??? on measuring shot

[Ouchigan72]

How do ya'll measure your shot in the field? Will the powder measure work?

[RobD]

you could use the typical adjustable brass slim powder measure to do both powder and shot, but i prefer an adjustable brass cup measure cause it's easier to load in the shot, and use the slim powder measure for only the powder.  also keeps the shot measure from getting corroded from the bp ...



Ounces of shot ~    Drams of black powder ~    Grains of black powder ~
1 oz.    ~ 2-1/2 drams ~ 68.35 grains
1-1/8 oz.   ~ 2-3/4 drams   ~ 75.19 grains
1-1/4 oz.   ~ 3 drams   ~ 82.02 grains
1-3/8 oz.   ~ 3-1/4 drams   ~ 88.58 grains
1-1/2 oz.   ~ 3-1/2 drams   ~ 95.69 grains

[Ouchigan72]

Main reason I ask is once I figure what load or loads work best. I plan on making measures outa  antler and wanted to keep things as simplified as possible

[RobD]

make static measures only after using dynamic measures to settle on the best load, else you'll be gambling and wasting a buncha time.  you didn't say what gauge smoothie/fowler.  for the 20's i've had, and the new one about to arrive, the powder charge will probably be in the 65 to 70 grain range. and 7/8ths to 1oz of shot (7-1/2 or 8 shot).  really will take some testing, though.  less powder, more lead is the general rule.  then decide on the wadding, too.

[Ouchigan72]

it is a 20ga. trade gun. I am very stoked to be getting my 1st flintlock. Have learned a lot from this site

[RobD]

we're definitely here to help, sir!  

who made the gun?

[Keb]

I've had good luck using a 90gr brass measure I made years ago with 2F & same measure of shot (6 & 7 1/2 mix) with 2 x 1/8" nitro cards & an over shot card.
I've been successful using this load on clay birds in every 20 gauge I've ever owned and I've owned a bunch of em. I don't hunt no more but this use to be a great rabbit load. I also use to have a pretty good "quick" shot load by separating the shot with a nitro card between about every quarter measure of shot. This really scattered the shot but you had to be paying attention.

[Fletcher]

I like Rob D. adjustable.  I only use a true powder measure for powder.

I had some Elk antler tips so I drilled them out by volume for several
weights of 7 1/2 shot which I usually use for ML trap and skeet.  I think
they are 1 oz, 1 1/4 oz and 1 1/2 oz - but I am in SOCAL still so they are
getting musty in my ML shotgun box.  That is for my 2 S x S 12 ga ML

I have a couple 20 ga and I have a variable measure brass do dad for those.

[Riley/MN]

I have a shot pouch with an adjustable Irish charger. I would really like to get some chargers for the field that are a divided metal tube with flip covers over each end. I will have to search for an image again. I recently lost my HDD and all the images that were on it...

[Feltwad]

The best shot flask if you can get one is  a English or Irish leather shot flask which will throw a charge of 1 oz to 1.1/4 oz  there are the odd one which throw 1,1/4, 1.1/2oz see image.I would personally keep of horn they make too much noise
Feltwad

[Ouchigan72]

Thanks for all the info ya'll. I have a brass adjustable measure that I plan on using until I figure what shoots best out this gun.After that I am thinking of making some measures out of antler.

[Riley/MN]

This here is what I was talkin about:


Antique-Double-Ended-Gun-Shot-Measure

[Bigsmoke]

Riley,
I think I have some old Blue and Gray plastic shotgun speed loaders if you want.
They are partitioned into powder and shot chambers.
Let me know, yea or nay.
John
PS, that is assuming I can find them in my big, ugly ol' chest of goodies.

[Mike Brooks]

This here is what I was talkin about:


Antique-Double-Ended-Gun-Shot-Measure

Jim Chambers used to sell those. He still may, I don't know.
 I prefer the Irish shot flask myself.

[Riley/MN]

Riley,
I think I have some old Blue and Gray plastic shotgun speed loaders if you want.
They are partitioned into powder and shot chambers.
Let me know, yea or nay.
John
PS, that is assuming I can find them in my big, ugly ol' chest of goodies.

Nah, Thanks John but I just liked the looks of those metal ones (somewhat traditional, supposedly)