Fox Collectors

Some shooting clubs are now requiring non-plastic wad shells to be used on their grounds. I was out this week and had a chance to shoot some new Kent fibre wad cartridges. When I get a chance I'll scavenge some of the Kent shot and load in plastic wad handloads to get a good comparison of choke performances with both cartridge types. I've patterned a lot of vintage fibre wad ammo but the 40+ year old shot is often oxidized and clumps together. Usually the plastic wadded stuff shoots tighter with a given choke constriction but this will be the first time I'll be able to pattern test with fresh factory fibre shells. I thought you guys and gals would be interested in the new (old) developments. More to come. Too bad they're not loaded in blue, green or red papers. Silvers

I wonder what would happen if all the vintage gun shoots required paper shells?

I would think rolled crimped paper with fiber wads would help prevent global warming.
Love those purple 16 gauge shells from the past.

Seems if they can make paper Dixie cups for 2-3 cents apiece, someone could make a paper wad with a shot cup. Heck, Winchester held onto their revolutionary Mark V plastic shot wrapper at least until 2004; maybe they're still using it in promo loads. Seems a paper shot wrapper would improve patterning and ease bore leading. Wonder if anybody's ever experimented with that...hmmmmmm, Silvers?

Interesting concept Mike. I would think a paper shot wrapping collar would reduce or eliminate leading. One of these days when I get a reloader set up and some time away from other things I'll experiment. It might be a good wintertime project since I can shoot in my woods here at the house without having to drive to & fro . Meanwhile my bud who reloads is my lifeline on any non factory stuff. Frank

mike campbell wrote:Seems if they can make paper Dixie cups for 2-3 cents apiece, someone could make a paper wad with a shot cup. Heck, Winchester held onto their revolutionary Mark V plastic shot wrapper at least until 2004; maybe they're still using it in promo loads. Seems a paper shot wrapper would improve patterning and ease bore leading. Wonder if anybody's ever experimented with that...hmmmmmm, Silvers?

Mike,

You are 100% correct. A couple of years ago, when the whole 16ga paper shell issue came up, I got involved. I talked to several makers and various retailers. Many of the components are subcontracted , eg the paper tubes for the shells. In the end, they can make up anything you desire. They have only 1 question, "How many millions do you want?" They will happily drop ship the components to your front door.

Pete

I assume the shot cups mentioned in the sporting press of the 1880s and 1890s were not made of plastic. I further assume they were made of some kind of hard paper or cardboard. I think shot cups are almost as old as breech loading shotguns.

Well guys one of the members of the 16 gauge loaders group has already made up a die for forming paper shot cups from milk cartons. For anyone interested in joining the 16 gauge loaders group contact RWG (Russ Gray) on the 16ga.com board.