Shot loads in a rifled 50 cal traditions

[Fatboyz]

As the thread title says I have been experimenting with shooting shot loads out of my Traditions kentucky 50 cal. Our grouse season was extended to January 15th a couple years ago, so I thought it would be fun to try and get a few and a rabbit or 2 with the flintlock. I don't have a smoothbore (yet) or a squirrel rifle (yet). What I've found to be very successful for 10-15 yardish shots for grouse and rabbits is 50 grains of FF, then I push down a 50 cal Sabot for inlines (I know not traditional) then I use a scoop of #6 shot (about 250 grains worth) and then I top it with a felt furniture pad wad from the dollar store. I don't have any thick felt wads to use and procuring them here is difficult. This adds some fun to the Christmas Holidays strolls in the woods. Anyone else doing anything similar?

 

[ohio ramrod]

The only time I shoot shot in a rifled barrel is when I carry my pistol mowing around the pond for use at close range on snakes..

 

[Dale Allen Raby]

Well, you're probably gonna have a blown pattern, but I doubt you'll damage the gun overly much. You might end up spending a bit more time cleaning though.

 

[64Springer]

Make an appropriately sized dowel and then make some paper shot cups to fit your bore.

 

[skwerleater]

I used to shoot shot out of a 50 cal rifle with decent enough results to take squirrels at 15 to 20 yds. I had a 1/2 inch punch that I used to make felt wads. It was a 42 inch barrel.
I don’t remember the charge but it wasn’t that heavy.

 

[Fatboyz]

Make an appropriately sized dowel and then make some paper shot cups to fit your bore.

I like this idea! Now that paper grocery bags are back again they would work good. I usually only shoot 2 or 3 shots on an outing and it's only a few outings a year so won't need to make too many.