Two Questions about BP shotguns?
 

First, do I really need the fiber wad between the over powder wad and the shot?

Second, I am using FFg for loading but see some places where it recommends Fg powder possibly for 12 gauge. Which is the best, FFg or Fg for a 12 gauge?

Thanks:confused:

I have tried shooting just off the powder card and got terrible groups. I think the give of the shot wad, helps that load compact and pick up speed as a group as it moves up the barrel. A then it can make a tighter pattern. But to say you don't need it.. I really am not sure. I use them... in my New Englander. In my Tk2000 I use a plastic wad cup.

Fg is a very course powder. What kind of ignition system are you shooting? The Fg is cannon powder for the most part. Or the very large bore muskets like the Brown Bess. But even in them they shoot FFG for the most part. Personally, I would stick with the FFG.

Try both and see which delivers better groups.

+1 on Cayugad's remarks. Unless you are shooting a cannon use the 2F. I use 2F in my fowler and it works just fine.

Do a seartch of : The Muzzleloading Shotgun, by V.M. Starr


all your guestions will be answered by reading Mr Starr's works.

Ken

If you have problems doing a search, here is a link to his writings: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=2605

I will stick with the FFg then. Just wanted to go with the best. And I had trouble with the fiber wads fitting into the bore and crumbling a little. So I am going to try the felt wads!

Thanks for all the help! :party0005:

I use the same wads (cut from old milk cartons or poster board) over the powder & shot.
ffg powder, 2 wads, shot, 1 wad.
Just be sure the 2 wads are firmly seated on the powder. I like to start them together to avoid trapped air between them.
You can also use a pin/needle to make a small hole in the over shot wad to be sure it seats firmly on the shot. :wink:

Wabi,

Thanks. I did get some felt wads but I got good patterns with just a thick wad over the powder and shot, then a thin one over shot. Quicker to load and I did not notice a significant difference in fiber/felt wad and not. So might just stick with yours.

Now question I have, is where is the best place to get a 12 gauge wad cutter? Like Dixie, Possible Shop, eBay?

Thanks again,

Jeff:party0005::party0005:

Gauge/ Caliber Weight/gr.
Balls/lb.
8 .835 875
10 .776 700
12 .730 583
13 .710 538
14 .693 500
16 .663 438
20 .615 350
24 .579 292
28 .550 250


Since a 12 gauge is .730 inches.. what would happen if you took a 3/4 inch pipe ... say made of copper or brass, with a file sharpened the edges.. and then using a mallet, cut your wedges with that. They would be just about the right size and should be a nice snug fit.

I wonder if my 3/4 hole saw would cut out a wad from say... cardboard? Now you have me wondering too. thanks.