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Last post 11 years ago by roadkill1450. 30 replies replies.
Looking for 16 gauge shotgun shells
engletl Offline
#1 Posted:
Joined: 12-26-2000
Posts: 26,493
I have a very old 16 gauge shotgun that my Grandpa left me when he passed.

I need a source for "paper load" 16 gauge shells

really would like to take it out to the range and run some shells through it for nostalgia's sake

Any help is appreciated
Burner02 Offline
#2 Posted:
Joined: 12-21-2010
Posts: 12,861
What make and model is the 16?
engletl Offline
#3 Posted:
Joined: 12-26-2000
Posts: 26,493
Burner02 wrote:
What make and model is the 16?


It is a Marlin pump Action serial # A13575

looks to be a Marlin Model 30
dpnewell Offline
#4 Posted:
Joined: 03-16-2009
Posts: 7,491
Don't know if this is what you're looking for

http://www.rstshells.com/store/p/34-16-Ga-2-1-2-Paper-Lite-Vel-1100-7-8-oz-Load.aspx
engletl Offline
#5 Posted:
Joined: 12-26-2000
Posts: 26,493
dpnewell wrote:
Don't know if this is what you're looking for

http://www.rstshells.com/store/p/34-16-Ga-2-1-2-Paper-Lite-Vel-1100-7-8-oz-Load.aspx

Can't tell from the pics

I need an old school paper shell and wad as the barrel is Damascus Steel and could get severely damaged with modern loads
wheelrite Offline
#6 Posted:
Joined: 11-01-2006
Posts: 50,119
engletl wrote:
Can't tell from the pics

I need an old school paper shell and wad as the barrel is Damascus Steel and could get severely damaged with modern loads


probably should just keep it as a collectors piece...
dpnewell Offline
#7 Posted:
Joined: 03-16-2009
Posts: 7,491
^^You could always give them a call and ask. Looks to be maybe a low powered modern shell for vintage shotguns.
engletl Offline
#8 Posted:
Joined: 12-26-2000
Posts: 26,493
wheelrite wrote:
probably should just keep it as a collectors piece...


been doing that for the last 8 years. I have gotten to the point where I want to know if it still fires a round. And I really want to shoot it in memory of my Grandpa
Whistlebritches Offline
#9 Posted:
Joined: 04-23-2006
Posts: 22,127
engletl wrote:
I have a very old 16 gauge shotgun that my Grandpa left me when he passed.

I need a source for "paper load" 16 gauge shells

really would like to take it out to the range and run some shells through it for nostalgia's sake

Any help is appreciated


Todd

Paper hulls are going to be hard to find and if they're vintage take it from me......they're very unreliable.You are safe with light loads such as target/Dove/Quail.I damn sure wouldn't run any high brass thru it.If it were me I'd just reload some light stuff in my shop.I'd help you out but I have nothing for 16's.......only 12's and 20's.


Ron
Burner02 Offline
#10 Posted:
Joined: 12-21-2010
Posts: 12,861
engletl wrote:
It is a Marlin pump Action serial # A13575

looks to be a Marlin Model 30



Just wondering, I grew-up hunting with a Rem Model 58, 3 shot semi, 16ga. Lot of good memories, stolen in the late 60's.

Sorry, I'm no help on the shell quest, have not owned a 16ga since mine was stolen.
Numismaniac Offline
#11 Posted:
Joined: 01-13-2012
Posts: 12,222
Whistlebritches wrote:
Todd

Paper hulls are going to be hard to find and if they're vintage take it from me......they're very unreliable.You are safe with light loads such as target/Dove/Quail.I damn sure wouldn't run any high brass thru it.If it were me I'd just reload some light stuff in my shop.I'd help you out but I have nothing for 16's.......only 12's and 20's.


