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Brass shot!

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Why didn't nails in a blunderbuss not blow the barrel simple answer because they mostly used swan shot , if nails were used they would be blunderbusses minus a barrel . This idea of nails been used is associate to comic films
Feltwad
 
This is an amusing thread. So, for what it might be worth, here is another take on it:
If you wish to fashion that brass wire into something approximating round shot, perhaps just cutting the bits into short lengths that are the equal to the diameter of the wire, it would perform more agreeably and represent less of a threat to those onlookers who care to notice.
I like the brass notion for its simplicity and economy; it is going to consume some moments of production time however... ;)
 
I won't bother, to much trouble.
It was a dooms day experiment.
I tried it some years ago, it's a waste of time. It is easier and faster to make drop shot (swan shot) and it is far superior in performance.
As far as doomsday goes, we'll all be dead any way, that's why it's called doomsday.
But if you do survive, every car has a battery full of lead. At one time lead was used for roofing in England, I suspect may still are.
 
Why didn't nails in a blunderbuss not blow the barrel simple answer because they mostly used swan shot , if nails were used they would be blunderbusses minus a barrel . This idea of nails been used is associate to comic films
Feltwad
Any proof iron or stones were not used Feltwad?
 
I tried it some years ago, it's a waste of time. It is easier and faster to make drop shot (swan shot) and it is far superior in performance.
As far as doomsday goes, we'll all be dead any way, that's why it's called doomsday.
But if you do survive, every car has a battery full of lead. At one time lead was used for roofing in England, I suspect may still are.
Lol, you are correct again :)
 
Any proof iron or stones were not used Feltwad?

Have you proof that nails and stones were used has I said this theory is associated to comic films. To use these for loading would soon render a barrel useless be it brass or iron to a dangerous position. A barrel be it Damascus or brass is so soft and flexible you can whittle them just like a stick .
Feltwad
 
Have you proof that nails and stones were used has I said this theory is associated to comic films. To use these for loading would soon render a barrel useless be it brass or iron to a dangerous position. A barrel be it Damascus or brass is so soft and flexible you can whittle them just like a stick .
Feltwad
Take that as no then.
I also don't have proof but the difference between you and I is that I wasn't trying to tell you that you are wrong :).
 
Take that as no then.
I also don't have proof but the difference between you and I is that I wasn't trying to tell you that you are wrong :).
I was not trying to tell you that you are wrong I was explaining that to load with nails and stones is a dangerous practice which I am sure never did happen when swan shot was available
Feltwad
 
Britsmoothy here in the states during what was called the great depression things were tight. Growing up I talked to a lot of the old men that lived through it. More than one talked about things they did to survive. Powder, shot and/or ball were not always available or affordable. That shots taken were from as close as possible with the greatest probability of success. A few mentioned taking covey shots from up close with small smooth pebbles instead of shot. They didnt have shot to use. They used what was available.
We have carpenter/wood bees here that look like bumblebees. They bore holes in unpainted wood of barns, sheds etc. When I find rusty, muzzleloaders cheap, reproduction or old I buy them. Love to use course builders sand instead of shot in these guns on wood bees. The sand is not as heavy as shot and is not destructive to metal or wood on buildings past a few yards. Will totally destroy a bee from close range. Because there is nothing to lose I can try all kind of things as shot or ball. The weight of lead gives it better range. Playing with the builders sand it is easy to understand why the old men said shots were taken from up close. Tried different sizes of steel pellets, steel BB's, copper and steel wire cut in short sections. The longer the sections the more weight per section. The length once past end of muzzle is more likely to cause them to tumble. They fly in wild directions, did not pattern. Tape together became a slug. Anything shot in a rifled barrel scattered quickly. I have no doubt that in years past many things other than shot or ball made from lead have been used. I wouldn't put mud, clay, or anything similar in the muzzle of any gun. The dry builders sand and other things loaded like shot is totally different. Weight of load is less than lead. A cylinder bore barrel has no choke to cause a constriction. Nothing was loaded that took any effort to seat on over powder card or wad. Over shot/projectiles wad was usually news paper, paper towel, wasp nest, whatever was handy. Didnt try tacks but did try small finishing nails. Builders sand and/or steel shot does smooth up a pitted barrel but not as fast as some believe. Pitted rifled barrels are not cleaned up as fast as smooth bores. I wouldn't use a good gun for any of these type loads. Britsmoothy I enjoy your threads and post, you are a blessing Sir.
 
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