Brown Bess Loads

[TgeorgeZ]

I have a Pedersoli Brown Bess Repro.

I was wondering about suggested target loads versus standard service charges.

Would appreciate suggestions or links to information.

[northmn]

I used to have a Bess replica.  With round ball I would shoot anything from 80-110 grains of 2f depending.  Roundball in a Bess can get your attention.  I also used to shoot 1 1/8 to 1 /14 oz of shot out of it.  Used it on the trap events and had fun.  Never won an event but did not do all bad on clays once I got the hang of it.  You can get pretty novel with a big bore smoothy.  While maybe not period correct I used to hang about 9 00 size split shot on a piece of heavy monofiliment loaded shotgun style and shoot them.  Very interesting effect.  There were complaints from both sides during the Revolution about the stuff loaded in muskets.

DP

[J.D.]

I'm a wuss, so I shoot lighter loads of 80 gr FFG behind a patched .715 ball. Even with that relatively light load, that ball hits with authority.

Assuming that the bore of your bess mics .750, a .715 ball with  .020-.025 patch should shoot well.

God bless

[BrownBear]

I'm real fond of 80 grains of 2f Goex under either a patched RB or 1 5/8 oz of shot in mine.  On recommendations of a friend, I've got some 1f on the way for shot loads, but I'll also try it under RB.  He's telling me that 100 grains of 1f gives the best shot patterns he's ever managed from his own Pedersoli Bess.

[Daryl]

100gr. 2F shoots well in Taylor's 1728 10 bore Bess with a .735" ball and .030" patch.  In the .75's, a .715" ball and .025 to .030 works fine.  Nice crown helps in loading.  We've shot 2 1/2" groups at 50 yards with the 10 bore, .735" ball and .030" patch.  I gave him a Tanner mould in .740" ball, for use with same patch as before, but haven't shot it for a while. It did about the same.  Straight WW alloy for the big smoothie.