24ga round ball loads

[40calFlintlock]

My 24ga Officer’s Fusil just arrived today and it is magnificent! John Bergmann of Longrifles Ltd., built this for me and it is a spectacular piece of art. If someone could send directions on how to post pictures, I’ll do it to share.

Now my questions, I am asking Forum Members for advice on powder granulation, charge (grains), round ball diameter, patch thickness / material, and lubricant. IF ever I decide to actually shoot it, the plan is to sight it in for 50yds. I might use this for Elk, Black Bear, or Bison, instead of using my Bess for these hunts, so "Wompability" is what I'm looking for in addition to good accuracy.

Knowing no two barrels shoot the same, any loads that I can start with are sincerely appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Lonegun1894]

24ga "should" be around .58", so .570"-.575" should work, at least in theory. The only way to really know is measure your bore, because sometimes you get one that is just a bit tight or a bit loose. Also, I want to say TOTW, IIRC, sells sample packs of RBs where you get a few of various sizes so you can try and see which work out best.

You will also have to figure out how you intend to load it. I have a .54/28ga that I load RB in exactly like a rifle, so just powder and a PRB. My bore measures an exact .540", and a .530" RB won't seat with a patch thick enough for a gas seal and accuracy, but shoots like a rifle with a .526". Go figure. If I was shooting bare ball, I would probably have to go to something like a .535", or maybe even a hair more to fit the bore even closer.

You'll love shooting this gun, but a smoothbore can drive you a bit nuts til you figure out exactly what it wants to be fed.

 

[nwtradegun]

24 ga. uses a 562 patched round ball. loads start around 60 grains 3f to 90 for BIG GAME. OR TEST AND SEE WHAT IS THE MOST ACCURATE.

 

[40calFlintlock]

The bore measures .578 from the muzzle down 4inches. I was not sure if I should've gone with a .560 RB with a thick pillow tick material patch, or a .562 RB with a thinner patch.

The lubricant I formulated is beeswax, Crisco, extra-virgin olive oil, and unscented coconut cooking oil. This mixture works very well with my paper-patched RB for my Bess, and patch for my flintlocks.

Thank for the tip on the RB from TOTW. I never saw that before, I'll look into it!

Thank you for your insight! :hatsoff:

 

[zimmerstutzen]

I had a North Star w4 ga trade gun, which like any other 24 ga, be a hundredth of an inch different than yours. I loaded .570 round balls with a patch cut from cotton flannel over 80 gr of 2fg. Did fine for me.