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58 smothbore loads

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JCB

32 Cal.
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I’m getting an older north star west gun in .58 . I was wanting to know what load to shoot in it. Ball,patch size powder charge. Also what size wad for shot and what would be a maximum load for shot. I’ve messed with .62’s but this is my first.58 .
 
For all practical purposes, a 58 caliber can be considered a 24 gauge. Therefore 24 gauge wads and cards will be the starting point for selecting components. Starting loads will be consistent with 23 to a light 20 gauge load.

Since you are getting an older gun, it will be better to look at safe and effective loads for your North Star West gun rather than maximum loads. You can do a lot of hunting with effective loads. You may have to pass on the long range shot. After all this is a 24 gauge not a 20 gauge.
 
I might start with a square load of 50 gr 2f and 50 grain of shot to see how it handles it. You might in time work it up to 60gr 2f and 70gr shot. You may end up building a pretty long shot column though. Enjoy figuring it out.
 
Long shot columns are mostly an issue on fast moving targets. On a turkey, not an issue. I agree wholeheartedly with a “square load” - equal volumes of powder and shot. Put a soup can out there to determine killing range. If it penetrates you’re good.
 

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