20 ga. Question on loading

[Crow#21957]

From just looking at the muzzel this barrel looks to have much thicker walls than any un mentionable I've seen. I'm not a advocate of hot loads. When I use to reload alot of calibers I found about 70 to 80 percent of max was usually the most accurate and of course much lower pressure than max. Ok so try not to criticize me but I would like to know what are the most powerful loads you have used in a 20 ga? Not concerned with pattern but the most shot you have used and how much powder for those loads. Thankyou very much for any input.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

From just looking at the muzzel this barrel looks to have much thicker walls than any un mentionable I've seen. I'm not a advocate of hot loads. When I use to reload alot of calibers I found about 70 to 80 percent of max was usually the most accurate and of course much lower pressure than max. Ok so try not to criticize me but I would like to know what are the most powerful loads you have used in a 20 ga? Not concerned with pattern but the most shot you have used and how much powder for those loads. Thankyou very much for any input.

SO folks will tell you to use a "square load" even when the gun isn't choked, but the square load (iirc) was from the time period when they started to choke barrels..., but it's a good starting point.

What that is, square loading, is you use a certain powder charge, then a wad, then use the powder measure still set for your powder charge to measure your shot. Then use an over shot wad or card.

What you really need is between 2½ - 3 drams of powder, which is 68.25 grains to 81.9 grains, or rounded, 70 grains to 80 grains of 3Fg powder. Then a ½" greased wad, followed by the shot measured by using the powder measure, and then a very well oiled ½" wad on top. Test that for penetration by shooting the bottom of an empty, steel tuna fish can, or empty can of veggies.

I've seen in published source that a measure set for 70 grains throws 1 ounce of shot, and one set for 80 grains throws 1¼ ounces of shot. BUT..., I've heard lower measurements too. Best that you actually weight the shot, that comes from the measure since they are sometimes a bit "off" as well.


LD

 

[Crow#21957]

Thanks loyalist Dave that's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. I would like to get a 1 3/8 oz of # 6 to pattern good if that's nit to heavy of a load.

 

[Brokennock]

I would like to get a 1 3/8 oz of # 6 to pattern good if that's nit to heavy of a load.

From a 20 gauge?
May we ask, why that much shot?

It is possible to add enough shot to loose too much velocity to be effective.

You specifically asked what's the heaviest we have loaded, not necessarily just for load advice. So, the heaviest I've loaded either of my 20 gauge m.l. is 90 grains 3f and 1 1/4 oz. #5 shot. This was in a my Fusil des Chase, which has a much lighter barrel than my smoothrifle.

That was when I 1st started turkey hunting with a muzzleloader....

 

[longhunter1217]

This year I patterned a load of 85grains 2f with 1 3/8 oz. #2 shot. Worked excellent. I tried the same with BB shot, but with poor results.

 

[Crow#21957]

90 gr and 1 1/4ooz sounds good. I just pulled the liad I mentioned out of speculation. The load you mention sounds fine. Thanks

 

[Crow#21957]

Longhunter what were you loading #2 for
What game

 

[Brokennock]

90 gr and 1 1/4ooz sounds good. I just pulled the liad I mentioned out of speculation. The load you mention sounds fine. Thanks

90 grains was more than needed, and in a tight sitting position, it let me know it in that light gun. Also, less powder compared to shot consistently has produced better patterns.
Current turkey and coyote load is 75 grains powder under 1 1/8 ounce of #5, loaded Skychief style.
Current small game load (mostly squirrels and pheasant) is, 62 grains powder under 1 ounce #5 shot, loaded with a thin card or folded paper on top of powder, then lubed wadding, shot, thin card.

Of I wanted to throw more shot with more energy I would go up to 16 gauge, maybe 12.

 

[Crow#21957]

Sounds good. I wandered about recoil on that 90 gr powder. LOL

 

[cgoff]

I worked my way up to 100 grns of 2f and 2 oz of #6 shot. It shot terribly by the gun handled it fine

 

[JD Peppergrinder]

Current turkey and coyote load is 75 grains powder under 1 1/8 ounce of #5, loaded Skychief style.

I’m curious if you had good results with #5 shot on coyotes. Hunting coyotes with my smoothbore is on my list but I figured I’d have to find some #4 buck or lead BB but I already have #5s.

 

[Crow#21957]

I've not got to turkey hunt with a muzzeloader yet. Actually I've tried for years and either get husted or so.eone shoots the bird that'd coming to me. Usually about 100 yards from me when they shoot. I want a turkey bad.

 

[Banjoman]

The most I’ve used in my .62 Chambers smooth bore and a Fusil de Chasse is 70 grains of 2f and 1 ounce of shot wadded with wasp nest over powder and over shot. This is a good squirrel load for me. I will say that I normally shoot fairly close too.

 

[Brokennock]

I’m curious if you had good results with #5 shot on coyotes. Hunting coyotes with my smoothbore is on my list but I figured I’d have to find some #4 buck or lead BB but I already have #5s.

I haven't gotten to pull the trigger in a coyote with that load, yet. It's essentially the same load as my turkey load, and my cartridge gun turkey loads put an end to coyotes just fine (note, I don't use those "super-duper" special turkey cartridges).