Shotgun loads

[fishleclair]

Hello all.
Season starts tomorrow for grouse and rabbit.
In the past I have done equal shot to powder for measuring. So far ai think ive found one that works well. Its all eyeball but he #4 shot hits and takes down the birds.
I pack my loads as traditional as I can.
I use hornets nests to buffer and hold the load in place.
The comb is my cushion wad and the paper is what holds the shot on-top of the cushion

Hopefully I can post some pictures of the birds Ill harvest this season.

I use this method in my pedersoli 12 sxs and the .410 sxs

 

[Alex McKr]

I also hunt with a Pedersoli 12 gauge S X S muzzleloader. Fine guns that point and handle well. Nothing wrong with using #4 shot...hits hard and gets the job done. I generally have good success with #6 and especially # 7 1/2 shot, for rabbit and grouse. Perhaps a few more pellets to dig out, depending on the hit. Aside from that, patterns well and effective.
Usually load 2.5 drams Ffg(about 68-70 grains) and equivalent volume of shot(about 1 oz). Have used hornet's nest in the past, but generally use card wads, these days. Easy to make and cost next to nothing.

Looking forward to your photos and experiences. Good hunting!

Al

PS: For those folks wanting know what a dram is....it's about 27.3 grains.

 

[mooncoon]

I have read a number of times of people using hornet's nests as wadding; there must be a tremendous number of hornet's around to supply enough wadding for more than a few shots. I doubt that I see more than one nest every several years

cheers mooncoon

 

[antiqueguy]

I’d hit the patterning board and see what works for you. I like #4’s for small game as you get more pass through then pellets you have to pick out. Said to be a good patterning load stack is the sky chief method.

 

[brybenn]

I use hornet and paper wasp nests for my buck shot loads. Works well
A complete nest gets me about 25 to 30 shots. Southern Ontario it's easy to find them. Just be smart and collect them in winter.
I also load black powder shells and often use paper wasp nest for skeet loads.

 

[iron cat]

I use hornet's nest on top of the powder, and an .035 hard paper overshot wad on top of the shot- nothing else.
For years I used a lubed cushion wad on top of the powder , but have since dispensed with it.
I have killed everything from geese to huns with the right powder and shot charge.
We use our muzzle loaders every year when we go south for pheasants with the dogs, it is epic!
Cat