28 ga. loads

[tallbear]

Where I live you can't hunt small game with a rifle so I'm building a .54 cal smooth flintrifle which is also 28 gauge.I'ts almost done and I'm trying to figure out what to feed it.I'm figuring to start with a load of 60 grs. of FFg with equal amount of shot.This is about equal to a 2 dram load with3/4 oz. of shot.I plan on hunting squirrel with my young son and am planning on using #5 shot.Any one have any experiance or thoughts on loading for the 28 gauge????Any input would be greatly appriciated
Mitch

 

[roundball]

Where I live you can't hunt small game with a rifle so I'm building a .54 cal smooth flintrifle which is also 28 gauge.I'ts almost done and I'm trying to figure out what to feed it.I'm figuring to start with a load of 60 grs. of FFg with equal amount of shot.This is about equal to a 2 dram load with3/4 oz. of shot.I plan on hunting squirrel with my young son and am planning on using #5 shot.Any one have any experiance or thoughts on loading for the 28 gauge????Any input would be greatly appriciated
Mitch

FYI...TC's 56cal smooth bore (.28ga) shot load listing is:
80grns FFg + 7/8oz shot.

FWIW, I personally believe that their load is a liability based recommendation.....and IMO more powder, and certainly more shot, could easily be handled in a .28ga muzzleloader, at least in TC's big thick 1" .56cal barrel

 

[adkmountainken]

i have hunted turkeys with my 56. and the load was 80 grains ff, wonder wad, paper shot cup with 1 1/4 ounces of #5's and a over shot card. it patterns real good at 25 yards which is the max i would shoot with it. i did take a nice jake with this load. if hunting small game i would think 60-70 grains ff and 1 ounce of #5's would be good. i have compleate faith in my 56. and would not hesitate to hunt turkeys, deer and small game with it. drop me a line if you need any shooting supplies as i have a little extra and you can see what works for you before ya order alot. here is a pic of the jake i took at 11 yards with my 56. smoothie.

 

[berickson]

i've got a 54/28ga trade gun. had trouble patterning it til i upped the shot load. i use 80 grains 2f and 1 1/8 oz of shot. 2 cards over powder, 1 card over shot.(i punch them out of milk cartons). felt wads do nothing to improve the pattern in mine. i was patterning at 25 yards. never thought it had the jam to do turkeys tho. course the only turkey around here is the one behind my trade gun. :>)

 

[tallbear]

Thanks for all the info!!!Ken thanks for the offer,I'm in pretty good shape I think.I have plenty of lead shot from when I could load lead for ducks that been gathering dust for quite a while.I got a suuply of wads when I picked up the barrel at Dixons last year.It will be a month or so before the gun is done I stil have the engraving,carving and finishing left to go.I'll let everyone know how I make out.THANKS and have a happy new year
Mitch

 

[Nightwind]

Tallbear,
I have a 54/28gauge 42" Colerain smoothbore. The 65 grain of 2f powder and equal amount of # five shot gives me a good pattern at 25 yds. over powder, wad, and over shot card works best for me. Hope this helps some.

 

[tallbear]

Thanks Nightwind,Thats the barrel I used .Thanks for all the input eace: