A new fusil de chasse smoothie just came into my life: .570 bore, 44" Colerain barrel. What diameter of ball and approximate powder charge would be a good start towards working up an accurate load? In particular, I'm wondering whether a thick patch with smaller ball is better than a thin patch with larger ball. Thanks.
Load advice for a smoothie
- Thread starter Ol' Flinter
- Start date
I would be inclined to use about 60 grains of 3 F and a shotgun cushion wad on top of the powder. I would also be inclined to try an unpatched .570 ball with a thin wad on top (so that it does not roll forward). They are easy to cast or obtain. The alternative would be to get a Jeff Tanner mold to cast a .560 mold and use whatever patch thickness gives you a snug fit but is not overly hard to push down. I keep waffling back and forth as to whether using a cushion wad behind a patched ball makes much difference in a smooth bore. Would definitely use it for an unpatched ball
cheers mooncoon
cheers mooncoon
- Location
- windsor,ontario
id start with 57 gr of blackpowder and a patched round ball a .562 round ball with a patch should to the job (you could use goex .58 load data http://www.goexpowder.com/images/LoadCharts/RB-Rifle-Musket.pdf )
if your going to load it like a shotgun use 24ga wads nitro cand , 1/2" fiber, shot,then a over shot card with the same charge of powder as above and use the same measure of shot as you did powder
if your going to load it like a shotgun use 24ga wads nitro cand , 1/2" fiber, shot,then a over shot card with the same charge of powder as above and use the same measure of shot as you did powder
