My first blackpowder

[Hunterbug]

I've been interested in getting a muzzle loader for a while. I like the traditional look, no in-lines for me. So this morning I was out cruzing the pawnshops, I really need to quit that, and I came across a couple of double barrel percission shotguns. One was a CVA that had some surface rust and was not in that great a shape. The other was a Dixie Gun Works that was in significantly better shape. They were both the same price, $180. I left the store and called Gitano and had him look them up for me. In his typical understated way he said that I REALLY should buy it and that if I didn't want it to let him know. So, I went back and bought it. I thought that they were both 12ga but when I took a closer look at the Dixie I found that it's a 10ga. So I am now the proud owner of a double barrel black powder 10ga shotgun. I guess that I'm ready for some waterfowl hunting with JaDub this fall. The final cost was $195 and they threw in a case too. Now I need to learn how to use it.
 

 

 

 

[davidlt89]

Don't know much about them, but it looks to be in good shape, congrats!!!!

[recoil junky]

That has gioose gun written all over it  . . . . . literally!!!
 
SWEET!
 
RJ

[JaDub]

I`m looking forward to an `all black powder`  duck hunt this fall.   That should be a ball !  
 
  JaDub

[Hunterbug]

JaDub, that would be a kick! I can't wait to do that.

[Alboy]

My pet load for mine is
 
By volume
 
80 grain of 2F, 777 or 3F; the latter two give a little more energy and recoil.
3 each 9 gauge cards from Circle Fly .025" Overshot Cards
80 grain by volume Bismuth #1, #2 or #4 shot.
1 each 9 gauge .025 overshot card.
 
 

I use the 3 cards as they are easier to ram home than 1 .070 card or a .125 card

Try this simple stack first and then if you have pattern problems start working with other combinations. Not to exclude plastic shot cups as in modern shotshell if you have to, they are a bear to ram home though.

[gitano]

So this morning I was out cruzing the pawnshops, I really need to quit that,

No kidding! The LAST time he did that I ended up with a "new" shotgun!

Nice piece! I told him that if he didn't buy it, I would! I also told him that if he decided he didn't want it, I'd buy it from him. He stole it. They're retailing at Dixie Gun Works for $875 on sale.

Paul

[Hunterbug]

I found a little shop just down the street that specializes in muzzle loaders and stuff so I ran down. He was out of black powder until next week so I got a can of Pyrodex FFG equivalent. He also had 100 packs that included all the cards and padding that I needed for 100 loads, that was convient. I think that for now I'll just go with 1oz of shot so about how much powder should I load with that? I don't need a super killer load, just something light to play with and maybe take a rabbit or grouse with.

[gitano]

Have you been able to check on the Pedersoli?

Paul

[Alboy]

For your load it can be pretty simple.
 
Pick a measure. A used shotshell works nicely.
 
Pour in the shot load you want to use. Mark the level it comes to and cut the shotshell off at that point.
 
Now you have a by volume powder and shot measure.
 
Fill it with powder and put that in the shotgun.
Over powder card and cushin wading as you see fit.
Use the same measure for shot, pour it in.
Over shot card.
 
SHOOT.

[Hunterbug]

Paul, I have it here in my hot little hands. Your wife is gonna block my number if she doesn't just hang me.  :D
 
Thanx, Al. So just go with my 1oz of shot and the same volume of powder.

[gitano]

So... HB bought the Pedersoli too. 'Cept he got it for me. :D

It's got some rust on it, but from the pictures, it all looks like it is 'removable'. He talked the shop owner down to $125 plus tax. Works for me!

He took some pictures of it, and when I get a chance I'll post them. So now I too have a ML shotgun. :D

Thanks, HB!

Paul

[Alboy]

Paul, I have it here in my hot little hands. Your wife is
 
Thanx, Al. So just go with my 1oz of shot and the same volume of powder.

 
Exactly
 
If it wont pattern then we can start getting complicated.
 
for starters the simple approach is best.

[Hunterbug]

Thanx, Al. Hopefully it'll pattern and not be a problem.  The range is closed on Monday but maybe next week I'll get to try it out.

Paul, what are friends for? :D

[gitano]

Ha! I'm not the only one that's 'double clutching'...

Paul

[Noyb72]

If your up for something different, I just finished two 1800's books on hunting in Africa and the Dutch 10 bore was the go to gun for everything up to dangerous game. I know that you have a smooth bore, but good tight slugs should be good for 50-70 yards.

Ron

[gitano]

For reasons I'll let HB explain, I am now getting the 10 ga and he'll be shooting the 12. My interest is primarily in round ball, so I'll be using what comes out of this: http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/1204/1/MOLD-BAG-760

I'm hoping I can get it to shoot these things straight out to 50-70 yd. Should 'leave a mark' on a moose.

With the purchase of the boat, I will be getting some more fowling opportunities so I'll be working on loads for shot too. After I get it shooting, I'll be post some patterns. What range would y'all suggest for starters for patterning?

