waterfowl loads

[Dan1953]

Ok it is brutally cold here.  Too cold to go shooting. 
So, i wondered if any members use their ML to hunt waterfowl. I use premium non-toxic shot because 1. it helps offset the lower velocity and 2. the extra cost is not that bad cz I am only shooting a couple times a hunt.  This extra hard shot patterns very tight.  I haven't had problems with bore damage because I am using the same equipment that I used to use reloading shotshells.  Likewise, plastic fouling, it hasn't seemed to be a problem. 
What I have found is that is my shotshell load for that gauge (10) in steel should be reduced by at least 10-15%.  It will knock down birds dead!
Anyhow, does anyone have any experience or loads they would like to share.  I know this is out of season, but there is lots of discussion for turkey loads, so I am just wondering, am I the only one. 
Dan1953

[Daryl]

Is it a true 10 bore?(.774")
Any choke?
Do you place an 1/8" hard card between powder and the plastic wad?
What powder charge and shot charge are you using.

[Kurt]

If I understand, you are talking about steel shot and black powder? What is the charge of each you are using? Thankyou

[Dan1953]

Re: choke bore - I haven't measured it but it is a Pedersoli double barrel so I think I am OK assuming it is within striking distance of the proper measurement.
Re: recipe - 1 1/2 oz by measure of Pyrodex FFG; overpowder card;cork wad (1/8');1 1/2 oz by measure not weight of #6 HeviShot contained in a Ballistic Products non-toxic wad with a Tyvek sleeve; overshot card.  Hope this makes sense.
I plan on reducing the Hevi Shot to 1 1/8 oz by measure at least as i found that I don't need more density.  The load patterns very tight in the gun.
I do have some TSS in #6 shot that I am excited to try as well.
As I tried to say - I am a piker at this so any experience or suggestions are appreciated.  Mostly would like to see what others are using.
I also have a 12 gauge Pederoli and a 20 gauge as well.  May work up some 12 gauge loads for ducks.  Probably won't use the 20 for waterfowl.

[Daryl]

The 1 1/2ounce of shot measure should throw about 96gr. to 102gr. of powder. Pyrodex is REALLY hard on the bore. It usually needs to be cleaned at least twice after being shot even just once in a ML bl.
Just had a look in W.W.Greener's book for a 10 bore load and came up with 4 drams of powder (109gr.) and 1 1/4oz shot.
Another used in gun "trials" was 4 1/2 drams (123gr.) powder and 1 3/8oz shot.
Another gun used 3 3/4 drams (102gr.) and 1 3/4oz shot)
1 dram = 27.3gr. pdr.
Modern shotshell boxes give a "dram equivelent" of the load inside.

[Dan1953]

Thanks Daryl. that feedback is very helpful. 
I am thinking that I can dial back the measured weight of the Hevi Shot/TSS because it is so much denser than lead.  What i found with the recipe that i set out above was that it is TOO dense.  At 40 yards much of the shot would penetrate thru the bird.  As in, all the way thru and the pattern was extraordinarily tight - tighter than needed for an ethical kill.  Dialing back the amount of shot hopefully help.
I appreciate the comments re: Pyrodex but i just haven't been able to find actual black powder locally (and i am a cheap Irishman so i find it hard to pay the HazMat fee).  that said there is time before the season and i am sure that i will break down and part with the HazMat fee like i know i should.