Quetion on loading smoothbore

[Crow#21957]

Do I need paper shot cups? I will experiment but want I was curious about is...if I do not use a shotcup is that hard in the barrel using lead or copper plated lead. I got this idea in my head that I will not be using paper shot cups.

 

[tenngun]

They don’t hurt but most of us load without one.
For me it’s powder, folded brown paper wad, shot and another wad

 

[Brokennock]

"Need" is a funny word in modern usage.....

No. No you don't "need" them. In fact, depending on what muzzleloading time period one is interested in, they would have been unheard of.
You don't "need" them.

For some they help patterns, for some they don't (they seem to reduce the effectiveness of the Skychief load). Depending on construction and manner they are used some people have issues with them "slugging." Design/construction method could also reduce the effectiveness of a jug choke.

I mainly use them the way I make then to make for faster and easier reloading while bird hunting over my dog or while squirrel hunting.

"Need"? No.
Can they have some benefits? Yes.

 

[Crow#21957]

Brokennick,,, good explanation.
All you guys did good.
Thanks
Can't wait till I get my barrel back from Catwood.

 

[nhmoose]

I use powder ,3-4 overshot cards, copper plated shot usually 5's, then one overshot card. Never used a paper cup. Usually hit and killed what I was shooting at. Woodcocks, grouse, squirrels, snowshoe hare. Grouse I would not shoot them flying, I am a ground or tree shooter for them as I like to eat em.

 

[necchi]

Maybe try asking in the smoothbore section of the forum.
This is "The Craftsman"

 

[Crow#21957]

Thanks. Wish my barrel would get here.

 

[Crow#21957]

Thanks

 

[brazosland]

The OP is asking (I think) whether the barrel will be damaged by the plated shot if he doesn’t use a cup of some type.

My answer to that is No.

Your barrel steel should be harder than any non-steel shot you will fire in it.

Steel shot is another issue altogether.