Some low pressure BP 12 gauge loads?

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Stray03

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I figured although I have seen some load data for blackpowder 12 gauge, I'd ask some people with experience what they have tried and find nice loads. I'm looking for some nice Light load data for 2 5/8 shells. This is for shooting in an early 1890's shotgun so damascus barrel and black powder only.
Thanks.
 
If you want light loads to get light loads then great. But because of the way BP builds up the pressure those barrels can actually shoot BP loads that expel the pellets at close or at the same speed as modern trap loads.

I shoot BP shells for my cowboy action matches and despite taking the fallers down in fine style the BP shells FEEL a lot softer on the shoulder because of this longer push instead of the short smack.

Either way you're in for a lot of fun and smoke. And being a shotgun the bores are dead simple to wash, dry and lightly oil after the sessions.

I can't help with the load data since one of my shooting buddies did the reloads. I got some full brass Magtech hulls recently though so I'll be watching in with interest to see the answers.

I DO know though that we can't use plastic wads. They need to be a non melting fiber of some form for the cards and cushion wads. I mention that because I'm not sure how much reading up you've done so far.
 
BCRider said:
If you want light loads to get light loads then great. But because of the way BP builds up the pressure those barrels can actually shoot BP loads that expel the pellets at close or at the same speed as modern trap loads.

I shoot BP shells for my cowboy action matches and despite taking the fallers down in fine style the BP shells FEEL a lot softer on the shoulder because of this longer push instead of the short smack.

Either way you're in for a lot of fun and smoke. And being a shotgun the bores are dead simple to wash, dry and lightly oil after the sessions.

I can't help with the load data since one of my shooting buddies did the reloads. I got some full brass Magtech hulls recently though so I'll be watching in with interest to see the answers.

I DO know though that we can't use plastic wads. They need to be a non melting fiber of some form for the cards and cushion wads. I mention that because I'm not sure how much reading up you've done so far.
Click to expand...

It is mostly to keep pressures low, as I don't want to put more strain on the barrel than I have to, I've seen 2 1/2 dram BP with 1 oz lead mentioned as light loads but was looking for someone with experience With loads to give a load they know is good.

Only problem with using plastic wads is the amount of plastic you have to scrape out of your barrels after firing (I've seen them used on muzzle loaders and the barrels get messy).

I'm assuming that my shotgun was more for the Paper hulls than brass as the gun was made in the 1890's and not a doublegun.
 
Used 2.5 powder 1 oz lead and plastic wads in reused hulls. Worked well but obviously messy due to powder and plastic. Will be getting fiber wads though as it will make reloading and cleaning easier. i tested a few rounds in a modern pump before trying the damascus. No pressure issues. Much louder than smokeless though.
 
70 grains of FFG and 7/8oz of shot will give a nice manageable load for your 12.
I use this quite often in my vintage guns.
check out this chart
http://www.tbullock.com/bpsg.html

Cat
 
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catnthehatt said:
70 grains of FFG and 7/8oz of shot will give a nice manageable load for your 12.
I use this quite often in my vintage guns.
check out this chart
http://www.tbullock.com/bpsg.html

Cat
Click to expand...

Thanks, mine ended up somewhere in the 68 grain zone (2X 2.5 cc cups) with 1 oz lead, May decrease lead weight to 7/8 oz like yours to make more room for crimping.
Mostly for making noise and using an old repeater that otherwise wouldn't get to be used so lead quantity/knockdown power isn't an issue.
 
Maritime Storm said:
Catt has the magical numbers, 70grs under 7/8oz #6 in a Federal makes a dandy Grouse load from my experience.
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Yup, I use that load a lot for pheasants too,, and use 65 grains in my Grandpa's 16 gauge as well!
70 grains of FFG is a lot more deadly than many would think, and with a good pattern of 6's or 7 1/2's it knocks down big birds with no issues and will go through leaves etc on a fast flying Ruffy , no sweat!!


I up the powder charge when hunting geese however, as i am using bigger non tox shot and more of it!

Cat
 
In my swedish hammer gun I used 80 gr 2 f and fiber
Wads , with a rolled crimp I have a vintage roll tool
I usually stick with 1 oz to 1 1/8 oz makes for gd
Hunting loads and skeet
 
catnthehatt said:
70 grains of FFG and 7/8oz of shot will give a nice manageable load for your 12.
I use this quite often in my vintage guns.
check out this chart
http://www.tbullock.com/bpsg.html

Cat
Click to expand...


those are some nice guns you have. i am waiting for mine to come back from my machinist friend. he is a retired tool and die maker, and makes a reloading die here and there for some of the guys around here for strange size calibre casings. then i can send you those pics i PM`d you about. getting new firing pins and firing pin retainers. M8 thread on that particular belgian gun for those interested. going to try your lighter loads. the non toxic shot you use, is it steel? and what does steel shot do to the older barrels?
 
infideleggwelder said:
those are some nice guns you have. i am waiting for mine to come back from my machinist friend. he is a retired tool and die maker, and makes a reloading die here and there for some of the guys around here for strange size calibre casings. then i can send you those pics i PM`d you about. getting new firing pins and firing pin retainers. M8 thread on that particular belgian gun for those interested. going to try your lighter loads. the non toxic shot you use, is it steel? and what does steel shot do to the older barrels?
Click to expand...

No steel every gets near my vintage guns!!LOL!
Thanks, I own quite a few hammer doubles in various gauges but these ( and a Westley Richards 10 bore) are my favourites.

Nope, I use Bismuth, Nice Shot, and IT for my waterfowl loads.
In fact, I don't hand load steel at all even for my new guns, although i am set up for it, it is not something I like .
Cat
 
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