More big bore stuff

[bigsmoke]

Found these in a box that I was going through today.  Thought you might find it interesting.

The top item is an 8 bore ball (.820 diameter) retrieved from the 200 yard line after it had hit a NMLRA bear silhouette.  It put a mighty dent into the steel and sent it flying about 6 feet back.  Of course, this was at an old military firing range and the silhouette wound up in the target marker's trench.

The next one down is a .72 cal (.715 diameter, 550 grain) round ball that was retrieved from the spine of a bull buffalo, shot from fairly close range.

The bottom ball was shot at the same buffalo at about 100 yards.  It entered the critter in the neck, glanced off the spine, and came to rest against the hide on the far side.  It knocked the buff off his feet and rolled him over onto his back.

[smylee grouch]

Interesting. Do you remember the powder charges and barrel lengths?

[bigsmoke]

Yes, I do.

The 8 bore had a 30" barrel.  Its load was 300 grains of Fg GOEX, an 8 bore lubricated cushion wad, a .015 Wonder Patch and a .820 hand cast ball.
I think that charge chronographed at 1,425 fps.

The 12 bore (72 caliber) was 200 grains Swiss Ffg, 12 bore lubricated cushion wad, .015 Wonder Patch and a .715 ball from Warren Manufacturing (cast and tumbled).  The rifle had a 32" barrel. 
As I recollect, it chronographed at about 1,800 - 1,850 fps.

Both were exciting rifles to shoot.  Sadly, I have sold both of them.  Oh well, I do get visiting privileges for the .72 whenever I get up to Washington state.  I imagine the same could be said for the 8 bore if I got down to Florida.  Children sure do scatter out, don't they?

John
 

[smylee grouch]

Exciting for you maybe but spiritual for me I'm sure.   

[WadePatton]

Exciting for you maybe but spiritual for me I'm sure.   

Lovely thunder that must be.