Building a 4 Bore

[Pukka Bundook]

Re. recoil of a well -loaded 4-bore, even with shot;
An old Norfolk gunner used one, and when asked about recoil, he said it................ "Always sat him down, while he bled from his nose and ears".

Same happens to artillery gunners at times....

To me, a good 12 or 11 will do a Lot without as much trauma to the person.  (rifles this is)

[Mike Brooks]

"Always sat him down, while he bled from his nose and ears".
 Golly that sounds like fun.

[Scota4570]

The recoil of that 12 bore mentioned was 200 lbs. and the recoil of this 4 bore is supposed to be 300 lbs. A 50% increase does not fall into the recoil immune range of that 12 bore. But I predict that 4 bore just wont be fired much with full power loads anyway.

According to a recoil calculator:   A 10# 50 cal ML firing a ball with 80 gr gives 12 ft pounds recoil energy.   A 7 pound 12 ga firing a 2-oz shot charge with 40 gr powder is about 75 foot-pounds.  A 4-bore firing a ball with 350 gr of powder works out to about 200 foot pounds. 

[WadePatton]

A simple drag-bag is very effective for bench work with big recoiling guns, but is no good for other positions. I used to employ one.

[Dphariss]

I have Greeners book some place but cant find it now. Does he list velocities for those loads? Curious as to what my 16 bore will be getting at 3 1/2 through 5 drams and 410 gr. ball.

A one ounce ball can be moved at 1600 fps without much trouble and no undue pressure. In my rifle it takes about 32% of ball weight. This is very close to Forsythe's velocity with a 15 bore ball in a percussion rifle. This based on running his trajectories through a ballistics program.
This is my 16 bore. English Walnut stock, 1 1/4 breech 1 1/8" muzzle, never weighed it. But its a handy hunting rifle.

But it does kick but with the English stock design does not hurt.
Two videos.
It shows the recoil better in the  second one.

https://www.facebook.com/100000127103372/videos/vb.100000127103372/346970048650562/?type=3

[Daryl]

My 14 bore kicks just a bit more than Dan's 16, with the same 140gr. 2F charge. Standing, it isn't painful at all.
Shot from the bench, a PAST shoulder protector is recommended - by me. I have to use one
with it. 3rd leaf if zero'd at 200yards with 140gr. 2F and 200 meters with my old moose load of
165gr.2F.
Were I ever to re-barrel my rifle, it would be with a 16 bore barrel, 85" twist.
 I think that one, the ultimate for hunting NA.