Pedersoli 12 Ga. Roundballs?

[wtilenw]

I have a Pedersoli 12 gauge side by side on the way. Can I use it to shoot round balls as well as shot loads? I know nothing of this and will be asking your advise as to loading and shooting this gun as this will be my first blackpowder smoothbore. I would like to take my turkey with it this spring and will need your advise on what components to try and how to troubleshoot my patterns. I've been trying to pay attention to other posts on shotgun loads but you know how it is, you dont really retain the information unless it applies to you, WELL.....now it applies! I'm excited about this new venture and know I can count on your experience to get me started safely and to help me advance my knowledge of blackpowder shooting. Thanks in advance!!
Idaho PRB

 

[DavidP2211]

PRB - Let me know how you like your new gun when it shows up. I am in the market for a 12 ga SxS. Who did you end up purchasing it from?

 

[wtilenw]

Actually the transaction is in progress. The money is in the mail and the individual will ship upon receipt of funds. I am buying it from a classified ad here on the forum from Larry Davis.
Idaho PRB

 

[DavidP2211]

thanks - in any case, let me know how you like it. I really don't want to dip into my slush fund to have a custom one made.

 

[Rebel]

Does your gun have choked barrels or is it cylinder bore? I have a Navy Arms Double .12 and it is cylinder bores. I shoot a .690 round ball out of them. Mine shoots real good at 25 yds, i haven't had a chance to try it further yet. With 80 grs Pyrodex RS, an over powder wad, 1/2 a lubed fiber cushion wad, and a patched ball, i was getting 4 shot (2 from each barrel) into one ragged holeat 25 yds.
With shot i normally use 90-95 grs of RS powder, an over powder wad, then a plastic shotcup, 1 1/4 oz of shot. I use the same load with a special plastic steelshot cup for steel shot for ducks and geese. If your gun is choked, as long as the ball will load past the chokes, it will fire ok. But if it is choked, it may not be a good idea to use steel shot unless Pedersoli says it is safe.

 

[wtilenw]

I dont know yet if it is, or is not choked. Ill have to wait and see.
Idaho PRB

 

[Wes/Tex]

Only guys I know who use balls in their doubles use .69" balls so they're undersized enough to pass through any choke in the barrels. For the most part, most of the current crop of doubles have cylinder bore barrels but I'd still recommend you use a ball of the size mentioned and make up the difference with patching. Everybody I know is using 80 grains of FFg, while one uses the same amount of Fg and seems to have the best accuracy of them all. He gets Curtis & Harvey from DGW, it's the only size available in the English brand. Good luck.