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DocHunter
Joined: 09 Jul 2003
Posts: 15
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| Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 4:12 pm Post subject: Muzzleloading shotgun questions |
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| I have a caplock doublebarrel muzzleloading shotgun with Damascus twists barrels that I want to try to use for turkey hunting this spring. According to information in the Dixie Gun Works catalog, this gun should be safe with up to about 82 grains of FFg black powder. I would like to use size 4, 5, or 6 shot and would like some advice about how to maximize the density of the shot pattern and the best loads to try for such a gun. Both barrels measure 0.714 inch. at the muzzle, which, I think, corresponds to cylinder bore. I would also like to use Shockey Gold black powder substitute from American Pioneer Powder instead of black powder for the benefit of less fouling and easier cleanup. This product is supposed to be able to be substituted in equal volumes for black powder, and I think develops less pressure than an equal volume of black powder and would therefore be a safe substitute if I am correct. I want to try some loads and pattern this gun as soon as the weather here permits, so any advice on loads would be appreciated. |
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ADKBEAR
Joined: 16 Sep 2003
Posts: 608
Location: Central NY
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| Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:01 am Post subject: |
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Well first off is this an original or is it a reproduction?
If it is an original you need to take it to a competent gunsmith and have the gun gone over very well. Barrel dammage can be difficult to see and the slighest imperfection can lead to a disaster when talking about old damacus barrels. If it is original I would not sudgest any of the modern black powder substitutes.
As for paterning an old smooth bore. The rule to remember is the less the powder the tighter the pattern. From that point it is all field work. A bunch of time at the range with old boxes and paper. Figger out your max range. If Dixie says the max is 82gr ff, then I would start with 50gr ff. I would take 4 shots increasinf the load by 10gr each time. Then compair your center of impact points and patterns and start tweeking your powder charge from there. |
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DocHunter
Joined: 09 Jul 2003
Posts: 15
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| Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:37 pm Post subject: |
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| It is an original and has been fired with at least 70 gr. of FFg that I know of. |
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ADKBEAR
Joined: 16 Sep 2003
Posts: 608
Location: Central NY
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| Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 4:26 pm Post subject: |
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| How about a photo? I love to see an old gun :thumbsup1: |
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DocHunter
Joined: 09 Jul 2003
Posts: 15
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| Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 10:09 am Post subject: |
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ADKBEAR wrote: How about a photo? I love to see an old gun :thumbsup1:
I don't have a picture of the whole gun, but below are links to pictures of barrel markings. Any help with identification would certainly be appreciated.
http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=2598074
http://www.huntingnet.com/foru.....mp;mpage=2
http://www.huntingnet.com/foru.....mp;mpage=2 |
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