GRRW CA NW Trade Gun shot pattern

This fall I have been trying to get a shot load worked up for my .50 cal GRRW CA NW Trade Gun. After several trips to the range, I was finally able to get a shot load worked up that I was happy with. I wanted to take the gun out for the grouse season opener but was not confident with the patterns I was getting. I have tried various powder charges of 2F & 3F, nitro cards, wads, leather, etc.

I finally ended up with 40 grs of Goex 3F, 3 overshot cards, 3/4 oz #6 shot, overshot card. This target was shot at 20 yds.

Feel free to critique my pattern and provide any additional load suggestions you may have for a small caliber smoothbore.

yotyfox said:

This fall I have been trying to get a shot load worked up for my .50 cal GRRW CA NW Trade Gun. After several trips to the range, I was finally able to get a shot load worked up that I was happy with. I wanted to take the gun out for the grouse season opener but was not confident with the patterns I was getting. I have tried various powder charges of 2F & 3F, nitro cards, wads, leather, etc.

I finally ended up with 40 grs of Goex 3F, 3 overshot cards, 3/4 oz #6 shot, overshot card. This target was shot at 20 yds.

Feel free to critique my pattern and provide any additional load suggestions you may have for a small caliber smoothbore.


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I would try 45/50 grains of 3f and 3/4 to 7/8 of 7 or 7 1/2 shot just something to try .I found my 28 gauge and my 24 gauge patterned better with the smaller shot and if you the powder no wounded game.In my 28/54 gauge I use 55 grains of 3f 2 over shot cards and 7/8 to 1 oz of 7 1/2 shot and 1 o/s card .Also you-well probably find that your gun well only pattern good to 20 yards any thing past that the pattern well open up.Just my opinion hope it helps .

I put 3/4oz in my 45. Just drop a whole ounce in probably with the 3f. 50gns should do it.

With a small bore like that, I would definitely be using 7 1/2 shot, or 8 if I could find it. I agree on using a full ounce of shot.

Not second guessing you but just curious why not 1 oz vs the 3/4?

Celt5494 said:

Not second guessing you but just curious why not 1 oz vs the 3/4?

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On my last trip to the range I was trying out the 3/4 oz load because I had previously tried 7/8 oz and the pattern was worse. Next time out, I'll be trying the 1 oz with different powder charges. I'll post some photos after the next range trip if it works out. I've been using the #6 shot because I have a full bag I need to get rid of and I like it for rabbit hunting.

20 yards..
Good pattern rabbit..
7.5 grouse.

If just one hit a grouse it will fold up. So an OK pattern works better than what we see as good. If that makes any sense.

yotyfox said:

This fall I have been trying to get a shot load worked up for my .50 cal GRRW CA NW Trade Gun. After several trips to the range, I was finally able to get a shot load worked up that I was happy with. I wanted to take the gun out for the grouse season opener but was not confident with the patterns I was getting. I have tried various powder charges of 2F & 3F, nitro cards, wads, leather, etc.

I finally ended up with 40 grs of Goex 3F, 3 overshot cards, 3/4 oz #6 shot, overshot card. This target was shot at 20 yds.

Feel free to critique my pattern and provide any additional load suggestions you may have for a small caliber smoothbore.


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Have you tried this load on a soup can at 20 yards that we’ll assure you that your load is good or not .If not I suspect a increase in powder by 5 grains or maybe not the can well let you know for sure .good luck .