Model 1842 Springfield Shot Loads

[Pmringer]

Good evening everyone,

I am kicking around the idea of using shot in my Model 1842 .69 caliber Springfield smoothbore to hunt. I was wondering if anyone has tried it and what loads work for small game and turkey.

Thanks!

Patrick Ferringer

 

[varsity07840]

Your 1842 is a true clyinder bore which will probably restrict
your range to 20-25 yards, depending on your load work up.

Duane

 

[Pmringer]

That's kind of what I was concerned about. I may experiment with some different cards and placement to see what I can get out of it pattern wise.

 

[curator]

I shoot shot out of both my 1816 and 1842 smooth bore muskets with some success. Of course, they are cylinder bores so not particularly effective past 30 yards. Get 14 gauge wads from TOW. Best patterns I have found had two .125" OP card wads, two .375 cushion wads and 1 oz. of shot followed by a 13 gauge thin over shot wad. I dip my cushion wads in melted lube beforehand. This keeps the fouling soft so you can reload in the field without having to swab the bore. Powder charge varies from 70 to about 85 grains of FFg.