Britsmoothy here in the states during what was called the great depression things were tight. Growing up I talked to a lot of the old men that lived through it. More than one talked about things they did to survive. Powder, shot and/or ball were not always available or affordable. That shots taken were from as close as possible with the greatest probability of success. A few mentioned taking covey shots from up close with small smooth pebbles instead of shot. They didnt have shot to use. They used what was available.
We have carpenter/wood bees here that look like bumblebees. They bore holes in unpainted wood of barns, sheds etc. When I find rusty, muzzleloaders cheap, reproduction or old I buy them. Love to use course builders sand instead of shot in these guns on wood bees. The sand is not as heavy as shot and is not destructive to metal or wood on buildings past a few yards. Will totally destroy a bee from close range. Because there is nothing to lose I can try all kind of things as shot or ball. The weight of lead gives it better range. Playing with the builders sand it is easy to understand why the old men said shots were taken from up close. Tried different sizes of steel pellets, steel BB's, copper and steel wire cut in short sections. The longer the sections the more weight per section. The length once past end of muzzle is more likely to cause them to tumble. They fly in wild directions, did not pattern. Tape together became a slug. Anything shot in a rifled barrel scattered quickly. I have no doubt that in years past many things other than shot or ball made from lead have been used. I wouldn't put mud, clay, or anything similar in the muzzle of any gun. The dry builders sand and other things loaded like shot is totally different. Weight of load is less than lead. A cylinder bore barrel has no choke to cause a constriction. Nothing was loaded that took any effort to seat on over powder card or wad. Over shot/projectiles wad was usually news paper, paper towel, wasp nest, whatever was handy. Didnt try tacks but did try small finishing nails. Builders sand and/or steel shot does smooth up a pitted barrel but not as fast as some believe. Pitted rifled barrels are not cleaned up as fast as smooth bores. I wouldn't use a good gun for any of these type loads. Britsmoothy I enjoy your threads and post, you are a blessing Sir.
