Use of fine shot in colonial America

[ligonierbill]

I have two smoothbores, a Pennsylvania Fowler (20 ga) and a Militia Musket (10 ga), both Chambers kits. I do sometimes load shot. But I wonder...how often was shot loaded in, say, the middle third of the 18th century? Not talking "gentlemen", rather farmers and backwoodsmen.

 

[andy52]

This would be a good place to start your research on the subject.

https://www.minnesotatrap.com/history-in-the-making/shot-towers-page-1.htm

 

[Texcl2]

The pilgrims referenced fowling guns and “swan” shot for fowling. They even specked out fowling guns for folks coming to the colonies. Now I believe most guns were fired at flocks sitting on the water, this was pre-flintlock at that point. I’m sure they didn’t stop fowling as it was a great source of food.

 

[ArmorerRoy]

Diy shot is easy to make by dripping molten lead into a cup of water. It’s extremely effective too.

 

[smoothshooter]

I have two smoothbores, a Pennsylvania Fowler (20 ga) and a Militia Musket (10 ga), both Chambers kits. I do sometimes load shot. But I wonder...how often was shot loaded in, say, the middle third of the 18th century? Not talking "gentlemen", rather farmers and backwoodsmen.

I don’t think it was generally available and so was rarely used.
Safe bet that even most waterfowl was killed with rifles or smooth rifles or regular smoothbores loaded with a few buckshot/Rupert shot.

 

[andy52]

Diy shot is easy to make by dripping molten lead into a cup of water. It’s extremely effective too.

you'll never get a completely round shot dropping from that height.

 

[Texcl2]

I think if you look at colonial sales flyers and records you will see bird shot was widely available. Here’s a post I found with some info…..

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/colonial-shot-sizes.64934/

 

[flconch53]

you'll never get a completely round shot dropping from that height.

They used cut shot which was a PC of flattened lead cut into small pieces with a knife. Round was not important. To the comments about shooting waterfowl with a round ball. Not so much. Shot was used alot. Think about all the pigeons that were shot by shooting into the flocks on their roost