Round ball in 16ga (0.662) question

[Philip Chua]

Howdy all!

I have a quickie - I’d like to shoot a round ball through my Belgian single shot percussion 16ga. I’ll be buying a custom mold. With a shotgun (thinner) barrel, would it be better to get an underbore ball (say 0.650) or get one 0.665 (a few thou over for a press in fit). The plan would be to use for deer or turkeys at relatively short range. Anyway as always any help appreciated. I’ve never shot a RB in a smooth bore but reckon you folks have!!!
Doc van Phil

 

[flconch53]

If you go over bore size you probably wouldn't get a 2nd shot down the barrel. Even a .650 is a little big. You need room for a patch or you could use wads. .645 would be better

 

[smo]

I shoot a .626 out of mine .016 patch

Or # 6 shot

 

[smo]

Phillip
I would measure the bore and determine what size ball you need.
My bore measured.653.

I’ve shot .648,.642 &.626 roundballs both patched and bare.
.626 with red pillow ticking patch @ .016 my measurements is what I’ve settled on.
It loads easily & shoots good.

 

[Philip Chua]

If you go over bore size you probably wouldn't get a 2nd shot down the barrel. Even a .650 is a little big. You need room for a patch or you could use wads. .645 would be better

Ok that sounds reasonable! I have never fired

Phillip
I would measure the bore and determine what size ball you need.
My bore measured.653.

I’ve shot .648,.642 &.626 roundballs both patched and bare.
.626 with red pillow ticking patch @ .016 my measurements is what I’ve settled on.
It loads easily & shoots good.

mine is 0.662 at the bore.

 

[smo]

I would try a .642 with .010 patch..
65-70 grns ffg..
That’ll give you a starting point.