can i use buckshot...

[FlintlockJonny]

Hey fellas...I've never used buckshot or anything before, but i have a .45 kentucky flintlock pistol, i think a cva. I got it second hand. Since I can't hit anything with it with one ball, could I use several tiny balls instead. it's not a rifled barrel but its not a smoothie either. What do you think? I was thinking about using it for rabbits and squirrels, maybe varmints too.

 

[44-henry]

Shot charges in pistols was not all that uncommon originally. As long as you don't exceed the maximum powder charge and projectile weight you should be fine with conservative loads. If you have what I think you do it is rifled, it was just very shallow rifeling. They aren't bad shooters unless the barrel is worn or rusted out, I would suggest playing around with different powder charges, patch thicknesses, and ball diameters. Try shooting from a bench rest to find an accurate load and than practice, practice, and practice.