TC .56 smoothbore

[torlagh]

Recently purchased a TC .56 smoothbore. Would like to try it on small game with a shot load. Can anyone help with load data? Thanks.

 

[silly goose]

I find that mine throws rabbit killin patterns out to about 25 yards with 55gr ffg, op wad, 1/2 fiber wad soaked in crisco, 60gr #6 shot and an o/s card. I am not the be all end all, and I kinda prefer my .62's, but that should put you in the ball park. Play with it, thats the fun with them.

 

[torlagh]

Thanks for the info. What size wad and card or do you make them yourself to fit?

 

[jethro224]

If I recall correctly I usta use 50 grains of 2F, 3 24ga thin cards, and 60 grains of #6 shot in a homemade shot cup, topped off by another thin 24 ga card. The shot cup was made with a post-it note wrapped around a dowel rod and the end folded over and dipped in wax, then I'd stick a .54 felt wad inside the cup. Worked on squirrels out to 25 yards. Never tried it farther than that.

I tried 28ga cards first but they were too loose. Shot rolled on out if I tipped the muzzle down.

 

[silly goose]

I went with the circle fly wads from TOW, 24 gauge was the closest size I could get w/o being too small.

If you get to messing around, your gonna get bit by the addiction. :wink:

 

[MSW]

you might want to see what's available by way of an arch punch. these clever gadgets will allow you to punch overshot, overpowder, and felt wadding.

(don't worry... i think he's already hooked) :wink:

 

[pmwest]

My best squirrel load has been using a dipper that measures ¾ oz. of shot for equal volumes of shot and powder. I like #5 chilled lead shot for this load. I use two felt wads between the powder (Goex FFg) and shot and one as an overshot. I cut the wads with a 15mm arch punch and lube with 1:4 ballistol and water.

 

[torlagh]

Want to thank everyone for the help. Will give it a try when I can get some time off from work which isn't too easy this time of year, but I'll find some.

 

[silly goose]

You'll have time, be thankful for the work. I am lucky in that I have a good full time job, and a pretty decent part time job, although the p/t is slow this time of year. I never turn down a day of work. Anyways, you are sure to have fun with that .56. Again, there are a lot of guys here with much more experience than I, but I think the .56 smoothbore is more effective than it should be at first thinking. Good luck, and most importantly, have fun. Won't be long, I see a fowler coming your way. :wink: