10 Gauge Muzzleloader Might Pattern On A Barn Door (Real Close)

[tincansailor]

I finished a Dixie Gun Works 10 Gauge kit back in the last century. Did a handsome job of it IMHO. Had it blued. Looked great. Then tried it out with a lack of success. Very reliable but would not get a decent pattern. Tried a few things but those cylinder bores didn't want to co-operate. Seems like I tried again a couple of times but still no joy. Looked good hanging on the wall, though.

Then I reread Sam Fadala's Black Powder Loading Manual, looking for help on a new rifle. Happened upon his wisdom with shotgun patterning with a Ballistics Products 10 gauge Magnum Ballistic Pattern Driver. Looked like just the ticket! Went to Ballistics Products website and tried to find their product. Nope. Evidently it's been dropped.

Is there another outfit that makes this product or something similar that might just work? I'm a rifle guy so I need all the help I can get with a scattergun. Thanks for any advice.

[dondiego]

There is a Sticky here on Muzzleloaders above on The ML Shotgun by VM Starr that is a very good read. Take a look.

[indian joe]

oftentimes reducing the powder charge will tighten a cylinder bore pattern some.

[Nobade]

That V.M. Starr sticky worked for me. Two cardboard wads on the powder, shot, and one wad on the shot. Works for all my shotguns. If I want a really tight pattern I'll use the Skychief load with powder, card, shot, and a cushion wad soaking wet with olive oil. Don't need lots of fancy stuff for shotguns, just patience to experiment.

[Edward]

Look up the Sky chief load here and your troubles vanish along with clay birds !/Ed