Black powder shotgun loads

Equal volumes of powder and shot. Adjust the wad column to get the correct spacing for the crimp.
I use black more often than Pyrodex, but I think the volume for volume will work.
 
I think it is also wise to use a card wad between the shot and the compression wad. I believe it prevents pellets from embedding into the wad. I have not taken the time to compare patterns between the two and should sometime soon

cheers mooncoon
 
For standard 12 gauge BP loads use 80 grain measure of FFg and same measure of shot, giving about 1 1/8 ounce of #7 1/2 or 8 shot. Nominally 3 drams of Black Powder is 82 grains.
A 1/8 inch over powder wad, and a 1/2 inch cushion wad should make up about the right stack height. A thin overshot wad is enough on top of the cushion wad if you are worried about embedded shot.
For a mild load you could go to 75 grains of FFg and same volume of shot giving about a one ounce load, making up the stack volume with extra wad.
These loads make reliable Trap cartridges with good patterns from vintage guns - any misses are not the fault of the shells.
 
There are more Cooey Trap guns in our Black Powder Trap shoots than any other model. There are a few truly vintage double guns and the odd Model 97 Winchester.
Our club requires a hammer gun, or vintage Damascus, or pre-1890s shotgun for the scores to count in BP Trap.
Smokeless shooters are welcome to participate in the monthly meeting shoots, just not have scores count towards Club awards.
If you put a dab of lube (Crisco) on top of the crimp of your BP Shotshells you will find clean up easier. To facilitate this we have cartridge blocks to hold the shotshells base down, and posts with a small platform at each shooting station.
Two or three patches with windshield washer fluid and two or three with WD 40 will have the old Cooey bore shiny once again.
Have fun with shooting black powder shotgun.
 
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