3" 12 Gauge Black Powder Load?

[Marc Retallack]

Paul

Perhaps Craig Smith at Circle Fly Wads http://www.circlefly.com/index.html can help you with loads for your Ithaca.

Cheers
Marc

[10ga Hammer]

A heavy 12ga load here is listed as 3 1/2 drams black powder and 1 1/4 oz shot. A 3in shell may have room for extra wadding, for less shot deformation and a tighter pattern?
http://www.tbullock.com/bpsg.html

[Pauly B.]

Actually that makes sense to me. The longer column would leak less and make a tighter seal. I see that Rocky Mountain offers 3" brass shells. These may be just the ticket for this Ithaca. It is obvious when looking at the gun that the chambers were made that way (virtually no taper until way past the chambers). It is a heavy gun on a larger frame. It makes my #2 frame Parkers look dainty!

I just found data from Goex, they say 4 drams and 1 1/2 ounces for 3 inch 12 gauge. I think the gun would handle it with no problem, however I am not sure I could take it! I think I'll try the 3 1/2 dram x 1 1/4 ounce load.

[StubTwist]

Paul, are you sure 4 drams? I checked Goex's site for the 3" 12ga. load with 1 1/2oz of shot. 1 dram equals 27.3 grains of black powder. 102 grains / 27.3 = 3.73 drams. A pretty stout load! Your idea to start with 3 1/2 drams is a good start

[Pauly B.]

Originally Posted by Frank Cronin

Paul, are you sure 4 drams? I checked Goex's site for the 3" 12ga. load with 1 1/2oz of shot. 1 dram equals 27.3 grains of black powder. 102 grains / 27.3 = 3.73 drams. A pretty stout load! Your idea to start with 3 1/2 drams is a good start

Frank, you are correct, my "quick" math was bad. 3 3/4 drams or so with 1 1/2 ounces: still more than I want to try!