Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Shooting Traditional Firearms and Weapons => General Interest => Topic started by: Axe on November 25, 2015, 06:53:42 PM

Title: How to Measure Shot
Post by: Axe on November 25, 2015, 06:53:42 PM

What do you suggest I use to measure ounces of shot for the 12 ga. fowler? A scale calibrated in ounces or ? And if a scale, what type?

Title: Re: How to Measure Shot
Post by: Bigsmoke on November 25, 2015, 07:36:11 PM

The old standard is equal measure of shot and powder.  So, if you are using say 90 grains of FFg, use that same volumetric measure for your shot.
Then try it out on a pattern board and see how it patterns.  If there are holes, try adjusting something, but only one thing at a time to produce a more dense pattern.
I am sure there are folks more knowledgeable about the intricacies of m/l shotguns, but that is a place to start.
Nothing about this sport is rocket science, mostly just a few basics then add on from there with your experience.
Have fun,
John

Title: Re: How to Measure Shot
Post by: No Rod on November 25, 2015, 08:40:11 PM

using the same measure for the powder and shot is how I do it also.

Title: Re: How to Measure Shot
Post by: RobD on November 26, 2015, 08:50:56 AM

doing the same with a .58 fowler, both 3f powder and #8 shot are a measured @ a volume of 65 grains.

Title: Re: How to Measure Shot
Post by: Riley/MN on November 26, 2015, 08:51:58 PM

I have an Irish shot bag that has an adjustable measure. I keep playing with my shot loads trying to get a decent turkey pattern, trying to go with more shot than powder to get a denser pattern...

Title: Re: How to Measure Shot
Post by: prairie dog on December 20, 2015, 05:52:36 PM

I use volume measures.  Adjustable measures until I find the best load then I make up a measure from a brass case, horn, antler, or whatever for each gun.

Be sure to confirm the measure by checking it against a good scale.  It's a rare measure that comes with accurate markings.  After you calibrate the measure be sure to record the exact weight of the charge.  Then if you ever loose that measure you can duplicate the load by adjusting the replacement measure to that weight.
 
I make my shot measures by weighing out a load of # 8 shot on the scales, say one and a quarter ounce for a twelve gauge, and make the measure to hold that amount.  Then I can use that same measure for the shot and the powder to get an equal volume load.

Title: Re: How to Measure Shot
Post by: Feltwad on December 23, 2015, 03:09:26 AM

For the best results stick too a volume load.Most shotgun shooters here in the UK use the drm load which is 27.2 grains  The following is what I use
16 gauge  2.1/2 drms powder  to 1 oz of shot
12  gauge  2.3/4drms  powder to  1.1/8 oz of shot
12 gauge heavy load  3 drms powder to  1.1/4 oz of shot
10 gauge  3.1/4 drms  powder  to 1.1/2 oz of shot
The powder is  FFG grain
Feltwad

(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j152/Ramrod_2006/P1010007.jpg) (http://http)

Title: Re: How to Measure Shot
Post by: Longhunter on December 24, 2015, 09:34:33 AM

I use more shot to powder , 80gr powder to 90gr shot for the 12ga 70/80 for the 20ga, same for the 28ga

Title: Re: How to Measure Shot
Post by: Mad Irish Jack on February 17, 2016, 12:38:10 AM

That's how I started: even. But I worked it out for my Bess 75 cal,  and a tulle 69 cal. I've sold both. Now, my smooth rifle .54 cal/28 ga finally loves 75 gr FFg Goex, card and a wad with 110gr of any size shot covered with an osw. With 6 shot load at 40 paces I average 16.7 bb's in a turkey head & neck area target for 5 total shoots. can't cry 'bout that.