Flintlock birdshot effectiveness

[duelist1954]

I had some requests to show how my flintlock smooth bore loads perform by shooting at paper targets; specifically they wanted to ascertain how the loads would do for turkey hunting. To help with that, I used turkey head targets.

As you can see, with these un-choked barrels you can't count on long shots.

https://www.full30.com/video/eb2a7f3499d1a47d9cd9a6ab67669aee

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Thanks Mike. Nice video. Yeah that second shot would put a hammer on a tom.

LD

 

[PapaG]

Couple of suggestions:
a. equal volumes of powder and shot.
b. plenty of cushioning wads
c. If you can find them, an Alcan Quik-Sert around the shot, or the cup from a modern shotshell wad will keep shot from deforming and "flying".
d. Mylar cut in strips will do the same as "c".

My maximum range with the cylinder choked 12 was found to be about 25 yards, 1 3/8 oz copper plated sixes.