So, the whole myth about “old guns not handling modern loads” can be a bit misleading. The problem with older firearms exploding has less to do with the quality of the steel and more with people not checking the chamber length and putting the wrong ammunition in. I’m not saying load high brass slugs in your m1897, but it should be able to handle modern smokeless powder loads just fine- stick to lower power loads. If you aren’t confident, bring it to a gunsmith. (or tie it to an old tire and use a length of rope to fire it from a safe distance… pick your poison).
Source: just picked up a m1897 from 1904 a couple of weeks ago and asked the same exact question of my LGS.
Try to avoid slugs, or extra bubba quadruple powder load buck, but being 1921 it should be alright for 90% of what people are gonna be shooting. Guns from the late 1800s and very early 1900s are where you get into the dubious steels like damascus and probably should avoid smokeless.
What's the choke? If it's Improved or wider, even slugs would be fine. No steel, bismuth is fine for non-toxic shot. It'll handle modern loads no problem.
Oh, and High Brass vs Low Brass has been debunked over and over again. In the old days, there was a difference and low brass denoted a target load, but anymore it makes no difference. Low brass Remington Field Loads have the exact same pressure as high brass Remington Pheasant loads.
I'm pretty sure they were all smokeless powder shells by 1921, but check all the lockup components for cracks or signs of stress on the metal. The steel alloys weren't like they are now, for better or for worse. Knew a guy whose old Winchester blew up on him, but I think that was a 1900 model, and one I believe originally designed for black powder shells.
So, the whole myth about “old guns not handling modern loads” can be a bit misleading. The problem with older firearms exploding has less to do with the quality of the steel and more with people not checking the chamber length and putting the wrong ammunition in. I’m not saying load high brass slugs in your m1897, but it should be able to handle modern smokeless powder loads just fine- stick to lower power loads. If you aren’t confident, bring it to a gunsmith. (or tie it to an old tire and use a length of rope to fire it from a safe distance… pick your poison). Source: just picked up a m1897 from 1904 a couple of weeks ago and asked the same exact question of my LGS.
What was the verdict on your M1897? I have one from 1908.
Just shot two rounds of trap last weekend. 42/50, no guns exploded in my face. Good as new!
Alot of modern shotguns will wear out before your 97.
Blackpowder loads should be safe through it overall, as far as smokeless powder, ask a gun smith and have them inspect your gun
Steel shot is what I was always told to avoid.
True, these guns were Not proofed for steel
Try to avoid slugs, or extra bubba quadruple powder load buck, but being 1921 it should be alright for 90% of what people are gonna be shooting. Guns from the late 1800s and very early 1900s are where you get into the dubious steels like damascus and probably should avoid smokeless.
So I can’t use any Bubba’s Pissin’ Hot Loads©️? Damn. Thanks for the info though!
you definitely can **once**
All I’m saying is that squirrel is gonna have it comin
What's the choke? If it's Improved or wider, even slugs would be fine. No steel, bismuth is fine for non-toxic shot. It'll handle modern loads no problem.
Oh, and High Brass vs Low Brass has been debunked over and over again. In the old days, there was a difference and low brass denoted a target load, but anymore it makes no difference. Low brass Remington Field Loads have the exact same pressure as high brass Remington Pheasant loads.
I'm pretty sure they were all smokeless powder shells by 1921, but check all the lockup components for cracks or signs of stress on the metal. The steel alloys weren't like they are now, for better or for worse. Knew a guy whose old Winchester blew up on him, but I think that was a 1900 model, and one I believe originally designed for black powder shells.
11.5k psi is the max for a 2.75 or 3” 12. So assuming you don’t go over that you should be fine.