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Joined: 17 Aug 2016 Posts: 25 Location: Philadelphia

Are there any disadvantages to using RST shells in a modern shotgun? I just want a quality shell for hunting and like what they offer. I figure there could be a disadvantage with a lower pressure or shorter hull, even though the velocity is normal. Another question is how do they fit 1 ounce loads in a shorter shell? Also are there are off the shelf shells that have smooth hulls similar to AA or STS? thank you

Joined: 26 Apr 2010 Posts: 3177 Location: NCWa

The disadvantage to shooting a 2 1/2" shell in a 2 3/4" chamber is the same as shooting a 2 3/4" shell in a 3" chamber. I've read that doing so can cause a slightly less dense pattern because the shot at the edge of the shell can hit the front of the chamber on it's way into the forcing cone. while I have read this on a few occasions, I have never noticed it in any shooting that I have done- in this case it was shooting standard loads in a 3" chambered 20 ga. I think the possibility is more in the mind of the authors looking to write a magazine article than any sort of shooting evidence.

the 1 ounce fits because they squash the wad a little tighter.

I haven't bought any "store-bought" 16 ga shells in several years, so don't know if there are any smooth hulled ammunition sold presently.

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2346 Location: West MI

I see no disadvantages shooting shells that are shorter in chambers made for longer. I use a cut down 2.4" (fired) hull for my 5/8oz short range summer target loads, was initially concerned with blow by from the hull plastic not sealing in the chamber as much as a 2.75" hull would & after a bunch of shells through a Merkel and Citori I see no evidence for concern. When I do my part the clays break.

Also shoot a 2.5" 10ga target load in 3.5" guns and as above see no ill effects using them.

Dont know how they fit 10lbs of...into a 5lb bucket, must be magic Very Happy

guess, as AM suggested, they probably squish the wad down pretty tight.

Member Joined: 09 Jan 2013 Posts: 2168 Location: Florida

There is no disadvantage shooting a 2 1/2" shell in a 2 3/4 ' chamber . Price could be a disadvantage when buying RST ammo as opposed to some factory ammo such as Herters from Cabelas but , RST quality is way better than most other factory shells.

Unfortunately , no hulls currently produced in 16ga that are similar to Win AA or Rem STS .

As far as fitting a 1oz load in the short hull , they use the right powder and wad combination .

Joined: 17 Aug 2016 Posts: 25 Location: Philadelphia

Thanks for the replies, I think ill pattern some shells and see what's best.

what the boys said above . ALL my loads except for the Super Mag are short ... One of the few uses I have for Rem SP wads was that my original forte into short 16 loading was only a few wads . This being the one I had . Guessed 19 grns Unique , SP and an ounce - fit beautifully !! Still would use that load today , except for the avail of things like DR's . I load down like Putzie , and really don't have any bad loads . The seal is no worse than any other non tapered case lip ... RST's have been provided by MR CAMPBELL to whom I'm very thank full !! They get wide at the rim after a load or 2 - when I use them , I check them on the gun to use to make sure they cycle . (they are not full blown PURPLE , but may be close enough to activate his IRE !!)

Joined: 03 Feb 2014 Posts: 325 Location: West Texas

My experience is that RST shoots a dense pattern and Herters is more ragged. As for the original question: You won't be able to tell the difference in short versus longer shells.

Member Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Posts: 989 Location: Las Vegas

Just got a case of RST 2 1/2" "6 shot. 1,200 fps. 7,000 psi. Would not hesitate to shoot them in any 2 3/4" chambered gun. I sent them an e-mail yesterday asking how they got an ounce of shot in a 2 1/2" hull. I'm also sure it is a specific powder/wad combination. I somewhat doubt they will care to share that with me.

The hulls are purple but lighter than say the federal hulls.

Matt

Member Joined: 09 Jan 2013 Posts: 2168 Location: Florida

Older clear hulls 1oz

Member Joined: 08 Jul 2013 Posts: 325

A 2 9/16" roll crimped hull will hold just as much as a 2 3/4" hull that's fold crimped.

Shooting short loads in longer chambers was a problem before the advent of one piece plastic wads. Solid card and/or fiber wad columns couldn't expand under pressure (obturate) and couldn't reliably seal the span between shorter hull mouths and the forcing cones of longer chambers. Gas blow by and the resulting loss of velocity and the upset of the shot columns were certainties to a greater or lesser degree.

In my experience, typically longer plastic one piece wad/shot columns span the breach, and the wad bases obturate enough to seal the hot gases behind them unless the span is excessively long (like firing a 2 inch load in a 3.5 inch chamber).

I've regularly fired 2-3/4 inch loads in 12 and 20 gauge, 3 inch chambers w/o any noticeable loss of velocity or pattern quality. Firing a 2 -1/2 inch 16 ga load w/ a one piece plastic wad in the standard 2-3/4 inch 16 gauge chamber should not pose any problems either. I'd say it's a non-issue today.