Great thread Jes. Can't wait to see these old guys in action!!

Thanks Dave! I’m really looking forward to your shoot and already excited about shooting these old guys. I’m planning on loading up extra shells so other folks there can shoot them if they want to.

Jes I'm sure I have some 16ga empties around here. Let me know if you want some

Yesterday was a great day. Got to meet two members and further my addiction…..

Thanks Dink! Was a pleasure meeting you! They will be put to use…

Also met Kentucky Native and purchased a 1904 G grade Lefever in 12 gauge…






Then today I picked up a couple more toys…

I now have over 690 12-gauge shells cut down to 2.25” and primed. Ready for powder and shot! Bought a 16 gauge Lee Hand loader and a 16 gauge roll crimper last week. They should be here in a couple weeks.

please wear your shooting glasses

Awesome, looks great. I just added to your first post not realizing it was from awhile back.

16g Lee Loader arrived today…

Roll crimper should be here soon!



These 1965 Christmas stamps were on the bottom of the box…I was born in 1965!

Today I picked up a sweet little LC Smith 12 gauge with 30” Damascus barrels made in 1902 from an 83 year old man. It’s been in his safe for over 50 years!


Can’t wait to shoot it!

I now have five old shotguns made in 1905, 1904, 1902, 1899, & est. 1890. Two “modern steel” barrels, 2 with Damascus barrels, and 1 with twist barrels…four 12’s & a 16!

Man! The stories those shotguns could tell...

Finally! All 245 pieces of brass are milled to take 209 shotgun primers and primed. Wads came in last week so I’m ready to start loading…

Yesterday loaded up a few…90 brass & 50 plastic!

Only 600+ plastic and 150 brass to go….

That's awesome Jes. Are you lubricating your cushion wads?
I need to get on with my brass 410 project. I have everything, just need to punch out some overshot cards and get some free time.

The 12 gauge plastic shells have prelubed wads. The 12 gauge brass (11 gauge wads) are dry. I’ve read mixed reviews about the necessity of using lubed wads vs dry. I’m going to shoot this first 90 next weekend then decide if I need to lube them for future shells.

If I decide to lube them I plan to use 2 parts mutton tallow, 2 parts canning paraffin, 1 part bees wax as my lubricant.

[/quote] I’ve read mixed reviews about the necessity of using lubed wads vs dry. /quote]


Same here.
My plan is to load 410 shells in 444 Marlin brass.
At least one article said to apply 3 drops of 30w motor oil (.430 wads) and squeeze it with just your fingers then squeeze it again between two layers of paper towels, use a nitro card over the powder (smokeless in this case) then the lubed wad, an additional cushion wad if necessary for column height.
I'm sure if I were to use them shortly after loading that would be fine but I'm concerned about the oil soaking into the nitro card over time and affecting the powder. Maybe I worry too much?
I need to get some loaded and find a place to go test them out. I just think brass shotshells are cool.

Lubed wads help keep black powder fouling soft and minimizes the build up after multiple shots compared to dry wads.. It also makes cleanup easier. There are benefits to using them, but not required.

There's no reason to use lubed wads for smokeless powder though. The lube is for black powder fouling as noted above.

Snake has officially define “labor of love”

Didn’t realize how laborious it was. Makes it even cooler!!