Question On Loads For Smooth Bores

[Tim Crosby]

 What is the typical load for a smooth bore, say 20, 16, 12 and anything in between? I realize the shot weight may be the same for all, but what about the powder to shot ratio? Can a powder measure be used to measure shot, if so what is there a conversion factor; say 100grs = X Oz. shot   
 If there is a chart around I have not been able to find it.

 Thanks, Tim C.

[Longknife]

Tim I usually start experimenting with a "square" load , that is equal amounts of powder and shot. Yes you can use the powder measure for shot too. In your 20 start with a 60 or 65 grain charge, In your 16, 65 to 70 grains and in your 12 70 to 75 grains, That should get you going. If the pattern has any holes just up the shot charge 5 grains at a time till they close up,,,,Ed

[smylee grouch]

If you have access to a powder scale you could weigh the shot charge that your measure for powder throws. In the few smooth bore guns that I have shot I always got better patterns with just a little more shot than the measure throws.

[Daryl]

I do have a conversion list for 'stricken' powder measures and the average shot charges thrown from them.
These are close - "close enough for Government Work"

Gr. Measure------Oz. of Shot
50-------------------3/4
60-------------------7/8
70-------------------1
80-------------------1 1/8
90-------------------1 1/4
100------------------1 3/8
110------------------1 1/2
120------------------1 5/8

[Tim Crosby]

 Thanks Guys, that will help.

    Tim C.

[Nessmuck]

Great info !

[Daryl]

For those interested in dram conversions- these are aproximate, usually rounded.
Note 1 pound = 7,000gr. 1 ounce = 1/16th of a pound - = 437.5gr.
1 Dram = 1/16th of an ounce = 27.3gr.
These are the charge weights as they pertain to old English as well as modern shotshell load designations on the boxes.

55gr. (54.6) = 2 drams
62gr. (61.5) = 2 1/4 drams
68gr. (68.3) = 2 1/2 drams
75gr. (75.0) = 2 3/4 drams
82gr. (81.9) = 3 drams
89gr. (99. = 3 1/4 drams
96gr. (95.5) = 3 1/2 drams
102gr. (102.4) = 3 3/4 drams
109gr. (109.2) = 4 drams
116gr. (116.0) = 4 1/4 drams
123gr. (122.9) = 4 1/2 drams
130gr. (129.7) = 4 3/4 drams
136gr. (135.5) = 5 drams
143gr. (143.3) = 5 1/4 drams
150gr. (150.2) = 5 1/2 drams
157gr. (157.0) = 5 3/4 drams
164gr. (163. = 6 drams
191gr. (191.1) = 7 drams
218gr. (218.4) = 8 drams
246gr. (245.7) = 9 drams
273gr. (273.0) = 10 drams
300gr. (300.3) = 11 drams
328gr. (327.6) = 12 drams

I have shot up to 12.1 drams in my .69 as an "accidental proof load" with one tightly patched round ball.

That was not fun, nor was it repeated.

edited = the cool  emo-cation is due to having an 8 followed by a bracket )

Too - a very good load in a heavy 12 bore, is a .715" ball, heavy patch and 7 drams of 2f powder. This will produce some 1,500fps to 1,550fps.

It kicks a bit - just so's ya know.

There were 12 bore SxS's built in England for up to 9 drams with round ball.