Ron



Exactly, I have helped a friend with a problem like this, Remington light dove loads is what we would use, but low brass is hard to find, may be better off buying Ron the dies, etc. let him make you some, all my equipment is old (no 16 ga. either) and hasn't been used in awhile.
DrafterX Offline
#12 Posted:
Joined: 10-18-2005
Posts: 98,508
Burner02 wrote:
Just wondering, I grew-up hunting with a Rem Model 58, 3 shot semi, 16ga. Lot of good memories, stolen in the late 60's.

Sorry, I'm no help on the shell quest, have not owned a 16ga since mine was stolen.




are you accusing Todd's Grandpa of stealing your shotgun..?? Huh
Numismaniac Offline
#13 Posted:
Joined: 01-13-2012
Posts: 12,222
hehe
Gene363 Offline
#14 Posted:
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,669
engletl wrote:
Can't tell from the pics

I need an old school paper shell and wad as the barrel is Damascus Steel and could get severely damaged with modern loads


If it's real Damascus, not just marks made to appear as Damascus, you need to hang it on the wall. Paper hulls are no guaranty of a low power load. If you insist on shooting the gun have the barrel examined for cracks or deterioration, then only fire low pressure black powder shells.

For more information see:


http://www.google.com/#hl=en&safe=off&sclient=psy-ab&q=shooting+a+shotgun+with+a+damascus+barrels&oq=shooting+a+shotgun+with+a+damascus+barr&aq=0A&aqi=q-A1&aql=&gs_l=hp.3.0.33i29.308462.324512.5.326700.34.28.0.6.6.0.108.2080.27j1.28.0...0.0.WvI0XNYnU9o&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=619ebfa88d8a0d50&biw=1083&bih=596
madspackler Offline
#15 Posted:
Joined: 03-07-2000
Posts: 3,608
Federal makes a line of paper shells that may work. Not sure if they are light or regular loads. They specifically make the rounds to remind us FOG's about shooting with our fathers, as the smell of a fired paper round is unique and quite nostalgic. They are worth the price just to fire and get the effect. It realy does take you back to shooting with you father and grandfather.

I have Remingtom 11-48's in 16 and 20 gauge inherited from my father. He purchased new around 1952-54. The guns handle standard loads with no problem, but it is not a Damascus barrel.
Burner02 Offline
#16 Posted:
Joined: 12-21-2010
Posts: 12,861
DrafterX wrote:
are you accusing Todd's Grandpa of stealing your shotgun..?? Huh



Not at all!

Go back to kicking puppies.
Burner02 Offline
#17 Posted:
Joined: 12-21-2010
Posts: 12,861
madspackler wrote:
Federal makes a line of paper shells that may work. Not sure if they are light or regular loads. They specifically make the rounds to remind us FOG's about shooting with our fathers, as the smell of a fired paper round is unique and quite nostalgic. They are worth the price just to fire and get the effect. It realy does take you back to shooting with you father and grandfather.

I have Remingtom 11-48's in 16 and 20 gauge inherited from my father. He purchased new around 1952-54. The guns handle standard loads with no problem, but it is not a Damascus barrel.



The 11-48 is/was a nice weapon and was the model prior to the Sportsman 58.
DrafterX Offline
#18 Posted:
Joined: 10-18-2005
Posts: 98,508
Burner02 wrote:
Not at all!

Go back to kicking puppies.




Shame on you Shame on you Shame on you
Nicar Offline
#19 Posted:
Joined: 03-18-2010
Posts: 14,972
Burner02 wrote:
Not at all!

Go back to kicking puppies.



Poor puppies! Not talking
DrafterX Offline
#20 Posted:
Joined: 10-18-2005
Posts: 98,508
Quiet You...... Shame on you
DadZilla3 Offline
#21 Posted:
Joined: 01-17-2009
Posts: 4,633
First, take the gun to a qualified gunsmith and have it checked out, especially looking for excessive pitting/ corrosion in the bore. Also find out for sure what the chamber length is.

