Didn't know where to post this but need some input. Has anyone ever had issues shooting tss out of an older shotgun? It's an Ithaca 12ga pump from probably sometime in the 1930's. I've read some things about tss not being good for old guns and didn't know if this is after repeated use or if a couple times would hurt it? It would be a one bird and done deal for sentimental reasons.
Minimal shooting I see no issue,TSS loads use heavy wads and some even a mylar protective wrap so the shot isn't touching the barrel.
If you load your own you can ask Hal Abbot about his copper plated TSS.
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Quote from: Dtrkyman on August 29, 2025, 12:03:39 PMMinimal shooting I see no issue,TSS loads use heavy wads and some even a mylar protective wrap so the shot isn't touching the barrel.
If you load your own you can ask Hal Abbot about his copper plated TSS.
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Thanks for the input. I bought a box of apex 2.75 in 9's for it a while back but then got kinda hesitant to try it because of some of the stuff I read. Thanks again for the information.
I am not a gunsmith but from what I have read, it was mainly large volume shooting with larger size pellets. The larger pellets are less compressible and with time can hurt the barrel.
It might be OK but it's a risk probably 50 50 or 60 40 if it's full choke.
I had a Mag Ten years ago from the 80s. I called Ithaca and asked about shooting 15 g/cc Heavyweight in it. They asked what choke, it was Full. They said real good chance bulge your barrel.
But it's up to you. If a pellet(s) slip out the wad you might have a problem on gun like that.
I shot that stuff in a cheap import one time and it seized the choke tube in barrel and ruined the barrel threads in the process.
TSS and Damascus steel are a no no. Z
It's a full barrel no choke. Any body had any experience shooting the copper plated tss of Hal Abbott's that Dtrkyman mentioned?
No to deviate from the question but why on earth would you need to shoot tss out of any 12? Now think about the gun. You say it's sentimental. It's not made for what you're doing with it. I'd personally be babying it most likely not even shooting high pressure loads of any sort never mind extra hard shot on top of it
Quote from: Bowguy on August 29, 2025, 04:53:53 PMNo to deviate from the question but why on earth would you need to shoot tss out of any 12? Now think about the gun. You say it's sentimental. It's not made for what you're doing with it. I'd personally be babying it most likely not even shooting high pressure loads of any sort never mind extra hard shot on top of it
The pattern in that full barrel is trash with lead loads. Trying to find something that will make it a reliable 35yd gun if that's even possible.
If full choke I'd be hesitant, modified or more open I'd give it a go. Those 2-3/4" 9's would be a hammer!
If it was my gun, and it meant a lot to me and was that old, I would be scared to shoot tss through it. Find a good gunsmith and see what he recommends.
Quote from: Swampmonkey on August 29, 2025, 10:57:37 AMDidn't know where to post this but need some input. Has anyone ever had issues shooting tss out of an older shotgun? It's an Ithaca 12ga pump from probably sometime in the 1930's. I've read some things about tss not being good for old guns and didn't know if this is after repeated use or if a couple times would hurt it? It would be a one bird and done deal for sentimental reasons.
I'm in the same boat. My father's old Remington Model 11, probably from the 40's. Mod choke if I recall correctly. Watching this thread.
Fellas with the old guns... These guns are irreplaceable in a sense if they mean something to us. Why risk damaging them. Cause some internet guy thinks it's ok. I know guys in here are generally good but I'd say either shoot regular, prob even non turkey specific loads and stay within effective range or buy another gun you don't care about and can replace for tss.
If you blow/score a barrel,it'll not have the same sentiment to you and you'll wonder why it was so important to shoot a turkey with specific load out of it. It's your gun guys. I'm just saying don't do it. No one is talking bout the pressures most tss loads generate. Was the old gun built to handle that? No it's only been about the hardness of the shot. Regardless double no to this idea in my book
Could Probably hammer a gobbler with some number 7 lead shot. , 30 yards, maybe find some bismuth if you really want to get fancy...
Bismuth is a non toxic alternative, but lighter than lead. Z
Is the damage at the choke end or is there damage the whole length of the barrel? I would think old duck hunters would be the ones to ask, because of the damage steel did when it first came out.
I have a Model 37 too, not as old, that has a 18" cylinder barrel with a 2 3/4" chamber that I was thinking about drilling and tapping. I was going to try the Herter's 2 3/4" 1.5 oz. 9's load, because I don't need anything heavier.
I duck hunt a long time. One year killing over 140 ducks so I'd say that's a little knowledge but I don't know anyone tried w a gun from the 30s. Why would they? Wasn't that long ago lead was legal for waterfowl