70 cal Howdah double pistol.

[lar45]

Hi everybody, I've been loading for my 70 cal Howdah with 16ga shells cut to 1.6" . So far I have used 20-60 gn of FFg Black, a fiber wad and a Lee 1oz 12ga slug.
With 50-60 gns it shoots good groups, the only problem is at 15 yds it shoots about 10" high. I did pickup the 7/8 oz mold, but haven't tried it yet. It's been awhile since I've chronoed it, but I seem to remember 60 gns gave around 700fps-ish.
So my questions are,
Thoughts on getting it to shoot lower.
Max safe charge? There's probably enough room for 100+ gns of FFg Black in there, but I don't want to hurt the gun. She's about 170 years old and still locks up as tight as can be.

[rancher1913]

you really dont need to aim something like that.

[lar45]

A friend of mine wants to take me bear hunting with it.

[jj500]

Make sure you can out run him!

[JSnover]

I don't think those were ever intended to hit point of aim at more than 15 feet. Not saying they can't, just that you shouldn't be surprised if yours doesn't.

[Cosmic_Charlie]

So you pull that and say howdah to Mr. Bear......

[John in WYO]

I’ll politely decline using a Howdah pistol going bear hunting with a 437 grain (~1oz) slug at 700 FPS and 475 foot pounds of energy.�� Maybe from a howdah on an elephant or from a machan/tree stand.

.500 Linebaugh 440 grain-er at 1200 FPS and 1400 foot pounds is closer to my comfort zone.

Your Arkansas bears might be a bit smaller than ours.��



What cartridge is it chambered for?

[lar45]

It takes a 16ga shell cut to 1.6". Strictly a Handloading situation.

[Longknife]

I would try a lighter round ball, That will increase velocity and get the ball out of the barrel sooner which might lower the impact point,,,,

[Larry Gibson]

Got to handle Lars Howdah pistol at MBT Gunsmith shop back in June....very nice, intriguing piece....

I doubt lars will be going after grizz with it but it should be fun to shoot and experiment with. Unfortunately I live a long ways away or I'd be there offering my "advise". From my perspective it's nice to see the girl put back in use....even for just fun.