Dram Equivalent

Just wondered how many guys understand and pay attention to Dram Equivalent information on shotgun shells. This system is about a hundred years old. I can't believe that no one has come up with something better than this.

I'll take a stab at a definition as I understand it. The Dram Equivalent number relates directly to the number of drams of Black Powder it takes to move the same size shot payload at the same speed as the shells contained in the so labeled box. A dram = approximately 27.34 grains. The higher the D.E. the faster the load and the harder the kick. RD

Hedgepost, I'd like to see velocity and PSI on the box. I've got some older shotguns that I reload low pressure loads for but would like to buy a box of a shot size that I don't keep on hand etc. but I don't want to go over certain pressure limits. RD

RD,

Try the 7/8th Nobel or Fiochi. I can get them in 7.5 , 8 and 9s. They chrono 1180 or so. They may be available in larger shot sizes too.

7/8th in a grey winchester wad and a #25 bushing with 700x thru a mec 9000 makes a super soft load and patterns so evenly. Have no idea what the pressure is but that load won't cycle any 390 or 391 I've seen and often won't cycle an 1100. A #30 bushing with International Clays is similar.

For that matter the 7/8th Nobel sometimes won't cycle a pal's Technys either.

If you want light low pressure load buy "trap" loads.  they have a velocity limit by the ATA, and will not hurt that old timer.

Just bought a few hundred rounds of 1300 fps copper plated #5 12 gauger.  Going to a pheasant tower shoot on the 15th.  Be using and 11-87 this year.  Leaving the double at home. spent hours over the last 5 month looking at price and performance on 12 guage....gave up bought the Winchester.  Nothing is cheap (reasonable).  These birds are fast flying toward you and 20-30 yards up.  Unusual pheasant shot.  For over dogs I use the 7/8 oz Estate loads.

BEAR

Rockydog wrote: I'll take a stab at a definition as I understand it. The Dram Equivalent number relates directly to the number of drams of Black Powder it takes to move the same size shot payload at the same speed as the shells contained in the so labeled box. A dram = approximately 27.34 grains. The higher the D.E. the faster the load and the harder the kick. RD

That's how it started out. Now DE is actually a defined as a set velocity for each weight and gauge.

For example, a 12 Gauge shell with 1 1/8 ounces of shot and 2 3/4 DE has a velocity of 1,145 FPS. (Supposedly). A 3 1/2 - 1 3/8 - X is 1,240 FPS.

Some boxes are labeled as "Dram Equivalent - Skeet". No matter the Gauge or shot weight, that's 1,200 FPS. Some boxes are labeled "Dram Equivalent - Max". That's just advertising hype.

DC