What size R/B for 12 ga?

[Matt B]

If this has been asked before, please link me to that discussion. Looking to see what size round ball would fit a 12 ga s x s. Planning for the fall hunt, I've taken deer with my two 50 cal caplocks already.

I was also thinking loading one barrel with round ball and the other with several .36 cal round balls.  

Thoughts?

[jbullard1]

I use a .690 with heavy denim patch in mine

[Riley/MN]

I was also thinking loading one barrel with round ball and the other with several .36 cal round balls.  

Thoughts?

My first thought was "check the regs!"

In MN you can't deer hunt (In Muzzleloader Season) With more than one barrel or with more than a single projectile in that barrel.

That being said... Let us know how you make out with it.

[Fletcher]

Is you gun improved cylinder bore?  I have heard that accuracy is made worse when dealing with 'choke'

Anybody know for sure?

[jbullard1]

Both mine have no choke and I'm lucky to hit a target past 40 yards with a PRB
 But DANG If I Do Connect   The 10:00am BNSFe doesn't hit any harder

[Two Steps]

The .360 rbs should (IIFC) chamber, or stack in twos in your 12ga.  .310s would stack in threes.  I've fired my 12ga with 9 .310's loaded in it with fair results at about 35 yards.  To be fair, I haven't had the time to really play with different loads yet  

BTW...if your bbl is choked, use the choked size to chamber the rb's.  In other words, don't drop them in one at a time and stack them in threes at the breech and expect them to stay in the same position/relationship/stack... whatever... when they get to the choke.
Leastwise, that was what I was taught...ymmv.
Al

[Bigsmoke]

I had a T/C New Englander with a cylinder bore.  I used a .715 ball in it with great results.

[Matt B]

Guys thanks for the replies, especially Riley's. I never even thought there might be something about how many barrels. So yeah there is, only one barrel.

Guess I'll have to bring two guns with me. Maybe try the pistol out, it meets the rules.

[Three Hawks]

I was also thinking loading one barrel with round ball and the other with several .36 cal round balls.  Thoughts?

My first thought was "check the regs!"

In MN you can't deer hunt (In Muzzleloader Season) With more than one barrel or with more than a single projectile in that barrel.  That being said... Let us know how you make out with it.

Pretty much the same in WA.  One  neat thing about the WA black powder regs is the season is called "Primitive" not "Muzzleloading" and only real black powder, pure lead, and ignition systems "open to the elements" and not using centerfire primers are legal.  Only one barrel of a multiple barreled gun and a single projectile.  A pistol may be carried for personal protection or Forest Grouse, but a Coup de Grace must be administered with a legal arm.  The only covering of a projectile is a patch on a roundball.  NO SABOTS or JACKETTED bullets.  

I can't remember the number of times I've seen guys using inlines and break actions who I told about the regs call me all sorts of names.  Some not nice, if you can believe it.   I recommended they read the regs with particular attention to the penalties which are draconian.  

Upon conviction of violation of hunting regulations, you are barred for life from hunting and fishing, all your appurtenant gear including, but not limited to, guns, tackle, camping equipment and vehicles may be confiscated, heavy fines and serious jail time too.

A couple years ago one nitwit who was on probation for other game law violations got caught with an inline,  then had to serve his two years, and had his pickup, camper, a pair of four wheelers, the trailer and half a dozen guns confiscated.  Why they didn't fine him ten or twenty thousand dollars mysistifies me.  Maybe the judge just forgot to.

WA is not a good State to screw around with game regulations.

Three Hawks.