Loading 20 gauge shotgun shells with two 260 grain round balls.....

Dantforth

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I am wondering if anyone has done this. Balls are .589" and weigh 260 grains each. I have looked and cannot find any load info for slugs or round ball heavier than 350 grains in 20 gauge. I have Magtech brass casings. If it can be done can someone point me to the load data? I have an assortment of smokeless powders and also black powder. Dave
 
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The 520gr balls translate to about 1.2ounces so 1 1/4 load data would be a place to start looking.

I haven't done much smokeless shotshell loading in a very long time so others might be better able to comment on that. I do load magtech cases with black though and know that you can't get enough black into any cartridge to be dangerous in a gun that's safe to use. The question becomes: how much do you want this to hurt? You don't say what end use you have in mind.

Personally I'd choose the power level I wanted for powder, say 30 - 80gr of 2fg or whatever maximum the case will allow given the rest of the load column. Then a nitro card and a fiber cushion wad. Next I would experiment with different patching around the balls to get a tight fit in the case. To keep them from moving under recoil a little white glue around the top ball would glue the patch to the case or maybe an over card could be used but it might not sit well above the ball
If you are firing more than a couple rounds between cleaning some black powder type lube on the cushion wad or the patch would be wise. Or some could even be put it the space above and between the balls.
 
Snider shooter, thanks. I expect that will be a single ball load and I am searching for a double ball load. I am a Snider shooter as well and have been for many years. I have a friend who recently moved to Halifax who shoots Snider and Martini Henry and cast bullets for both as well. I will give him your name so he can PM you if he needs something or info if you do not mind. I do see that there are a couple of companoes making DB loads for shotgun but I see no load data. I expect vagrantviking is on the right trail. Thanks again. David
 
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