BP shot shell reloading

[Fogman01]

I am going to try some loading some black powder 12 ga shot gun shells. I have the 12 ga brass hulls made by Magtech, the wads, the large pistol primers, shot, etc. I did the conversions for 3 drams to grains and get 82 grains of BP. These shells are just for trying out at the trap range. I have some Schutzen 3F for my cap and ball guns. Will this be OK? What loads do others use. I have a rather inexpensive but modern Spanish 2 3/4" side by side with external hammers that looks like a 19th century scatter gun ... but I wouldn't shoot anything in it that wouldn't be OK for an actual older gun or Damascus barrels.

[Don McDowell]

I would think powders larger than 2 make be best, but if 3f is what you got, might run with it and see, especially as you're shooting a smokeless proofed gun.

[Dan Cash]

From loading my old Damascus 16 bore, I find that warmish loads tends to blow patterns. With 3Fg, I think I would drop back to 70-75 grains as a start load. An equal volume of powder to shot is also a place to start; that is the dipper for shot will also measure your powder.

[Kurt]

Here Dan this might help you.
I used to load black in a old 16 Damascus double with low brass paper shells and in my 820.
Kurt


Conversion Table
Drams
avdp Grains
avdp Grams
1 27 1.77
2 55 3.54
3 82 5.31
3 1/8 85 5.53
3 1/4 89 5.76
3 1/2 96 6.20
3 3/4 103 6.64
4 109 7.08
Charge Table
Adapted from various old books and catalogs
Gauge Black
Powder
drams Shot
Ounces Notes
.410 25 grains 3/8 2 inch shell
.410 30 grains 1/2 21/2 inch shell
.410 35 grains 5/8 3 inch shell
28 1 1/2 3/4
28 2 3/4
20 2 1/4 7/8
20 2 1/2 1
16 2 1/2 1 Light
16 2 3/4 1 Normal
16 3 1 1/8 Heavy
12 6 Blank 1 thin card wad over powder; nothing else
12 2 1/2 1 Light
12 3 1 1/8 Normal
12 3 1/2 1 1/4 Heavy
10 8 Blank 1 thin card wad over powder; nothing else
10 4 1 Light
10 4 1 1/4 Normal
10 4 1/2 1 1/2 Heavy
8 12 Blank 1 thin card wad over powder; nothing else

[Kurt]

Lets try this maybe is don't get scrambled

   

[Lumpy Grits]

I've used 3F in brass 12ga shells with great success.
2F 'E' works very well too.
Gary

[Fogman01]

Thanks for the inputs all of you - I'll try a lighter load and see how it works. My daughter takes me pheasant hunting every year before Thanksgiving and it's time to get to the trap range and practice. I thought I'd try a round with BP in a shotgun I haven't used for years and years.
An inexpensive Spanish model but it has some classic lines.

[desert deuce]

Thanks for the inputs all of you - I'll try a lighter load and see how it works. My daughter takes me pheasant hunting every year before Thanksgiving and it's time to get to the trap range and practice. I thought I'd try a round with BP in a shotgun I haven't used for years and years.
An inexpensive Spanish model but it has some classic lines.

LTC Fogman Sir! Been there, done that. If you don't have a well trained four legged retriever you will need a spotter to stand upwind and keep the bird in sight until it hits the ground, (provided you hit it of course), and direct you to where you may or may not find the bird because the smoke column follows the shot column.

[Don McDowell]

That is a nice looking shotgun.

[Kurt]

Oh Deuceeee

I like the gun!! It looks like my Zabala I used to have without the metal scratching.