I have 10 Parkers 3 are Damascus and shoot them all.  With the standard cautions make sure the gun is safe etc can give you the shell info most of us use.

Brass height has nothing to do with suitability it's pressure and recoil that counts.

Barrels themselves will handle modern field load pressures if the shell fits the chambers. Most Parker 12s were 2 5/8 inch chambers. 2 3/4 will increase the pressure.  "Promo" 12s ones for sale at WalMart are loaded with small charges of fast powder, to save cost, and work at fairly high pressure.   Other concern is 100 plus year old wood can and will crack under repeated strong recoil, fixing cracks is expensive.

End result is all of the experienced SXS shooters use low recoil shells.  Two brands RST made in Pennsylvania and B&Ps Italian. Not cheap but very good . If hunting few boxes a year RST is the way to go. Main Parker I shoot clays with by empty primer box count has 15,000 shells through it since I have owned the gun, factory low pressure to expensive with that volume.

We all cut shot loads too, to reduce recoil. My 12 g guns use Reloads in Winchester AA hulls and either 3/4 or 7/8 oz shot.  AA"s are shorter just a bit over 2 5/8 very near old hull specs and the light shot loads make the guns recoil like 20s or even 28s. Reloads are low cost. I used to cut hulls down to 2 1/2 inch and roll crimp, gave it up for AAs full leingth. Fired they show no sign of being to loon fold crimped. Remington STS hulls do.

Choked very tight they get nice patterns with light shot loads.  20s I run 11/16 or 3/4 oz, 16 3/4 or 7/8, 10 G 1 1/8 oz and a few 1 1/4 oz loads for Crows. 

My oldest Parker 1876 12 G lifter run on 3 drams 2F Black and 1 oz shot.

Tell him if he wants detailed load info Parker Collectors Club web site is a good start. Needs phone info give me a PM

Boats

Mike ;

If your friend who is getting into S X S shotgunning could benefit from a wealth of experience, may I suggest he visit at:

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and click on the forum entry; "Double Gun BBS-Q & A"

For vintage style and spec. "off the shelf" shotgun ammunition please see;

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For the joy of hunting with vintage era S X S hammer guns meet George Calef at;

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When are we going to get together with John Bly,  Allen C. , yourself, and other Maynard types in Winchester, Front Royal, or wherever, to swap Maynard information, experiences, social, shooting ?

One outstanding possibility in Winchester is the Union Jack Pub located in the historic Union Bank Building.

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Webb

  Mike --

In the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, there was scarce uniformity of standards in the American firearms industries.  There were a multitude of manufacturers and each brand name presented in the marketplace with its own idea of what the standards should be at that time.  Most people know that there was not even a proof house in America  to assure firearms safety.  The recommended approach to the "friend's" situation is to have the particular arm in question presented, measured and evaluated individually by a professional person in this field of endeavor.

I purposely have not provided any advice or information on loading specifications in this situation for a myriad of reasons, not the least of which, the question as presented asked for assistance for "a friend of a friend". 

If loading data were to be furnished under those conditions, it would constitute the equivalent of hearsay, twice removed.  I hope you understand the dilemma that could result in.  Out of a large measure of caution and prudence, I best leave the topic of loading, which powder, how much powder, and, etc. etc. to the folks who have deep pockets.

Thanks,
Webb
.

Mike - Direct your friend to the Parker Gun Collectors' Association (PGCA) forum - (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) - answers to any and all of his question and concerns can be found there.
Bob

  Thanks for your response, Mike.  Your suggestion for a Maynard social get together at your location south of Fredericksburg is most gracious and of much interest for the following reasons.

I have not seen most of the shooters of original Maynard/s since the first Maynard match held in Thurmont, Maryland.

I have inclinations that it would be right and proper for there to be a national membership  organization whose charter and mission statement would include current and future owners of original Massachusetts Arms Company produced Maynard firearms produced under the original patents of 27 May 1851, and 06 December 1859, granted to patentee, Edward Maynard and to his assigns.  

That such a membership organization would seek and include as members, Maynard firearms owners who research, educate, collect, restore, smith, shoot, compete, and/or otherwise appreciate any and all aspects of the Maynard patent firearms heritage left to us by Dr. Edward Maynard, or his heirs and descendants.

If such an association of Maynard owners were to evolve into a duly constituted membership organization, I would envision it to be a formal, not for profit entity, with democratic procedures, non-partisan, and of inclusive principals.

Comments and suggestions are solicited and welcome.

Webb
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Thanks for your suggestion Brianich --

PolyWad is a company that is dominant in the wad business, for sure.  I was unaware that they also marketed loaded shot shells, and for vintage shotguns yet.  Thanks !

In days of yesteryear, shotgunners used shot shells made with brass or paper hulls.  So part of today's enjoyment of shooting vintage is not only the 100 year old shot guns, but also the experience of chambering vintage period correct shells to take down one's prey. 

Webb

I hope I'm not breaking any rules but on the Cast Bullet forum there is someone who regularly writes about his Parkers.
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