Is My Bird Gun A Deer Gun?

[Walkabout]

I tried every wad combination I could think of yesterday trying to pattern my Pedersoli 20 gauge. None of the patterns were satisfactory, so my next step is to use shot cups. Anyway, just for kicks I shot three .610 round balls wadded with just wasp nest. Only 20 yards, but not bad. The middle bead really helped with aiming.

 

[Youngblood]

It does look ready to launch balls at deer.

 

[stubshaft]

Looking good!

 

[Rob M.]

He!! Yeah !! Nice ! Ready to make meat

 

[Blackpowderart]

Try loading the bird gun with 75gr 3f, 3 thin overshot cards 1oz shot, 1 overshot card. Should produce a good bird pattern

 

[bpd303]

To answer your question... Yes it is a Deer gun with the right load.

 

[Daryl Crawford]

Once you figure out your shot load, it looks like it will be both!

 

[Hermit Tim]

Nothing wring with those .610 hits. I'd do it...

 

[Historian]

I tried every wad combination I could think of yesterday trying to pattern my Pedersoli 20 gauge. None of the patterns were satisfactory, so my next step is to use shot cups. Anyway, just for kicks I shot three .610 round balls wadded with just wasp nest. Only 20 yards, but not bad. The middle bead really helped with aiming.

What was your complete load? What combinations did you try? Just curious. I have no problem with any of the 3 20ga’s I shoot. I use the same load in all 3 and they pattern fine out to 40 yards. I mainly hunt birds, waterfowl, dove, snipe, woodcock and small game like rabbits and squirrels.
I use leather for the over powder wads and wool felt soaked in beeswax and olive oil for the under/over shot wads. I do not understand why people have such a hard time with their smooth bores? I have owned 8 Pedersoli’s and never had a hard time with patterns. Also, I shoot mine over a chronograph to verify shot velocity with a minimum of 5 shots per barrel, which allows me to see how consistent a load is. My 3 20’s are imp cyl and modified.
What wads are you using? What type of shot? What type of powder?