Smooth bore birdshot effectiveness

[duelist1954]

I had some requests to show how my flintlock smooth bore loads perform by shooting at paper targets; specifically they wanted to ascertain how the loads would do for turkey hunting. To help with that, I used turkey head targets.

As you can see, with these un-choked barrels you can't count on long shots.
https://www.full30.com/video/eb2a7f3499d1a47d9cd9a6ab67669aee

 

[duelist1954]

Here's my smoothbore...made by Shawn Webster

 

[Britsmoothy]

Excellent video :hatsoff:

 

[George]

Another good video, thanks.

A little tip”¦ I notice you have some trouble getting the wads started at the muzzle, and it appears that might be because your paper is too stiff. I've used brown paper wads a fair bit, based on the writings of T. Page, which you know. He describes his wads as being made of brown paper "rubbed soft". In trying to work out his method, I used brown grocery sack paper. Before cutting the strips I crushed, twisted and straightened it out repeatedly, and that softened it nicely. That makes it much easier to bend the folded paper around the end of your ramrod and get it started.

I was not impressed with my results, the loads seemed weak, like maybe I was getting a poor seal. Your results are much better, and your load more nearly mimics Page's. In his 20 gauge he loaded 123 grains of powder, minus prime, and 2 ounces of shot.

Spence

 

[duelist1954]

Hi Spence,

In the next issue of Muzzleloader I'll be writing on this subject. I think you'll like it. Thanks for stealing me to Page's book last year

 

[spudnut]

Love shooting wadded loads,Ive used the paper wads too but have lots of luck with hornets nest.

 

[Skychief]

The video seems like it's trying to load, but, I can't get it to play. I did get to see the commercial though.

Anybody have an idea what I can do to get the video to play? :hmm:

Thanks, Skychief

 

[Dewey]

Works for me ... great video !!!

 

[duelist1954]

If the commercial loaded, the video will too, but you have to give it more time.

 

[George]

Looking forward to the article, Mike.

Spence

 

[Britsmoothy]

The video seems like it's trying to load, but, I can't get it to play. I did get to see the commercial though.

Anybody have an idea what I can do to get the video to play? :hmm:

Thanks, Skychief

My Internet is slow but happen to be somewhere that it is good.

 

[pargent]

:thumbsup:

 

[Hisownself]

That's a darn nice gun! What length/gage/style is it?

 

[duelist1954]

It is a French fusil de chasse, 42-inch barrel in 20 GA

 

[roadgrader]

Do the results match using other shot sizes?
Roadgrader

 

[duelist1954]

Pretty much. The bigger the shot, the fewer the hits in a 30" circle, but percentages stay the same

 

[MSW]

nice video - thanks for the post!

 

[Ray-Vigo]

I like that length and caliber in a smooth bore. I have a 20 gauge fowler with a 42 inch barrel and it's a deceptively light and comfortable gun. It seems like it handles much shorter and lighter than its dimensions let on.

 

[Skychief]

Finally got to view the video Mike. I want to say that I appreciate your efforts and have enjoyed many of your videos including this one. :thumbsup:

Please keep them coming.

Best regards, Skychief

 

[Curt LaManna]

Pretty much. The bigger the shot, the fewer the hits in a 30" circle, but percentages stay the same

Hi Mike,
First of all, I want to Thank you for all of your videos and shared knowledge for us in the Black powder sports! I've been a follower on Youtube for a number of years.
I'm glad to find that you're a member of this site and the folks here have been great.
As for your shot group sizes at distances beyond 30 yards, have you tried any of the paper roll techniques shown here by Mario and a few of the other members? I was following AZbpBurner's posts here, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out, he's a member of my same Club range. He was working up loads and groups with his 20ga as well. I'll be doing the same, using a Leonard Day smooth bore 20 as well, once it's under 100o locally. And next bare ball using your suggested techniques.
Thank you again!
:hatsoff: