Black powder shotshell question

[steelcase54r]

Hi everyone new user here i have a question regarding the loading of magtech brass shotshells i converted them to use a 209 primer and only have FFF goex on hand. I was wondering if a load of 65 grains of FFF and one ounce of #8 shot would be a safe target load thanks.

[Lead pot]

I used to load 12 GA with black and I used the 2-3/4 dram equivalent loads for Rabbits using 1F.
Here is a conversion chart.


Dram (powder) Grains (powder) Ounce (shot)
2- 55- 3/4
2 1/4- 62- 7/8
2 1/2- 68- 1
2 3/4- 75- 1 1/8
3- 82- 1 1/4
3 1/4- 89- 1 3/8
3 1/2- 96- 1 1/2
3 3/4- 102- 1 5/8
4- 109 - 1 3/4

[steelcase54r]

I used to load 12 GA with black and I used the 2-3/4 dram equivalent loads for Rabbits using 1F.
Here is a conversion chart.


Dram (powder) Grains (powder) Ounce (shot)
2- 55- 3/4
2 1/4- 62- 7/8
2 1/2- 68- 1
2 3/4- 75- 1 1/8
3- 82- 1 1/4
3 1/4- 89- 1 3/8
3 1/2- 96- 1 1/2
3 3/4- 102- 1 5/8
4- 109 - 1 3/4

so i should be okay with 65 grains of 3f on an ounce of shot or do i have to use 2f

[Lead pot]

I don't know what to tell you other then what I used in my gun. My gun was a double Stevens and a 870.

[John Boy]

so i should be okay with 65 grains of 3f on an ounce of shot or do i have to use 2f

The square load for 1 oz of shot = 2 1/2 drams of powder (68.25gr). If FFFg is the only powder you have - use it and the reloads will be perfect. Using only 68grs is OK too because BP is a weak powder
Might want to read this website too ... http://www.tbullock.com/bpsg.html

[Dan Cash]

I load for a couple of 1880 vintage shotguns and while I have never burst one, I am circumspect with my loads. There is nothing weak about black powder and 3Fg can get quite energetic. I use 2Fg and loaded by dram equivalent for my 16 gauge guns at 2 1/2 dr 1Oz (68 grain). The load was heavy enough that it blew patterns. Reducing the charge improved patterns and the loads are very effective on pheasant and grouse. With 3Fg, I thingk I would try around 60 grains under 1 Oz shot. You don't say what gun you are using this ammo in so can't comment on the safety.

[John Boy]

For CAS, I use two external cock, vintage 1900 Damascus 12ga's with BP. 1 1/8 shot and 3 drams of Goex blasting powder (82gr) ... cheap and dirty but goes bang and smokes

[sharps4590]

I believe Dan hit on what is most likely to cause any problems using 3F. It does have a tendency to "donut" patterns. I'm also inclined to agree with him on the 60 grs. It's easy enough to start there and go up if the need arises.

In my non-Nitro proofed 16's I shoot the traditional 1 oz. of shot over 2 1/2 drams of 2F and for convenience round it up to 70 grs. If you're shooting a 12 your pressures, even with 3F, should be lower than mine. If the gun is in good shape I wouldn't think there should be any problems from pressure. The pattern will tell you the rest of the story.

[Col4570]

I always use 2 1/2 Drams of FFF Black Powder,a felt Wad. and 1 Oz of No 7 Shot.I put a Card Wad each side of the Felt Wad and a Card over the Shot.I roll Turnover to hold all in.It is a good safe load and will do all you want.