28 gauge wad improves patterns

[JJohnson2023]

Around a year ago I asked on the forum if a 28 gauge plastic wad would fit in a .54 smoothie. I recently found out that a 28 gauge wad fits nice and snug in my traditions blunderbuss. I loaded it up with an equal volume of #6 shot and 777 3f. The wad holds between 50-55 grains of shot, best to use the wad itself as a volumetric measure. Felt wad over powder and over shot yielded a pattern much more impressive at 25 yards than my typical hunting load (80 grains of shot, 60 grains of 3f 777). I also didn't really have an issue with plastic in the bore, but it was only one shell.
25 yards I got 18 pellets in the "kill zone" and 48 total on card board, the best pattern I've ever gotten. I have ordered more wads for further tests(I only had one)

 

[ppg1949]

Great results. Especially for that range.

 

[JJohnson2023]

Great results. Especially for that range.

I agree. I want to do a few more tests to see if I can get even better results by dropping the powder charge, and what would happen if I fill above the wad to have heavier loads

 

[TDM]

I agree. I want to do a few more tests to see if I can get even better results by dropping the powder charge, and what would happen if I fill above the wad to have heavier loads

I think you’ll be pleased by doing both of those things, especially the heavier shot load.

 

[WALT53]

I think you’ll be pleased by doing both of those things, especially the heavier shot load.

Ya your using more powder than shot which is not good try something like 50 grns powder and 60 grains of shot .

 

[JJohnson2023]

Ya your using more powder than shot which is not good try something like 50 grns powder and 60 grains of shot .

For this test I used an equal volume of each, but because 777 is hotter (especially 3f) I think I need to back down the powder load.

 

[WALT53]

For this test I used an equal volume of each, but because 777 is hotter (especially 3f) I think I need to back down the powder load.

I found 777 to be quit a bit hotter than equal volume of 2 f and 3 f so if you are useing equal volumes I’d try about 10/ 20 grains less of 777 .At least to start with and go from there darn that means more shooting.

 

[JJohnson2023]

I found 777 to be quit a bit hotter than equal volume of 2 f and 3 f so if you are useing equal volumes I’d try about 10/ 20 grains less of 777 .At least to start with and go from there darn that means more shooting.

finneeeee I guess I'll run a bunch more tests with all the different possible powder loads. lol