kennedy
Member
I want to shoot 1 oz of #8 shot out of my old muzzle loader shotgun, what is a safe black powder starting load? What would be a safe max load?
starting load for 16 ga muzzle loader shotgun
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hawg
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70 grains would be a 2 1/2 dram load. You may have to adjust your powder or shot to give the best pattern. I don't know what a max load would be for a 16 but I've used 100 grains with a .69 caliber ball out of my 12 gauge.
Acorn Mush
Member
How old is your shotgun? What is its condition? Is it flint or percussion? What is the maker's name? Damascus or steel barrel(s)? Can you post a picture? This info will allow folks to give you a bit more guidance.
Jackrabbit1957
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Equal by volume shot and powder. My 12 gauge double likes 65 grains powder to 1 oz shot. This is a " squared load". Works very well on dove. Max loads are going to depend on how the barrel is made and what condition it's in. I find that there's really no need to use a max load for what I do with my shot gun.
kennedy
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the gun is a 1863 springfield rifled musket converted to 16 ga, only want to know max load so I don`t get close to it
Jackrabbit1957
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I believe the service load was 65 grns of powder under a Minie ball, but don't quote me. Not sure what the max is. My personal feeling is to go with the service charge and equal amount of shot by volume and see how it patterns. You can always increase the load a small amount at a time until it patterns halfway decent. Maybe one of the ACW guys can chime in on the max load. Keep in mind it may be less on account of the barrel being bored out.
hawg
Member
I wouldn't go over 70 grains to be on the safe side.
Acorn Mush
Member
I agree with hawg. Seventy grains of 2fg and an equal volume of shot. Can you measure the wall thickness of the barrel? My guess is if it is .150" or greater you should be all right.
Good luck!
hawg
Member
I have an original SXS 12 gauge made around 1850. I won't go over 60 grains with it but it has Damascus barrels. I do shoot a 65 grain service charge out of my original Enfield.
kennedy
Member
thanks, finally shot it, tried 50, 60, and 70, the 70 gave me a kick like a reg shotgun and the best pattern, going to try 65 next time out.
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