Max dram equivalent

[AC's & 45's]

What exactly does max dram mean. Maximum powder charge?
How is the max determined? Is it different for different loads.
How would this relate with a Winchester 12 guage field load versus the S&B buck loads. Both are 2 3/4" shells.

The field loads are pussycats compared to the S&B buck load from my 870.

 

[Dave McC]

Yup, Max powder charge. This means the load is driven as fast as it can be w/o dangerous pressures.

 

[AC's & 45's]

Dave McC and guys.....

The reason I am asking is the field loads I mentioned seems fairly mild compared to the S&B buck loads.
As a matter of fact I plan to practice a lot with the S&B's to condition myself to them.

I am not overly experienced with my scattergun. At least not for defensive purposes. I have used a 12 guage 870 since I was a kid for hunting . I have never encountered such a viscious recoil even with slugs as with the S&B's I fired over the weekend.

 

[Dave McC]

Are those S&Bs 9 pellet loads? The 12 and 15 pellet 00 loads are great, for masochists.

'Nother fine defensive 00 load is the Estate "SWAT" load.Patterns great in my 870s, less kick, less cost.