470Rigby:
A couple of very good points there, however I would be worried that some fool would eventually load a 3-inch full-nitro load into the long chamber and blast the whole deal to rags! Much less risk with the 2 3/4 inch chamber.

Quote:
"I developed duplex nitro/black loads with 750 grain lubed cast lead projectiles .... Jacketed pills would give even lower pressures, as would full nitro loads."

Fair dinkum? Jacketed projectiles give lower pressures than lead? Never having tested them, I always thought it would be the other way 'round. You sure 'bout this? A published source would help convince me....

I looked very closely at the Zabala 10-bore. They are a lighter action than the Greener 'Empire', the weight is simply a load of lead in the stock. The 10-bore Zabala is about 3mm NARROWER across the standing breech than a 12-bore 'Empire'. Surprised me too! Not bad value as a cheap 10-bore shottie though, the last lot were under a grand new.