GRRW CA NW Trade Gun shot pattern

[yotyfox]

This fall I have been trying to get a shot load worked up for my .50 cal GRRW CA NW Trade Gun. After several trips to the range, I was finally able to get a shot load worked up that I was happy with. I wanted to take the gun out for the grouse season opener but was not confident with the patterns I was getting. I have tried various powder charges of 2F & 3F, nitro cards, wads, leather, etc.

I finally ended up with 40 grs of Goex 3F, 3 overshot cards, 3/4 oz #6 shot, overshot card. This target was shot at 20 yds.

Feel free to critique my pattern and provide any additional load suggestions you may have for a small caliber smoothbore.

 

[WALT53]

This fall I have been trying to get a shot load worked up for my .50 cal GRRW CA NW Trade Gun. After several trips to the range, I was finally able to get a shot load worked up that I was happy with. I wanted to take the gun out for the grouse season opener but was not confident with the patterns I was getting. I have tried various powder charges of 2F & 3F, nitro cards, wads, leather, etc.

I finally ended up with 40 grs of Goex 3F, 3 overshot cards, 3/4 oz #6 shot, overshot card. This target was shot at 20 yds.

Feel free to critique my pattern and provide any additional load suggestions you may have for a small caliber smoothbore.


View attachment 357928

I would try 45/50 grains of 3f and 3/4 to 7/8 of 7 or 7 1/2 shot just something to try .I found my 28 gauge and my 24 gauge patterned better with the smaller shot and if you the powder no wounded game.In my 28/54 gauge I use 55 grains of 3f 2 over shot cards and 7/8 to 1 oz of 7 1/2 shot and 1 o/s card .Also you-well probably find that your gun well only pattern good to 20 yards any thing past that the pattern well open up.Just my opinion hope it helps .

 

[Britsmoothy]

I put 3/4oz in my 45. Just drop a whole ounce in probably with the 3f. 50gns should do it.

 

[waksupi]

With a small bore like that, I would definitely be using 7 1/2 shot, or 8 if I could find it. I agree on using a full ounce of shot.

 

[Celt5494]

Not second guessing you but just curious why not 1 oz vs the 3/4?

 

[yotyfox]

Not second guessing you but just curious why not 1 oz vs the 3/4?

On my last trip to the range I was trying out the 3/4 oz load because I had previously tried 7/8 oz and the pattern was worse. Next time out, I'll be trying the 1 oz with different powder charges. I'll post some photos after the next range trip if it works out. I've been using the #6 shot because I have a full bag I need to get rid of and I like it for rabbit hunting.

 

[Trigger]

20 yards..
Good pattern rabbit..
7.5 grouse.

If just one hit a grouse it will fold up. So an OK pattern works better than what we see as good. If that makes any sense.