Very Early Western Super-X 20-gauge

[Researcher]

The very earliest Western Cartridge Co. catalog and folder introducing the Super-X loads shows the 12-gauge being put up in their 2 3/4-inch FIELD shell, but the 20-gauge being put up in their premium 2 3/4-inch RECORD shell.

The Super-X folder that shows the 20-gauge in the RECORD shell.

By October 1922, Western Cartridge Co. magazine ads they've added the 16-gauge Super-X load put up in the FIELD shell. The next Super-X folder includes the 16-gauge and also states the 20-gauge Super-X load is in the FIELD shell.

I have never seen one of the early Super-X 20-gauge RECORD boxes. Has anyone? When the Lubaloy loads came out circa 1929, those Super-X loads were all put up in the RECORD shell.

[Greyfox]

Great info!
Perhaps some remember. Back in 1992 Winchester offered a (limited)reproduction of circa. 1922, Super X, 12 ga #6, shotgun shells.
This included both packaging, and 25rds.
Being my favorite brand since I acquired my first shotgun in 1965, I couldn’t resist buying a box….Still in mint condition.

[Researcher]

That repro box really resembles the late 1920s early 1930s box. The early style Super-X label used the FIELD picture on the top of the two-piece box.

Early Super-X 12-ga box, Super Excellant.jpg (72.07 KiB) Viewed 2704 times

This style label is still shown in the 1926 Western Catalog. By the 1927 catalogs they show the label with Super-X on the top.

During 1931-32 the Non-Corrosive priming was introduced --

Third style 16-gauge Super-X.jpg (98.54 KiB) Viewed 2704 times

During 1933 the one-piece boxes were introduced --

[eightbore]

Dave, when did Nash Buckingham start using the 3", 1 3/8 ounce Lubaloy #4 loads. What box was that?

[Researcher]

The earliest listing of the Lubaloy Super-X loads I've found is in the February 1, 1929, Western Ammunition for Rifle, Revolver and Shotgun

February 1, 1929, bottom of page 17.jpeg (128.07 KiB) Viewed 2680 times

but they are not on the February 12, 1929, Western Jobber's Price List?!?

I've yet to see the early 3-inch 12-gauge Lubaloy box, but it would be similar to this 2 3/4-inch --

All of the Western Ammunition for Rifle, Revolver and Shotgun booklets I have give the "list prices." I found a July 1, 1924, Western Net Price List booklet so here is a comparison --

[fox-admin]

$14.00 per case, now RST's are $22.00 per box. Thanks Dave for your always interesting and informative posts!

[Stan Hillis]

Notice in that 1924 price list that .410 loads are appropriately priced at way less than other gauges with heavier payloads. No longer the case!

When did the term "Magnum" first appear, relative to 3" twelve ga. duck loads?

[Researcher]

When did the term "Magnum" first appear, relative to 3" twelve ga. duck loads?

The term MAGNUM came to the 3-inch 12-gauge with the 1935 introduction of the 1 5/8-ounce load along with the Winchester Model 12 Heavy Duck.

Super-X 12-gauge, 3-inch, RECORD, MAGNUM #5 chilled.jpg (105.64 KiB) Viewed 2623 times

The first serious use of the term MAGNUM in U.S. shotgun shells was the 1932 introduction of the 10-gauge 3 1/2-inch shell.

Super-X 10-gauge, 3 1-2-inch, RECORD, #4 Chilled Shot.png (432.89 KiB) Viewed 2623 times

[Researcher]

I found I did have a picture of a 1929-31 3-inch Super-X Lubaloy box --

[Stan Hillis]

Thank you, Dave. i appreciate that reply.

[Fowlgunner]

Dave from almost 10 years ago to the day I saved these.

Not Super X though. Still looking!!

Enjoy!

Will

[Fowlgunner]

Found the 12 guage but no 20!

Will

[eightbore]

Some day, when I open the case, I'll find out what my 1 3/8 ounce #4 Lubaloy shells look like. After some years, I'm still waiting to find out what the price should be. I only want to keep one box and the cardboard case addressed to Mr. Henry A. Bartholomew. I have hoped that Ward's auction would sell a box like the ones I have to give me that idea, but it hasn't happened yet.

[fox-admin]

A little different Record Super X from the one fowlgunner posted.

[Researcher]

The more I look at these various FIELD and RECORD Super-X boxes, I'm thinking the very earliest are the ones where the label doesn't include the amount of shot, just the size.

Early Super-X 20-gauge box, Super Excellant.jpg (74.27 KiB) Viewed 2517 times