Shooting PRB in a 12 GA New Englander report

[TDM]

Finally did some shooting today. This is the first time I’ve shot PRBs out of my New Englander so I’ll be very interested in feedback. I ordered an assortment of .010, .015, and .020 patches. Also lubed felt wads. And some .715 and .690 balls.
I decided to try the .715 balls first with .010 patch because I was concerned that they wouldn’t load well from what I’ve heard. But that was not the case.
All shots, 14 total, were with 60 gr 2F Goex and a .010 patch lubed with my own beeswax/lard/canola oil mixture.
The first 3 shots at 25 yards were just powder and patched ball. After that, I used and over powder lubed felt wad.

 

[TDM]

I was pleased with how the over powder wad tighter the group so I started shooting at 50 yards.
This was very disappointing, I made 4 or 5 shots and couldn’t even get on paper. I kept raising my point of aim and finally got some holes.
I even made a 4th shot at the 25 yard target to double check the gun.

I did swab a couple of times but only for consistency. I never had any difficulties seating the .715 ball. I’m thinking next time try a .015 patch.

There’s one photo of some of the patches I picked up. There’s so many leaves and other old patches lying around that’s all I found.
Next time I’ll try the .690 balls and heavy patches too. And a heavier powder charge.

Help will be appreciated.

Oh, and this is the original cylinder bore percussion.

 

[Jr45]

I use 80gr of triple 7 with a .690 ball and thick pillow ticking in my CVA 12ga. It’s a snug fit but I get around a 10” spread at 50yrds. I have also used 1oz lee key drive slug in WAA12 wad on top of a over power card with a little bit better grouping of 7” or so. with same powder charge. The point of impact are close between the ball and lee slug.

I’m excited to see your next test.

 

[Ballshooter]

Try 65 grains with 35 grains of corn meal right on top of the powder then a felt wad. I would put a taller front sight and a rear Skinner peep on that. They make taller bead sights.

 

[TDM]

Try 65 grains with 35 grains of corn meal right on top of the powder then a felt wad. I would put a taller front sight and a rear Skinner peep on that. They make taller bead sights.

I will try that next time. I doubt that I’d ever make a habit of using PRBs in this gun, but would just like to see some decent results. Thanks.

 

[Ballshooter]

I will try that next time. I doubt that I’d ever make a habit of using PRBs in this gun, but would just like to see some decent results. Thanks.

I tried corn meal in my Kibler smoothbore and got very good results.

 

[TDM]

I tried corn meal in my Kibler smoothbore and got very good results.

I actually have a bag in my BP cabinet, used it in my revolvers a few times. Always forget I have it!

 

[Flintandsteel]

More powder. I shoot 75g in a 20ga to get any accuracy.

 

[TDM]

More powder. I shoot 75g in a 20ga to get any accuracy.

I’ll try that too!