Paul

[Hunterbug]

Gitano wanted me to go back and grab the 12ga that the store had for him. The more that I handles the 12ga the more I fell in love with it. And since it's a little better for my needs, the 10ga is on it's way to Alaska and I'm keeping the 12ga.  When the package arrive Gitano will have to take a picture of the powder and shot scoop that I made for the 10ga. I forgot to before I sent it.

[Alboy]

Paul the answer to your question for starters are in this post.
 
Primarily strat with the shot load you want to throw and cut a shot shell down to that size. Then you have your powder measure.
 
I recommend you start with over shot cards one guage larger (9). Use three over the powder andthen 1 over the shot. Nothing else till you see how that patterns.
 
2F black powder is my prefered but 3F or 777 work the same with a little more energy.

[gitano]

Thanks, Al. I have another question for you.

The nominal diameter of the bore of a 10 ga is 0.775". Track of the Wolf, (hereafter TotW), has a "Primitive Scissors Mold" http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/1204/1/MOLD-BAG-760 that is supposed to throw a 0.760" round ball (RB).

My question of you is: "Is 0.760" too large for the 10 ga bore?"

Let me quickly add that I will be making no purchases based on "nominal" bore dimensions. I won't buy anything until I get the 10 ga in hand and measure it for myself. The question is really about the  'concept' of round ball dimension relative to bore dimension. When I got the flintlock pistol, I purchased the 'recommended' RB molds. They were WAY too small - 0.600" for a 0.635" bore. I ended up ordering a 0.615" (I think that is the dimension, might have been 0.620") mold from a fellow in England. The RBs from that mold work great.

Lyman has a 0.735" mold, but of course they are very proud of it. Most places I looked it was over $80. I found it for $66 at Midway. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/846989/lyman-1-cavity-bullet-mold-735-diameter-round-ball?cm_cat=Cart&cm_pla=ProductDesc TotW's "Scissor" mold is $40, the English fellow's mould would be about $50 before shipping from Great Britain.

I suppose the practical question becomes should I get the TotW $40 0.760" mold, or the Lyman $66 0.735" mold?

Feel free to 'wax poetic'.

Thanks,
Paul

[Alboy]

Paul
 
Since we talked I checked and do not have a 10 gauge round ball mold.
 
Before having the Britain make a special I would try a few tricks with what is available off the shelf. Like going to a heavy over powder set. Something like a .125 card then a cushin wad (half to three quarters inch thick with a patched round ball for a 12 gauge with the patch thick enough to keep it centered going down the barrel. Using a plastic shot cup instead of patching is a possibility too. Be inventive (like I had to tell you that) remember the guys who had to do these way back when just had to make it work so simple solutions usually do.

[gitano]

Excellent point about an over-powder wad, Al. Not too excited about a plastic shot cup, but I would do it if I had to. Probably would order the custom mold first. His prices are actually quite reasonable. I think about the price of the Lyman before shipping.

Food for thought though. I'll mess with the over-powder wads first.

Thanks,
Paul

[gitano]

Here is a picture of the "accouterments" that HB sent along with the 10ga.


The shot and powder scoop is very cool. It's a deer antler tine attached to a copper pipe plumbing cap. The plastic vials will be used for pre-loaded powder and shot charges, so my reloading can go from being measured in 'geologic time' up to 'glacial speed'. :) I would hope the use for the wads would be obvious, however, as Al pointed out above, that a good, tight cushion wad, normally used for buffering the impact of the exploding powder from the shot, should be a good bore-seal behind a round ball (RB) that was a bit 'loose' in the bore. I think that is a great idea! The muzzles on the 10ga are 0.768" on both sides. The RB mold options that are readily available to me without special order are 0.760" which is a bit tight, and 0.735" which is a bit loose. These wads may allow me to use the 0.735" RBs (with thick patches) effectively ("accurately"). Now all I need are some percussion caps. I think I can get those at the local Sportsman's Warehouse.

I'll start my own 10ga thread when I get something to post.

Paul

PS - Sportsmen's Warehouse has percussion caps in sizes 10, 11, and "musket".

Paul

[Alboy]

Start with 11 size caps, if they are loose just pinch the sides in a little. Then later get the 10's. If your nipples require 11's and you buy 10's you wont be shooting with out an extra trip to the store.
 
Also in regard to even needing a cushin wad in BP, you will find the loads more of a push than a kick and not necessarily in need of that extra cushin.

[gitano]

Also in regard to even needing a cushin wad in BP, you will find the loads more of a push than a kick and not necessarily in need of that extra cushin.

That is in regard to "shot" right? I thought I understood you to recommend the cushion wad for the "small" RB.

Paul

[Alboy]

Sorry to create the confusion you are correct about the round ball

[buckshot roberts]

Bug, good deal, can't wate to see some post ths hunting season.....
I have been looking for a BP in .32 to use on some game.........Ron