Mr. Hadoke, I have a Birmingham, England C.G. Bonehill Hammer gun in 10 ga made 1899 with 32 inch London Damascus barrels. I read your book " Hammer Guns" and found it very delightful . My question though simple may not be simple to answer. I was wondering since the gun is only proofed for black powder would it be possible to use " light smokeless" loads like 18 grains of Red Dot powder with 1and 1/8 ounces of shot? If not using black powder would do fine . I have fired this shotgun with 3 1/4 and 3 1/2 and 4 drams of 1F powder and 1 1/4 ounces of shot. The barrels are not pitted and the gun locks up solid. In the U.S. everyone tells me " Its a wall hanger" and don't shoot it. But I see you English gents using them with zero concern.
Thanks Dig. You’re a braver man than me. Primer only???
Best, Donald B.
Mr. Hadoke, I have a Birmingham, England C.G. Bonehill Hammer gun in 10 ga made 1899 with 32 inch London Damascus barrels. I read your book " Hammer Guns" and found it very delightful . My question though simple may not be simple to answer. I was wondering since the gun is only proofed for black powder would it be possible to use " light smokeless" loads like 18 grains of Red Dot powder with 1and 1/8 ounces of shot? If not using black powder would do fine .
I have fired this shotgun with 3 1/4 and 3 1/2 and 4 drams of 1F powder and 1 1/4 ounces of shot. The barrels are not pitted and the gun locks up solid. In the U.S. everyone tells me " Its a wall hanger" and don't shoot it. But I see you English gents using them with zero concern.