do any of you shoot blackpowder shells?

[Don Kaas]

I load blackpowder 10 gauge shells using 4 drams of FFG Pyrodex and 1 1/4 oz of #4 bismuth in a Federal brown hull cut to 3" for use in a #3 frame T1 30" 10 ga toplever hammergun known as "The Sinkbox Society" gun and engraved on the rib as such. Destry and I both shot this gun out of a battery in the St. Lawrence to good effect. I also used a #1 frame D3 30" 12ga toplever this year in the marais at our Quebec camp loaded with 3 1/2 drams of FFG Pyrodex and 1 1/4 oz of bismuth #5 in UMC cases. When used on the open water wildfowling the smoke is rarely an issue even for a second shot due to the usual presence of a breeze and the Pyrodex isn't quite as smokey as Hazard's Ducking Powder...Destry just gave me some RMC turned brass cases in 10 ga. I have some 10 ga UMCs I've never tried so I guess we'll have to get 'em loaded. I also have about 800 Federal paper cases in 12 ga I am going to try out as more authentic waterfowling loads for the old guns. I sure wish they still made Dupont Bulk Smokeless...

[Double Trouble]

Joe:

I used to shoot BP exclusively out of my Parkers. Bear in mind that those shells will not pattern as tightly as the RST shells...
Hoever, if you want to shoot them on certain occasions, or when the shots will be close & fast - the open patterns will help your scores !

( I like to shoot BP shells when I hunt preserve pheasants with friends. They expect me to be out there with some crazy old artillery, and all the smoke gives them something to b*tch about. ...and since BP shells shoot big patterns, I can get on the birds quicker then they can !!!!!)

Get a few boxes of BP, but also get a few cases of RST shells !
RST also offers fiber-wad shells (will pattern more like the BP loads) and have recently cataloged a spreader load that'll offer fuller & wider patterns.

It's SO NICE to not have to do more than a Hoppes # 9 cleaning & an oily rag after a long day's hunt...

[Old and Reliable]

I had a old LeFever G grade 12- 30" Twist barrels and I bought a box of British BP paper 12- their No. 6 shot 2.5" 1 0z. after we Magnafluxed the barrels, we shot it for proof and pattern with some of those loads, also some 2.5" RST shells as well- absolutely no problems with either- I still have some of those paper BP12's and also some in 20 bore (3/4 oz. No. 7 shot) and I agree, it is fun to use them in one tube when hunting with others-

I bought a older 1851 Colt Navy .36 cap and ball- with some accessories in the box- and perhaps you BP gents can identify and date same for me- (1) Older ed metal can with screw off top with logo label DUPONT 1F Superfine FFg Gunpowder with Wilmington, DEL. U.S.A. address (no zip code) on back in black ink-- at base MADE IN U. S. A. below that NET Wt. 1 lb. or 454 Grams= after I have my gunsmith check over this older Colt, wonder if that powder would be correct for that weapon and cal.- I also found in the box a new red and white same size cannister of GOEX, INC. also FFg Superfine Black Rifle powder- later issue as it has a zip code for the factory in MOOSIC, PENNSYLVANIA, 18507, U.S.A.- similar powders? just the "Uncle Dupey" stuff is older, right??

I only reload AA 12 target hulls- with Red Dot and 209 primers and white wads-for clays and non-game birds- have no experience reloading paper shells with BP-thanks for any information on the powder cans--

[AmarilloMike]

Originally Posted by Don Kaas

I sure wish they still made Dupont Bulk Smokeless...

Don I have been experimenting with Rex III. It is very bulky. For instance, from the 16 gauge reloaders group, there is a recipe for Rex III that propels 1 oz of shot at 1230 fps and 9200 psi. It calls for 22 grains which I get pretty close to with a MEC #38 powder bushing.

Best,

Mike