Makin' "Punkin' Ball" loads in Magtechs w/BP

[Delmonico]

I would be leary, after all for rifles and handguns we size lead bullets only 0.002-0.003 over bore size and they are much stronger, althought there is more surface riding the bore. 

[Hoof Hearted]

I would be leary, after all for rifles and handguns we size lead bullets only 0.002-0.003 over bore size and they are much stronger, althought there is more surface riding the bore. 

You know, I see this as a series of "buts"

On one hand convetional cast loads in a modern rifled firearm have much more "riding on the groove" so to speak. But the round ball has much less contact than that.
The normal stuation for a round ball would be cloth patched and underized because it is muzzle loaded. But this is breech and cartridge loaded.

I would like to forego the patch.
This is why I'm thinking to backbore to within a thousandth or two of ball size and then let pressure take it's course. By the way the .735 RB fits oh so nicely in the thin magtech brass. It's really quite impressive looking with a roll crimp just over the ogive and half the ball showing

[litl rooster]

I still say, a paper cup of some type is preferable, as you don't want the ball "bouncing" its way down the bore.

   With the Round balls that Steel Horse and I have to play with, this might be a answer to the flyers I loaded.  I am not sure the paper wouldn't burn up though

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

The paper cup will be on top of the O/P card and cushion wads.  It'll litter up the range, but won't burn.

I've thought about it but can't get my head around having a good fit and getting it through a tight choke, safely!?

The best I can think up is the hollow Foster slug.  I think Lyman still makes the mould.

[Delmonico]

I've thought about it but can't get my head around having a good fit and getting it through a tight choke, safely!?

The best I can think up is the hollow Foster slug.  I think Lyman still makes the mould.

Yep, that is the best solution to come down so far, but it does date to the 1920's if that matters to anyone. 

BTW if anyone is interested, recent studies have show that more accidents happen in shotgun only areas during deer season than rifle areas.  Parts of southern NY were opened to rifles this year for the first time in well over half a century, despite what the nay sayers predicted, 9 days into the season there were no reported problems.  Perhaps the era of folks being forced to use a tool not totally suited to the task is on the way out.

I'm not saying that shotguns with single projectiles won't kill a deer, but are simply not the best tool for many reasons.

[Grapeshot]

 

The way my shell is gonna end up loaded is like this:  Mag pistol primer (NOT totally needed, but I have lots), BP (load yet to be determined, but probably close to an ounce or a bit less, a .125" 11 ga nitroed card over-powder wad, a .500" 11 ga dry lubed spacer wad, a dollop of lube followed by the wrapped (patched) ball, then more lube added and finally a .030" 10 ga over-shot card wad to keep it all neat and sealed with waterglass (sodium silicate) or Elmers to seal it all.

Your mileage may vary.

Have fun ... be safe

Howdy Steel Horse.  You sure your going to use an once of BP?  That calculates out to 437.5 grains.  Sounds like an Artillery Load more than a shotgun slug load.  Square load not withstanding.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Gee!  I wonder if our preachin' is gettin thru?  We'all tellin' em to measure the powder by VOLUME.

So that must be a VOLUMETRIK ounce!

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Howdy Steel Horse.  You sure your going to use an once of BP?  That calculates out to 437.5 grains.  Sounds like an Artillery Load more than a shotgun slug load.  Square load not withstanding.

Grapeshot, you got me, sir.

What I have is the Lee adjustable dipper (for shot) which is calibrated in 1/8 oz (of shot) measurements.  It becomes a volumetric (or volumetrik  , Sir Charles) measure for BP that I normally use for my loads.  The 7/8 mark roughly holds 61-62 grs and the 1 oz 70-72gr powder - if weighed. (3f Goex - from a lot made recently)  My terminology is at fault, and for that, I apologize!  No need for Artillery rounds here! 

[litl rooster]

Grapeshot, you got me, sir.

 My terminology is at fault, and for that, I apologize!  No need for Artillery rounds here! 

   You mean I shouldn't shoot the ones I loaded with the full ounce of powder

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Rooster!

Uh ... mebbe not.

 

 

 


If these loads actually fly in the general direction I aim at, they MIGHT be used to kill a deer ... but not by me ... or anyone I know!  Del is right - There's better anti-Bambi loads than a big ol' punkin' ball bouncin' its way down my shotgun barrel!  I'm just doin' this to see if I can kill a steel plate at 50-75 yds. on our next woodswalk!