Thread: Suitable ammo for old hammer shotgun

First, if you think the gun may be weak, it also has low safety margin for homebrew reloads.

The factory may have omitted proof tests simply because these were not required for export guns. They certainly would have made the guns as strong as ones going through proof testing for the home market.

Examine the gun carefully, clearance when closed with a feeler gauge, diameter of barrel at a couple marked spots. Then (using firing lanyard and rest) fire a couple hot cartridges, twice, having oiled the chamber walls beforehand.
Re-inspect with the gauges. Wallhanger if the dimensions are changed. You now own a DIY nitro proofed shotgun.