8 guage almost finished

[tula]

I have a 7 bore. I used to shoot it now and then with 150gr of ffg and 2.5 to 3oz of shot out behind the barn. Was real death on old chairs. Too long and heavy to carry around. It’s definitely a blind or punt gun. She’s 6’ long.

 

[Brutus]

I tell you what. Most of these fine shotguns could be kind of persnickety making up buckshot handloads. Other than a death cloud of #4 buckshot.
But seriously now, look up online US Army Ordnance manual of 1841 regards buck&ball. Use this as your baseline. Build up your own handloads. You could surprize yourself with your effective range. Even with blackpowder.

I have done this with 10 gauge hammer coachgun and full&full chokes. All brass 2 7/8 inch hulls.
Ensure you have very smooth bores. Honed by a professional if needed.