Pedersoli Proofs

[Sparkitoff]

I have several Pedersoli shotguns in 12 gauge. A few friends have some as well. When making some comparisons today, we noticed to newer models have "89 grains - 1 1/4-oz" stamped on them. The older ones don't say this. All have the same BP proof mark(s). Unlike smokeless proof that indicates a cartridge length and # PSI or BAR and sometimes a Dram and/or load weight, Black Powder proofs seem to be non-specific. The older guns have much lighter and thinner barrels as well as smaller breach plugs. It would seem like these would have a lesser proof than the thicker barrels and breach plugs, however they aren't marked with "XX grains - XX ounces". So, does anyone know for certain if there is a manufacturers recommended load on the earlier guns (70's-80's) compared to the much heavier, thicker ones (90's-present)?

 

[Kansas Jake]

I suspect it is legal CYA.

 

[Lorne Johnson]

I've never seen data for loads in the old Pedersoli guns, but it must exist somewhere. I would agree that the new maximum load stamps are driven by legal and lawsuit requirements, but that doesn't mean that 1 1/4 over 89 grains is a suitable load in those old guns, I'm away from home right now, but I seem to remember that my old production 10 gauge does have a maximum load equal or close to the load you cite. Of course, that's 10 gauge not 12. I'll check when I get home.