12 Gauge loads please

[fishleclair]

I just recently purchased a SXS 12 G, what would be a good load to start out with for shooting?

 

[rich pierce]

So called “square” loads work well. All that means is equal volumes of powder and shot. If you get one of those adjustable shot measures on a wooden handle, this is easy.

Start with the measure set at 1 and 1/8 oz of shot. Fill it with FFG powder and pour down the muzzle. Follow with a card wad and a lubed cushion wad. Pour 1 and 1/8 oz of shot. Add a thin card wad. Prime and pattern.

On this forum look up the “Skychief” load. Lots on that and patterns very well for many folks.

 

[fishleclair]

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Britsmoothy]

Use 3f if you want to kill anything with it. 2f or 1f is for frightening stuff with it.

Don't buy wads associated with shot shell loading unless you specifically wish to use the Skychief load all the time. Don't fall for cushion wads ( what ever they imply or say).

 

[Feltwad]

For a good load which will take most small game including pheasant, grouse , partridge you need a load of 2 .3/4 drms of FFg or medium grade black powder {27.5 grains to a drm} 1/8 card ,felt wad then a 1/8card 1.1/8 oz of shot size depending on what game then a card wad . Another good game load is powder 2 no 1/8 card wads shot then a card wad I use this load when decoying pigeon or hide shooting for pest control.
Feltwad

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Use 3f if you want to kill anything with it. 2f or 1f is for frightening stuff with it.

Really?
I've always had quite good luck with 2Fg in my 20 gauge SxS, and my 16 gauge and 11 gauge muskets.
I shall have to try the 3Fg in my 20 gauge trade gun and see if the same load with the 3Fg yields better results.

LD

 

[Britsmoothy]

Really?
I've always had quite good luck with 2Fg in my 20 gauge SxS, and my 16 gauge and 11 gauge muskets.
I shall have to try the 3Fg in my 20 gauge trade gun and see if the same load with the 3Fg yields better results.

LD

Yes really...when ever I use something courser than 3f I end up tipping in a lot more than equal measures of powder just to get shot moving quick enough to kill consistently. That applies across several guns and differing bores and gauges.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Yes really...when ever I use something courser than 3f I end up tipping in a lot more than equal measures of powder just to get shot moving quick enough to kill consistently. That applies across several guns and differing bores and gauges.

LD

 

[Juice Jaws]

Yes really...when ever I use something courser than 3f I end up tipping in a lot more than equal measures of powder just to get shot moving quick enough to kill consistently. That applies across several guns and differing bores and gauges.

At equal distances why do you think 3f kill's better than 2f?

 

[Pukka Bundook]

2F has worked for me for the last 50 years, so see no reason to change now.
Good patterns and it has felled lots of duck and pheasants etc. over the years.
One F in my musket, and it really works for pattern and range.
Larger powder grains prevent pattern being blown. (bit lower pressure) Patterns should be good out to 35 and 40 yards.
An old double 19 bore I had was V reliable at that range, (percussion) and so is my flint.

Best,
R.

 

[longcruise]

At equal distances why do you think 3f kill's better than 2f?

If an equal volume is used for both powder and shot for both loads, the 3f load is probably going to hit harder.

 

[Juice Jaws]

If an equal volume is used for both powder and shot for both loads, the 3f load is probably going to hit harder.

Thanks

 

[SDSmlf]

For whatever reason have had best patterns in my 12 gauge using fff. Harder on the shoulder than f or ff, no doubt, but at least in my experience, the obvious best performer.

 

[Britsmoothy]

I ain't going to argue over it. I'm extremely happy for those that are happy. I was like everyone else invited to give their opinion and I did just so.
What I do find interesting though is you don't see many photographs of those that question my findings. I do submit photographs, I do use 3f&4f and refuse to buy anything any courser ever again.
In the past I have reported my disappointment of the courser grades in shotguns and got just same commentary.
In a shotgun I want peak pressure early, not later. I want pressure dropping at the muzzle not still high or even still developing. Wincing over recoil is pathetic. If you cry over recoil take up knitting instead or stick to airguns!

