[deadwood pete]

What would be a good black powder load for a damascus double barrel shotgun to be
used in cowboy action shooting?
deadwood pete

 

[Franz 1796]

I've seen black powder loads used before but I don't have a recipe. I'd like to load some myself so I'll check this topic later to see what's been added.

Most people seem to think older damascus shotguns should not be used with any load. As you know, the barrels are made by pounding different thin sheet of steel together. Over time these sheets tend to separate (galvanic corrosion due to the contact of two dissimilar metals) so proceed with caution. I do have an old steel double barrel I'd like to try with black powder.

 

[Skip Fanning]

OK, for a well made 12 ga. in good shape I have used from 83 grains 3F (3 dram equiv.) to ~110 grains 3F (4 dram equiv.) with 1 ounce bird shot (I like 71/2). I have used paper and plastic hulls. The 3 dr. is a more effective load. The heavier load tends to cook the doves with its battleship like blast. This also freaks out other folks in the field, but not as bad as when I use my brown bess (9 birds 21 shots [110 grains 3F, including prime, and 1-5/8 oz. of 71/2 shot]. Havn't blown myself to smitheroons .......yet!!! Skip

 

[stevenjay1]

Try this site, This is the one I used to load my BP shot shells. http://www.tbullock.com/bpsg.html


Here are some pictures of my BP damascus double barrel rabbet ear shotgun. I use this shot gun for all upland game. I have more fun hunting with my old double.