Shotgun Chambering

[skidsteer]

I have a 1904 Winchester 1897 which is chambered in 2 5/8. (I used a chamber gauge to check it). Would pressures be too high for target load 2 3/4 12 gauge? Please advise. Thanks!

[Blackfoot]

The short answer is to get it fixed.  As it is, it will never be right, fixed it will always be right!

Blackfoot

[Coffinmaker]

Yes.
Something to remember about Shotgun "Target" load.  Shotgun target loads are intended to break clay birds out to 35 - 40 yards.  Most think target means "light."  NO.  Often Target ammo is loaded heavier than "field" ammo.  2 3/4 hulls will not open fully in an 2 5/8 chamber and will create nasty pressure spikes.

Things recommended.  Have the gun rechambered and have the forcing cone extended.  Your shotgun and your shoulder will thank you.

Coffinmaker

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[Baltimore Ed]

I just had my Model 42 Marlin 12 ga chamber cut for modern shells. It definitely will make a difference in felt recoil. Extending the chamber- forcing cone gives the folded up part of a modern plastic shotgun shell somewhere to go and allows the wad and shot column to enter the actual barrel without restrictions which can deform the shot, disturb the column and increase felt recoil.

[skidsteer]

Called my gunsmith yesterday. He will re-chamber to 2 3/4. Then Tech Plate in CA will hard chrome the barrel. Thanks for you replies! Skidsteer.

[skidsteer]

Took this shotgun to my gunsmith a while back. He informed me that model (1904) was originally chambered for 2 3/4.

[Pettifogger]

People keep coming up with this notion that older Model 97s have short chambers.  All Model 97s had 2 3/4" chambers. 

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

People keep coming up with this notion that older Model 97s have short chambers.  All Model 97s had 2 3/4" chambers. 

I've always wondered, but didn't research it as my 1908 seems to work quite well with regular 2 3/4" shells. You wouldn't be trying to pettifog us, would you

I do shoot split-neck AA's cut to 2 3/8" and roll crimped to gain that extra round for wild bunch shoots. "Cuts down" on gun plumber fees.

[Pettifogger]

There is, however, a difference between a really old 2 3/4" chamber and a more modern one.  That is the forcing cone.  Even though the chambers are 2 3/4" I often run a forcing cone reamer into the chambers of older guns.

If interested you can go here.  The description pretty well describes what the forcing cone reamer does.

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/barrel-tools/reamers/shotgun-reamers/spiral-flute-long-forcing-cone-reamer-prod1031.aspx

[Bunk Stagnerg]

Perhaps i am off thread, but I take RPU (range pick up ) shells any kind, cut off the crimped mouth part  then  load with card and fiber wads, a modicum of FFg (4.0 c/c) and a roll crimp. If the shot misses the target the flame and shock wave does the job.
At least that works for me
Bunk