ML shotgun question

[nightwolf1974]

Thinking of getting into Black Powder ML shotguns next year. Is it worth to go right to a 10ga. for hunting?

 

[rafterob]

12 gauge is my choice. If choosing to shoot a ball it is more forgiving on your shoulder than a ten gauge.

 

[Sparkitoff]

A lot of the current production ML shotguns are the same weight as their 12 and 20 gauge counterparts. Advertisements show 7.4 pounds across the board. So, if it's no heavier than smaller gauges yet still balances, go for it. There is a lot of versatility in a 10-gauge. You can still load down to 3/4 ounce target or light bird loads, but you can go upwards to whatever the limit is for that gun. The heavier load may be useful for turkeys of big waterfowl. Ball is available and would be quite a whopper on big game.

 

[Feltwad]

Thinking of getting into Black Powder ML shotguns next year. Is it worth to go right to a 10ga. for hunting?

Your age depends a lot some 10 bores are heavier but if you need a wildfowl gun then a 10 has that extra but for game a 12 or 14 will do the job and not has heavy , the make and type of gun plays a big part . If you take my advice go for a original English sxs of around 7 to 9 pounds for a 10 and less for a 12 or14 ,forget about the repro most are load of rubbish a original will hold its price when sold but a repro will not .
Feltwad

 

[andy52]

Your age depends a lot some 10 bores are heavier but if you need a wildfowl gun then a 10 has that extra but for game a 12 or 14 will do the job and not has heavy , the make and type of gun plays a big part . If you take my advice go for a original English sxs of around 7 to 9 pounds for a 10 and less for a 12 or14 ,forget about the repro most are load of rubbish a original will hold its price when sold but a repro will not .
FeltwadView attachment 125794
View attachment 125796

^^^^^^
X2

 

[sheriff john]

Finding a 10 gauge is gonna be harder than finding a 12 or 20 if you're in the mood for a double. Plus, 12's and 20's allow use of more accessible factory wads - which I use most of the time. Lots of originals still "out there" in 12 and 20 as well as modern. Shooting balls out of light weight shotguns ain't my thing - hurts too much for me.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

Thinking of getting into Black Powder ML shotguns next year. Is it worth to go right to a 10ga. for hunting?

This is a great question.

My 1st double barrel was in fact a 10 gauge. I hunted geese and I had reached a point where I wanted to use a blackpowder double to hunt geese. So even though I used the gun primarily for water fowl, I still was able to dump in a 1 oz load of 8 shot down the bore and hunt doves, or throw 1 1/8 oz loads of 6 shot and and go after rabbits and squirrels.

My 10 gauge was made by Pieta and though not what I thought it was when I bought it (It was sold to me as a Pedersoli), it wasn't heavy to carry in the field and by using it alot over years in the field, I found that my 10 gauge was amazingly versatile and fun.

I had no problems using my 10gauge to hunt whatever I wanted to hunt with it...Each shot is a custom load...We don't have that with modern cartridge firearms. There's alot of freedom with these muzzleloaders.

Great question...

 

[toot]

go 10 BORE & never look back. what loading wad size would be used in a 14 bore? and where would one get them?

 

[Rock Home Isle]

go 10 BORE & never look back. what loading wad size would be used in a 14 bore? and where would one get them?

Track has 14 gauge supplies

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/195/1?PageSize=50

 

[hanshi]

I used to have a 12 ga dbl and loved it, but my current smoothbore is a single barrel flintlock 20 ga. I never feel under-gunned or at a disadvantage with the smaller bore, and it smacks down deer with authority using ball. I could never see any use for owning a 10 ga.

 

[dave951]

go 10 BORE & never look back. what loading wad size would be used in a 14 bore? and where would one get them?

As stated Track has 14ga stuff. Incidentally, 14ga is 69cal. I use my 69cal 1842 Macon smoothbore when teaching muzzleloading shotgun.

 

[ZUG]

I have two Pedersoli one in10 gauge and the other in 12 gauge. I also have a Pieta in 12 gauge and LOVE them all. The Pedersoli's are heavier than the Pieta but if I am going for ducks or geese, I opt for the Pedersoli in10 gauge. If going for upland game, then I take the Pieta. Your milage may vary

 

[Africa58double]

If you have a single barrel, you could always have it bored smooth. Just a idea if ya had an extra barrel for a TC or something. I’m getting a 20g made from a .50

 

[TScottW99]

I have a 10 gauge SxS and a 12 gauge single. Mine are both repro but I would hardly call my Pedersoli “rubbish” . It throws a great pattern, weighs 7 1/4 pounds and picked it up under a grand, lightly used. I don’t care about resale value.

 

[Britsmoothy]

I have a 10 gauge SxS and a 12 gauge single. Mine are both repro but I would hardly call my Pedersoli “rubbish” . It throws a great pattern, weighs 7 1/4 pounds and picked it up under a grand, lightly used. I don’t care about resale value.

Agreed.
I've handled many an original. Most need work or they are out of my price range. Unfortunately I don't have the facilities or knowledge to rebuild them as some can.
"Rubbish" reproductions have facilitated an opportunity for me to access a wonderful way to hunt.
Some may scoff whilst parading their works, let them be.

 

[Txflycaster]

If you hunt waterfowl go with the 10ga. Of you shoot more upland 12ga.

 

[Feltwad]

A original shotgun and a repro are like a motor car you can have a Rolls and mini both will do the job but there is a difference in workmanship ,the originals have been around in the excess of 150 years will the repros last has long .
Feltwad

 

[Txflycaster]

A original shotgun and a repro are like a motor car you can have a Rolls and mini both will do the job but there is a difference in workmanship ,the originals have been around in the excess of 150 years will the repros last has long .
Feltwad

Probably longer due to better metallurgy. I see a ton of twist barrel guns that are priced low due to pitted bores.

 

[DuncNZ]

Do you have caliber restrictions for game bird hunting where you hunt ? if so stay within that . I can shoot waterfowl with up to 10 ga but upland with up to 12ga , so a 10ga is of no use to me .

 

[Britsmoothy]

A original shotgun and a repro are like a motor car you can have a Rolls and mini both will do the job but there is a difference in workmanship ,the originals have been around in the excess of 150 years will the repros last has long .
Feltwad

And when you and I are long gone Feltwad will anyone care. I mean will they say" my dad was the best because he only shot original muzzleloaders so there"! I doubt it.
I'm kinda hoping they don't remember as a miserable grumpy curmudgeon.