

An example would be 1 ounce of shot pushed at 1200 fps that would be about 2 1/2 or 2 3/4 drams equivalent. The problem is that such a "drams equivalent" doesn't equate to a specific pressure level. Companies like RST shop and develop recipes that will give a lower pressure level while maintaining the shot weight and velocity we desire. Similar velocities and shot weights don't neccesarily result in identical pressure levels.

[Silvers]

Just for perspective, many of us grew up when hunters out for mixed small game would load their double gun with a so-called low brass in the right barrel and high brass in the left. And if using a repeater, 1 or 2 low brass up front and backed up with high brass. In 16-gauge and with 2-3/4-inch shells those loads were respectively: 1-1/8 ounce at 2-3/4 drams equivalent (DE)/1185 fps, 1-1/8 ounce with 3 DE/1240 fps or the even heavier 1-1/8 ounce 3-1/4 DE load with 1295 speed. I keep those loadings in mind nowadays when hunting with a 16 bore and using suitable size shot for whatever game I'm after. Of course clays can be shot for practice with your 16 using 7/8 or even 3/4 ounce loads.

A modern load I like for grouse, woodcock and clays practice shooting in Fox 16's in known safe condition and adapted to 2-3/4-inch shells is the Remington GL167 Game Load with 1 ounce at 1200 fps (about 2-5/8 DE). Actually those Remmy hulls tend to run about 1/16" short. Last price I saw was about $6.50/box in flats of 10 boxes.

Here’s a simple reference for 16-gauge so you can check the shells you use for clays and to select those more suitable for hunting (you can extrapolate DE’s and velocities that aren't listed). Yep you can get higher velocity with lighter shot charges but why limit yourself when you're carrying a 16 while out hunting?

7/8 –ounce
2-1/4 DE = 1145 fps
2-1/2 =1200
2-3/4 =1255
3 = 1310

1-ounce
2-1/4 DE = 1110 fps
2-1/2 = 1165
2-3/4 = 1220
3 = 1275

1-1/8-ounce
2-1/2 DE = 1130 fps
2-3/4 = 1185
3 = 1240
3-1/4 = 1295

[Researcher]

Thanks Frank. I had figured that the RST Lite 7/8 ounce 16-gauge shells at 1125 fps I use were about like the old 2 1/4 dram 7/8 ounce load and your chart confirms that.

[Mike of the Mountain]

I was using those 1 oz 16g RSTs in Maine. The guys said they sounded very quiet. I'd agree that those 1110 fps loads are equal to the 2 1/4 DE.

[Silvers]

Thanks Dave and Mike. To add to Rob't Ruark ….. "Use enough gun and load".

[Jim Cloninger]

Very good information, Frank. Thanks. Jim