What loads should I use in my Long Range Wild Fowl?

In 1922, Western Cartridge Co. introduced the 12 gauge "Super-X Field" 2-3/4 inch 1-1/4 ounce 3-3/4 dram equiv. shell, then in 1924 the 3 inch "Record" with 1-3/8 ounces of shot. The Peters Cartridge Company's "High Velocity" and Remington's Kleanbore "Nitro Express Extra Long Range" loads soon followed.

The Long Range was introduced in 1923, but Hunter Arms records show that one was made in 1921 and an Eagle Grade Long Range in 1922. Only 14 were made in 1923. Total production of Long Range shotguns (1921-41) was 2,606, and of Wild Fowl 98 (1940-42).

Not all LRWF were made with 3 inch chambers, and should be marked CHAMBERS 3 INCHES in a semi-circle if so.

In 1935, Winchester/Western brought out the 1-5/8 ounce 12 gauge 3 inch magnum; a load for which the LRWF was not designed to shoot.

In this 1927 Western Cartridge Co. advertising flyer, "Super-X" "The Long Range Load" by Capt. Chas. Askins, the 12 gauge duck load is described as 38-1/2 grains or 3-1/2 dram with a muzzle velocity of 1400 fps (modern numbers are measured 3 feet from the muzzle) and a breech pressure of 3-3/4 tons or just below the current SAAMI 12g maximum of 11,500 psi.