Shotguns

[Bmac313]

I was wanting a little info on muzzleloading shotguns, shot ML rifles for years that all I use any more, put away the centerfire. Wanting to go with muzzleloader for everything, mainly turkey. Any info would be helpful. Thanks.

[roundball]

I've been shooting / hunting with nothoinbg but muzzleloaders for several years now myself, have several TC Hawken Flintlocks...and as one reference, here's what I did:

Bought a Green Mountain .62cal(.20ga) 1" x 33" Flint drop-in barrel for a TC Hawken stock (large size .54/.58cal 1" barrel stock), sent the barrelto a gunsmith in Iowa to have it jug choked "full", and it's what I use for Turkey.

80grns Goex 3F
Oxyoke .62cal/.20gaWonderwad
1+5/8oz #6's
Circle Fly overshot card
Averages 16 pellets in a 5" bullseye at 40yds

[cayugad]

The modern inline black powder shotgun is more then able to take turkey to some extreme distances, like 45 yards when loaded right.They normally are not meant to shoot roundball. If you want a smoothbore rifle/musketthat will shoot both shot and ball, then you need to look into something like a .62 caliber or bigger in smoothbore rifles. The .62 caliber is a 20 gauge and will work on turkey if you left them come in close, like 25 yard. It will also shoot a roundball with acceptable accuracy out to 40 yards (at least mine will) for big game.

If a black powder rifle is what you're looking for, they have rifling and will not shoot shot very well. I'm not really sure what you want.

[txjourneyman]

I recently got a Pedersoli double 12ga. from Cabela's and I've really been enjoying this gun. Unfortunatly I didn't get a shot at a turkey this year but that is my fault. The craftsmanship on this gun is fantastic. It is just very well made. I've been experimenting with different loads and still have a lot to learn about it but I'm sure having fun.

[lemoyne]

I use a 12 double with chrome lined barrels for pheasant for several year it actually patterened better than my 1100 Rem. Lee

[txjourneyman]

Hey Lee, I don't mean to hijack this thread but what load do you use for pheasant? I too have chrome lined barrels so if its steel thats OK, although I can't imagine steel for upland birds.