Square Load Chart

[BrownBear]

In my experience the "more shot, less powder" is pretty specific to powder, whether 2f or 3f. And a PITA in the field when you have to use separate measures for powder and shot.

Did a whole bunch of testing in my own guns and found happiness with switching to 1f, then using the same measure for both powder and shot. Less fiddly and great results translates into a winner for me. Haven't got a 28 gauge to try it (yet), but it's proven true in my 20, 12 and 10 gauges.

Best of my recollection "square shot charges" are only as tall as they are wide in the bore. From past chart pondering (don't recall where), a square shot charge for 20 gauge is 7/8 ounce, for 12 gauge it's 1 1/8 oz, and for 10 gauge it's 1 5/8 oz. Coincidence or not, those shot charges are what perform best for wing shooting in all my guns. Doinking turkey heads on the ground, rabbits in the bushes or squirrels in the trees aren't critical about long shot strings from heavier charges. But shorter shot strings make a big difference when wing shooting.

 

[Dave Orchard]

Rodwa talks about shooting for the head...
Big thumbs-up for THAT
But you better have a good pattern with no holes in it and know where to hold.

I am thankful for the shared experience & knowledge from both these gents...
ML hunting is way closer to hard-scrabble subsistence hunting with a breech loader, Great Deppression" style than the way some of the "sports" do things.

Thanks for sharing, guys!
Dave

 

[Ketchakah]

Ya know what just occurred to me ?
I play Upright bass. And there is this thing we call "Bloom" That's where when you pluck the string, it actually gathers energy and blooms, then drops away.
I think the same may apply to powder loads. The amount of powder as it burns its way to the muzzle will "Bloom and then the energy falls off. The goal is to get the bloom as close to the muzzle as possible.

Now, This is absolutely just a thought, but it is the basis for all my work up loads. I just never thought of it like this until this very moment.

Any Thoughts ?

 

[Ketchakah]

I do believe i would agree with Bear.
Different powder grades burn at different speeds. Its more important to equalize the burn time to the payload weight, without over pressuring the barrel.

The same can be done by adjusting powder to shot ratios, but i do not know what is actually more efficient. I started using 3f for everything when i forgot my priming horn one day and found 3f works just fine for priming. Have been doing it ever since. ( AND it does not turn to mud in the pan in rain as easy )

There is something to be said for different powder grades, but ive not done the homework as it has not affected me. But it is an interesting conversation.