New Orleans Ace

[Slake]

I just acquired a New Orleans Ace kit pistol that is probably thirty years old at least, it was partially assembled and I finished it. It is in 44 smoothbore, I haven't shot it yet but it looks and feels like it will be a fine little shooter.
I have questions because it is a smooth bore, the paperwork with it recomends a 424 ball with 15 patch.I am new to smoothbores, all I have is rifled. I am wondering if I should venture into using wads and shot in it for a little hand shotgun...any advice?
It also states that load should be 18 grs of FFF, which I don't have a problem with but if I go with wads and shot, should this change much?

 

[Don]

I have two Ace pistols. One is rifled and one smooth. A .433 patched ball works well in mine. I have also loaded it with shot. Powder,.44 revolver wad, shot and then another wad. I've loaded up to 22 grains of Swiss or Pyro P without a problem. Fun little guns but not very accurate past a few feet.

Don