Hi Folks! I'm relatively new to the forum. I've dabbled in black powder fire arms off an on for a few decades, but still consider myself a novice.
A few months ago I picked up a Pedersoli reproduction of a Brown Bess. I also bought a myriad of round balls, powder, and other kit needed to shoot and hunt.
Finding a round ball load that would would be adequate for deer hunting has vexed me. I've tried as low as .675 and up to .735 using paper cartridges and patched balls.
Today I finally got around to using .69 balls, patched with paper, setting on top of 100 grains Swiss 1.5 FG. The musket delivered acceptable groups at 40 yards using this combo.
I've developed a small game load consisting of 80 grains Swiss 1.5 FG coupled with 1 5/8 OZ #6 shot (using a nitro card over the powder, a fiber wad under the shot, and an over shot card over the shot). This load works well on squirrels out to 20-25 yards.
Thanks much for all the info I've gleaned from the team here!
A few months ago I picked up a Pedersoli reproduction of a Brown Bess. I also bought a myriad of round balls, powder, and other kit needed to shoot and hunt.
Finding a round ball load that would would be adequate for deer hunting has vexed me. I've tried as low as .675 and up to .735 using paper cartridges and patched balls.
Today I finally got around to using .69 balls, patched with paper, setting on top of 100 grains Swiss 1.5 FG. The musket delivered acceptable groups at 40 yards using this combo.
I've developed a small game load consisting of 80 grains Swiss 1.5 FG coupled with 1 5/8 OZ #6 shot (using a nitro card over the powder, a fiber wad under the shot, and an over shot card over the shot). This load works well on squirrels out to 20-25 yards.
Thanks much for all the info I've gleaned from the team here!
