Tell me about how to load a muzzleloading shotgun.

[bernie]

I have a significant amount of credit at Cabela's and I was looking for something to blow it on and found their double barrelled blackpowder shotgun. I got to thinking that it would be big fun to duck and squirrel hunt with one of those but I know nothing about them.

I have shot a muzzle loading rifle for several years but have no idea how to load a blackpowder shotgun. I know that friction will not hold in a shot charge like it will a bullet.

 

[Manyirons]

Over shot card wad is what does it. I have a 10guage, 20 Inch, (Cut-Down) loading is; Powder, over powder wad, shot, overshot card wad. MArk your ramrod for consistancy in seating.

 

[Beartracker]

In most cases you can play with the pattern that you can get just by adding another card or by loading powder then 2 wads and a card over the shot and so on. Lot's of fun to work out the best pattern at the longest distance for turkey.
Many years ago I bought an original 14gage single shot at a yard sale for $10.00. The nipple was shot so I replaced it, bought a couple of pounds of #8 #5, #6 and #4 along with assorted vegitable wads and cards and had a blast
with it. Took a Turkey at 22 yards with the #4.
Gave it to my oldest grandson and he still shoots squirrel with it.

 

[GrayBear]

V.M. Starr -

This is a two part article with just about anything you need to know about ML shotguns:

http://members.aye.net/~bspen/starr.html

Check the back pages of your Dixie catalog for a bit more on loads and penetration.

Please check back and let us know what you buy and how it worked out for you.

BP shotguns are an adventure unto themselves!

GrayBear

 

[armedandsafe]

Pick up a copy of Lyman's BlackPowder Handbook. Best investment you will ever make that doesn't go "BANG!"

Pops

 

[Oldnamvet]

I normally load the powder, over powder card, fiber wad, shot, then over shot card. The over shot card is about half the thickness of the over powder card. It makes it a lot easier to load if you punch a small hole through the cards. 1/32" or so will do it. This allows air to escape while you are pushing the cards into place rather than compressing it until it forces its way around the card. The only thing I have any lube on is the fiber wad.