For me, I'd rather heed the WARNING labels on modern ammo boxes that state, in effect, to "use only in modern guns originally chambered for this gauge and shell length". The earlier Fox guns were manufactured when smokeless bulk and dense powders were being developed, and ~7,000 psi ammunition was the norm. Today's ammo - including so-called low brass field loads - is loaded to 11,500 psi SAAMI max pressure to reliably function in autoloaders. No responsible source is going to say it's OK to use modern ammo in a 60+ year old Fox when the ammunition company professionals specifically warn us against doing it.
Another consideration rarely mentioned is the barrel flexing/harmonics when shooting high pressure-velocity ammo in tubes that are held together with old solder joints. It's my belief this accounts for more loose ribs than anyone realizes. Virtually all modern SxS's and over/unders intended for SAAMI max pressure ammo have tubes that are silver-soldered together, not soft lead/tin solder. The only exception I'm aware of has been Perazzi and last I heard they had gone to silver soldering because of popped barrel ribs.
Practically speaking, how many shells do most of us really shoot? Is the increase in cost for buying or loading low pressure, short length shotshells a major detriment to anyone here? Silvers
Questions on chamber size and serial number
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Silvers
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I'm really glad your guns are intact and treating you well. I further more hope and wish you many great days together in the field.
Personally I made the decision some time ago to quit taking the chance on possibly damaging one of my guns from the use of our typical American made ammunition. What convinced me to do so was closely watching the various sites on the internet and seeing how many guns have had split head repairs done to the stock heads.
I'm for the most part an upland hunter. So when I look at the cost of ammunition. It is probably the least expensive item there is associated with my hunting pursuits. When I think of the money I've spent on guns, dogs, vehicles, travel costs, Etc. Spending a few pennies extra per shell to be a better care taker of these old guns, is worth it. After all the newest of the original Foxes are seventy years old, with the oldest ones now at the century mark. We are the care takers of these old guns, if we treat them right, they will treat us right. Then we can hand them down to the next generation, so they can enjoy them as much as we do.
Personally I made the decision some time ago to quit taking the chance on possibly damaging one of my guns from the use of our typical American made ammunition. What convinced me to do so was closely watching the various sites on the internet and seeing how many guns have had split head repairs done to the stock heads.
I'm for the most part an upland hunter. So when I look at the cost of ammunition. It is probably the least expensive item there is associated with my hunting pursuits. When I think of the money I've spent on guns, dogs, vehicles, travel costs, Etc. Spending a few pennies extra per shell to be a better care taker of these old guns, is worth it. After all the newest of the original Foxes are seventy years old, with the oldest ones now at the century mark. We are the care takers of these old guns, if we treat them right, they will treat us right. Then we can hand them down to the next generation, so they can enjoy them as much as we do.
Life Member A.H. Fox Collectors Association Inc.