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I ain't going to argue over it. I'm extremely happy for those that are happy. I was like everyone else invited to give their opinion and I did just so.
What I do find interesting though is you don't see many photographs of those that question my findings. I do submit photographs, I do use 3f&4f and refuse to buy anything any courser ever again.
In the past I have reported my disappointment of the courser grades in shotguns and got just same commentary.
In a shotgun I want peak pressure early, not later. I want pressure dropping at the muzzle not still high or even still developing. Wincing over recoil is pathetic. If you cry over recoil take up knitting instead or stick to airguns!

EASY My lad! No need to get your knee breeches in a knot!

Actually, nobody is questioning your assertions and results with your guns. Some of us have had some success with 2Fg.

Here's the photo as requested. 70 grains 2Fg and 1.25 ounces of #5 shot.

In case anybody is interested that's a trade gun painted with red oil-based paint, and uses parts from India....but that's for another area on the forum....

Now... I confess I tried some 1Fg and the results were miserable. I used the same amount of shot, and this was a few weeks ago.

So I'm not opposed to using 3Fg. The pressure peak makes some sense, as modern shotguns use very fast powders, and I wonder if the principal holds true from black powder, forward to today.

I'm going out (if plans don't get messed with) later this week, and I shall try the 3Fg, and see if that doesn't seem to produce better results. I did check the pattern on Sunday using 3Fg, and it's quite good for a cylinder bore (imho) at 25-30 yards but at 35, it's "spent"...which is what I expected.

LD

 

[Britsmoothy]

I hope you get out today Dave and I am not jealous at all while I am stuck at work, no not at all.

 

[sawyer04]

Not saying it is for everyone, I use 80 grains of 2f and use the same measure for #6 shot. I use old wasp nest for packing, or wool tow. Powder, packing, shot, packing. I have never tried the fancy wads and cards. I might be impressed if I do. I just use the methods handed down by my ancestors.

 

[Newtire]

I ain't going to argue over it. I'm extremely happy for those that are happy. I was like everyone else invited to give their opinion and I did just so.
What I do find interesting though is you don't see many photographs of those that question my findings. I do submit photographs, I do use 3f&4f and refuse to buy anything any courser ever again.
In the past I have reported my disappointment of the courser grades in shotguns and got just same commentary.
In a shotgun I want peak pressure early, not later. I want pressure dropping at the muzzle not still high or even still developing. Wincing over recoil is pathetic. If you cry over recoil take up knitting instead or stick to airguns!

I'm not questioning your findings but if you want photographs, look at my Avatar. These doves were all taken with a load of equal measures 1 oz. Black MZ (which chronoed same as 2f Goex) a nitro card with no cushion and same measure #7 shot. Seems to work great. I used #7-1/2 on the mourning doves but when the bigger ring necked Eurasian doves moved in, had better luck with #7. Maybe 3f would have improved performance but I used what I had and did alright.

 

[Pukka Bundook]

Brit Smoothie,

I too am not questioning your success with fine powder, I was just saying what has worked for me. It used to be Curtis' and Harvey's No 2 or number 6 powder was all we could get.
As for photos, a lot of my shooting took place in the 60's , 70's and 80's before we had digital cameras, and never was one to take a photo of the bag anyway.
I often used to think how if all the little animals and birds I'd shot and trapped were to go to Heaven, How Many little accusers I would have!
Since coming to Canada, I have not had opportunity for much game-bird shooting, not like at home, but if all of them bagged, along with the deer elk and moose, there would be a great lot more accusers waiting for me!

Best,
Richard.

 

[Britsmoothy]

I'm not questioning your findings but if you want photographs, look at my Avatar. These doves were all taken with a load of equal measures 1 oz. Black MZ (which chronoed same as 2f Goex) a nitro card with no cushion and same measure #7 shot. Seems to work great. I used #7-1/2 on the mourning doves but when the bigger ring necked Eurasian doves moved in, had better luck with #7. Maybe 3f would have improved performance but I used what I had and did alright.

Sir, morning doves are a shade heavier than a sparrow.
Try your load on a crow and report back please.