Side by side with single ball

[Red Owl]

In Florida, during muzzle loader season, you can hunt deer wqith a 20 gauge or larger shotgun, side by side. Either buck or single ball. Some places the shots are very close and the deer running as soon as you start to fire. Anyone ever pattern buckshot or test the accuracy on single balls?

 

[Britsmoothy]

Yeah, lots.

 

[Woody Morgan]

I use .600 ball in the (cylinder choke) right barrel of my Pedersoli.
Smacks a 12x16 steel gong off hand at 50 yards easy if I do my job.

wm

 

[PastorB]

My SXS 20 gauge Pedersoli shoots round ball (.600) accurate enough for deer hunting to about 40 yards. Oddly enough, 90% or more of the game I've taken, even with unmentionables, has been well within this distance. My left barrel shoots POA, but the right is about 8" low and left at 40 yards. I know this, and can hold accordingly as needed.

 

[Britsmoothy]

It's a common trait with Pedersoli doubles to shoot unevenly to POA.
The barrels are just jigged I think and that's it.
I file mine to improve things.

 

[waksupi]

Buckshot is a fine crippler of animals. Stick with round ball.

 

[cynthialee]

Buckshot is a fine crippler of animals. Stick with round ball.

I tend to agree, but also know if you keep it at proper range and don't push your luck with buckshot then such a load works wonderfully. Problem is when a hunter is 15+ yards past their comfort zone and decides to push it and take the shot anyways.

 

[nkbj]

There being no minimum barrel lengths a short double could be a pretty good hog gun too.

 

[Woody Morgan]

There being no minimum barrel lengths a short double could be a pretty good hog gun too.

Exactly why my 20 gets RB practice...not just shot.

wm