Post by twomoons on Apr 13, 2009 20:10:33 GMT -5
This is the dull part so I thought while I was sending the pictures to someone I would crunch the numbers. As all the old shoots were done in rods (16.5 ft) so the shot shells are loaded with Drams, Grains, and ounces and so I thought I would put in a little table to kid of let you see what is actually in a shot shell.
First off Ounces and grains:
3/4 Oz = 329 Grains (rounded)
1 Oz= 437 1/2 (actually 437.345)
1 1/8 Oz= 490 Grains
1 1/4 Oz = 546 Grains
1 1/2 Oz = 656 Grains
We won't go any higher here as in a 12 Gauge even with a brass case you aren't going to get more than 1 1/2Oz of shot over any decent powder charge.
Now remember when I said B/P is usually loaded equal volumes of powder and shot. The old timers figured it this way loaded like that the shot could be counted on to penetrate and KILL at any reasonable range. They tested this by shooting at a board or a tin can and SEEING how the shot penetrated. We use a chronograph and find that on average equal volume loads give right at 1200 fps. This is all you need to kill any legal game out to 30-40 yards.
Now to Equal volumes:
7/8 Oz = 2 1/4 Drams= 62 grains of FFG
1 oz= 2.5= 69
1 1/8 Oz= 2 3/4= 76
1 1/4Oz= 3 Drams= 82
1 3/8 Oz= 3 1/4 = 89
1 1/2 Oz= 3.5= 96
1 5/8Oz= 3 3/4= 103
The last load of 1 5/8 Oz of shot is not practical in any but old paper hulls roll crimped and then you have to scrimp on cushion wad. I really don't have much use for anythig over 1 1/4 Oz loads as the thinner cushion wads lead to more shot deformation and wider patterns. Most of the old guns have tight chokes and with a good balanced load will deliver an excellent pattern. If you get greedy for the last yard of range or the last 1/8 ounce of shot you will in reality cheat yourself. Work for the best patterns and the kils will follow. I pesronally like to set my powder charge 1 notch UNDER the shot load. I use 70 grains of powder under 1 1/8 oz of shot. This gives me a little less velocity (about 1125) but the gun patterns better and so far nothing I have killed, including 2 turkeys with 1 shot have ever complained.
Next Up... the tools and their uses and then Roll Crimping 101.
First off Ounces and grains:
3/4 Oz = 329 Grains (rounded)
1 Oz= 437 1/2 (actually 437.345)
1 1/8 Oz= 490 Grains
1 1/4 Oz = 546 Grains
1 1/2 Oz = 656 Grains
We won't go any higher here as in a 12 Gauge even with a brass case you aren't going to get more than 1 1/2Oz of shot over any decent powder charge.
Now remember when I said B/P is usually loaded equal volumes of powder and shot. The old timers figured it this way loaded like that the shot could be counted on to penetrate and KILL at any reasonable range. They tested this by shooting at a board or a tin can and SEEING how the shot penetrated. We use a chronograph and find that on average equal volume loads give right at 1200 fps. This is all you need to kill any legal game out to 30-40 yards.
Now to Equal volumes:
7/8 Oz = 2 1/4 Drams= 62 grains of FFG
1 oz= 2.5= 69
1 1/8 Oz= 2 3/4= 76
1 1/4Oz= 3 Drams= 82
1 3/8 Oz= 3 1/4 = 89
1 1/2 Oz= 3.5= 96
1 5/8Oz= 3 3/4= 103
The last load of 1 5/8 Oz of shot is not practical in any but old paper hulls roll crimped and then you have to scrimp on cushion wad. I really don't have much use for anythig over 1 1/4 Oz loads as the thinner cushion wads lead to more shot deformation and wider patterns. Most of the old guns have tight chokes and with a good balanced load will deliver an excellent pattern. If you get greedy for the last yard of range or the last 1/8 ounce of shot you will in reality cheat yourself. Work for the best patterns and the kils will follow. I pesronally like to set my powder charge 1 notch UNDER the shot load. I use 70 grains of powder under 1 1/8 oz of shot. This gives me a little less velocity (about 1125) but the gun patterns better and so far nothing I have killed, including 2 turkeys with 1 shot have ever complained.
Next Up... the tools and their uses and then Roll Crimping 101.