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I just got a Winchester Model 1887 12 Gauge shotgun made for black powder only.
Can I get some 2-5/8″ 12 Gauge black powder reloads anywhere?
Contact your local SASS chapter… they should be able to help you.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I’ve seen some 2-3/4″ 12 Gauge black powder shells available online in brass cases or plastic.
Would these work in a 1887 since they’re only 1/16″ longer?
The Model 1887 is chambered for a 2-5/8″ shell… a 2-3/4″ shell is 1/8″ longer. I personally would not try it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Someone in another forum said that the 2-3/4″ measurement is before the shell is crimped.
If this is true, then shouldn’t the shell be shorter than 2-3/4″ after crimping?
I found several sources of 2-1/2″ Black Powder 12 Gauge shotgun shells. Could these be used safely in my 1887?
I don’t plan to shoot it anytime soon, but I would like to have some safe ammo for it just in case I might need to shoot it sometimes.
Not that this is a direct correlation, but I never thought about it before and have a box of modern 12ga shells sitting right here next to my desk. Measuring a modern 12ga 2-3/4″ (as stated on the box, Winchester AA) height from the base sitting on the table is almost exactly 2-1/4″.
I have an 1887 (SN 12944 ca 1888) in the safe that cycles a modern 12ga snap cap (although it feeds a little rough at times – have never tried it with a real cartridge with a brass base as opposed to the steel snap cap).
I’m new to the 1887. I’m curious where you get the shell spec from? Not that I doubt, just want to learn more about my own.
Steve
WACA Member. CFM Member. NRA Lifer.
The 2-3/4″ measurement is with the shell fully open after firing, so Yes, an unfired shell is shorter than 2-3/4″. The chamber on a Model 1887 12 gauge is only 2-5/8″ long, so if you fire a 2-3/4″ shell in it, there is not enough room for the shell to fully open, and it will create a large pressure spike right at the end of the chamber. The spike can cause the barrel to bulge or burst.
Yes, you can safely use a shorter (2-1/2″) shell in your Model 1887.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
The 2-3/4″ measurement is with the shell fully open after firing, so Yes, an unfired shell is shorter than 2-3/4″. The chamber on a Model 1887 12 gauge is only 2-5/8″ long, so if you fire a 2-3/4″ shell in it, there is not enough room for the shell to fully open, and it will create a large pressure spike right at the end of the chamber. The spike can cause the barrel to bulge or burst.
Yes, you can safely use a shorter (2-1/2″) shell in your Model 1887.
Bert
Makes sense. Thanks.
WACA Member. CFM Member. NRA Lifer.
Would some of the Black Powder substitute powders be safe to use in the 12 Gauge 2-5/8″ or 2-1/2″ shotshells in my 1887?
If so, which ones?
Actual Black Powder is not legal in California anymore since it is considered a hazardous material.
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