question regarding a 1904-1907 shotgun

[Dundee]

Hello to my lovely fellow muzzleloaders. I have a question that isn't about a muzzleloader so please don't burn me at the stakes here but I figured that we all appreciate older guns and ya'll could probably help. I bought my wife a W. Richards Anson & Deeley Boxlock Hammerless 12 GA SXS Double Shotgun C&R for hunting purposes, but I am unsure about using modern ammo in that model. Some places online say that I cant at all and others say that it is all in the shell length and pressures that specific round puts out. I think she is mainly wanting to go after dove so slugs won't be in the picture. What do ya'll think? would a shorter shot shell be fine or is it a big risk?

 

[jrweis1997]

Colt SAA's were ok for smokeless after 1900, not sure if it applies to shotguns too though

 

[cynthialee]

stick with regular shells, nothing magnum at all
Probably be safest to load your own shells and stick to lighter powder loads. I'd hate to break an old gun like that with an ambitious load.

If you were a paid member you could access the premium members forums and we have a Non-Muzzle Loading section where this post would be most appropriate.
This one will likely get nuked as is proper.

 

[Britsmoothy]

We don't discuss cartridge guns here.
Muzzleloaders only.
It's in the rules.

 

[TRP]

And we need pictures. Westley Richards was a top British maker. W. Richards was a trade name on very cheap Belgian knockoffs. Both used Damascus twist barrels. A hundred years of use, abuse, and poor storage have passed. Your gun may be unsafe to fire even with black powder loads.

 

[2 shots]

short chambered?? there are gauges to measure it. or use 2 1/2 shells b/p to be safe.have you rung the barrels ? if you like your wife have them inspected by a real shotgun smith.