Finally, A Smoothbore Target I'm Ecstatic About!

[Maven]

For Britsmoothy: Several weeks ago I was testing my 20ga. trade gun* with patched RB loads (.598" RB + .018" patch; RB's cast from a Lee mould) from a bench rest @ 50 yd., varying only the powder charge from 70 -> 90gr. FFg (Graf's/Goex) in 10gr. increments. While the 70- and 80gr. loads were OK at that distance, the one at 90gr. was a complete surprise and is among the best I've ever shot from that distance. There was 1 flyer to keep me humble, but I'm still tickled pink by the target below, especially since that trade gun has been something of a "problem child" in the past.

*Green River Forge, flintlock (lock is stamped "Made in Italy"), 36" bbl. I think it's a copy of a Barnett trade gun

 

[Skychief]

Very satisfying isn't it Maven?

Nice group!

 

[Maven]

You bet, Skychief!

 

[Britsmoothy]

What did I do?
Excellent shooting at that distance

 

[pat i.]

Great target Paul.

 

[Maven]

Good to hear from you, Pat! Funny thing, I was just thinking of you the other day. Hope all is well!

Nathan, I thought you'd appreciate a good target, especially if you've been following my travails with that gun over the years.

 

[tenngun]

What did I do?
Excellent shooting at that distance

Inspiration

 

[russellshaffer]

The 90 is great. Going to try 100? Only if you are tougher than me. Even the 90 must have noticeable recoil.

 

[fixer02]

Nice shooting Maven !

 

[springfield art]

For Britsmoothy: Several weeks ago I was testing my 20ga. trade gun* with patched RB loads (.598" RB + .018" patch; RB's cast from a Lee mould) from a bench rest @ 50 yd., varying only the powder charge from 70 -> 90gr. FFg (Graf's/Goex) in 10gr. increments. While the 70- and 80gr. loads were OK at that distance, the one at 90gr. was a complete surprise and is among the best I've ever shot from that distance. There was 1 flyer to keep me humble, but I'm still tickled pink by the target below, especially since that trade gun has been something of a "problem child" in the past.

*Green River Forge, flintlock (lock is stamped "Made in Italy"), 36" bbl. I think it's a copy of a Barnett trade gun

Nice!

 

[Maven]

Thanks guys! A 100 yd. shot may work, but I think I'm tempting the Fates at that range (LOL!).

Russ, I was too busy concentrating on hold and cheek weld to notice the recoil. It was there to be sure, but I just didn't feel it.

 

[rick1964]

id like to see some pics of your green river forge trade gun

 

[Maven]

Here it is rick: Tow Wads, Part 2

 

[Yewbender]

Good shooting

 

[zerosprk]

Nice shooting! Keep tweaking the powder/patch combo and you might just pull that flyer into that big hole you created with the other shots...