Is it black powder only? If so, and if the gun is found to be safe to fire, here is a place that sells 16 gauge black powder shotshells...
SS16GaGbBp02 Classic "BLACK POWDER"
by Gamebore Cartridge Co. USA,
65 mm long, number 6 shot $3.50 each

http://www.ammo-one.com/SHOTGUN-SHELLS-16-GAUGE.html

Note these shells are for a 2 1/2" chamber

Here's a site that advertises black powder 16 gauge shotgun shells available: (scroll down near the bottom)

http://gadcustomcartridges.com/

Me, I'd be tempted to retire it and cherish it as a family heirloom without shooting it. On the other hand, a guy I used to work with regularly shot his grand dad's Damascus barrel Parker double with store bought smokeless powder loads. I wouldn't recommend risking a burst barrel though.
engletl Offline
#22 Posted:
Joined: 12-26-2000
Posts: 26,493
I am not going to risk destroying the barrel.

Still need to take down the gun and make sure everything works like it is supposed to. If it doesn't then a show piece it will become
Burner02 Offline
#23 Posted:
Joined: 12-21-2010
Posts: 12,861
engletl wrote:
It is a Marlin pump Action serial # A13575

looks to be a Marlin Model 30



When in doubt, contact Marlin, they should be able to tell you what ever you need to know about the weapons capabilities if in good codition.
engletl Offline
#24 Posted:
Joined: 12-26-2000
Posts: 26,493
Burner02 wrote:
When in doubt, contact Marlin, they should be able to tell you what ever you need to know about the weapons capabilities if in good codition.

called them again today

according to the rep...this was manufactured in 1940 based on the serial #

but the Model 30 with exposed hammer was not made after 1921 (I have very little faith in Marlin rep knowledge)

Original research dates the date in 1912

After a breakdown and cleaning of internals (the best I could) I have come to the conclusion that I will never get to fire this gun as the trigger seems very ornery, everything else works good. going to have to find a local gunsmith.
Burner02 Offline
#25 Posted:
Joined: 12-21-2010
Posts: 12,861
Good luck!
madspackler Offline
#26 Posted:
Joined: 03-07-2000
Posts: 3,608
With a Damascus barrel you likely have a showpiece that is not worth the risk of firing. One bad place in the barrel and firing the gun could damage more than just the firearm. IMHO not worth the risk to life and limb. Get it cleaned and oiled properly for storage and put it in a place of honor.

A gunsmith can properly disassemble, clean and re-oil the entire workings. Many of the older gun oils had a tendency to varnish and stick over the long term.That may be why the firing mechanism is sticky or slow. The newer materials are far more refined.
engletl Offline
#27 Posted:
Joined: 12-26-2000
Posts: 26,493
Have not found a single marking denoting the barrel as Damascus Steel...more research is needed on my part

but as of right now I have settled on the conclusion that due to trigger mechanism issues this will just be occasionally oiled for preservation and nothing more than an antique show piece
dubleuhb Offline
#28 Posted:
Joined: 03-20-2011
Posts: 11,350
Looking at the Blue Book on these the Model 30 was manufactured 1910 -14. There was also a Field Grade that was made 1913 - 17. It came with a 25'' barrel whereas the other had 26 or 28'' and a
straight stock.

Also had this warning;
During 1998 Marlin issued a service bulletin recommending that the slide action exposed hammer models 1898,16,17,19,19S,19G,19N,21,24,24G,26,30,42,49, and 49N in addition hammerless models 28,31,43,44,53,and 63 should not be fired, as many of these guns 70 to 100 years old, and system failures can and do happen.

Think you may want to just put it on the wall and retire it.
engletl Offline
#29 Posted:
Joined: 12-26-2000
Posts: 26,493
More like leave it in retirement...

Hasn't had a round through it since the mid 80's that I know of
roadkill1450 Offline
#30 Posted:
Joined: 06-08-2011
Posts: 313
engletl wrote:
Can't tell from the pics

I need an old school paper shell and wad as the barrel is Damascus Steel and could get severely damaged with modern loads



Stay away frome smokeless powder
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