Posted by MDK_WV
on 9/7/2009, 8:48 pm
4.184.43.63
Today I was able to take my .62 caliper smoothbore flintlock to the shooting range for the first time this summer. It has been a busy summer; 9 weeks of radiation treatments for cancer, dealing with the side effects, working, dealing with family issues and working on building my garage has taken up about every available minute. I loaded up and when I got to the range there was only one table open, it seemed a lot of people had the same idea I had. I worked on my shot loads first. I was shooting 30 yards and using 60 grains of powder and 70 grains of shot. The best I could get was about 6 to 8 pellets in a 10 inch circle using this combination. I used 60/60, 70/70 and 70/80, but couldn't to better then the 60/70 combination. Is this normal? Or should I continue to experiment?
I worked next on shooting a round ball at 50 yards. I have not shot a RB from a smooth bore before and was surprised a .610 ball would not accept a patch. I loaded powder, a cushion wad and the ball with out a patch. I had to seat the ball with the ball starter and ram it home. Is this normal? Is there a patch that will accept a ball? I was using 80 grains of powder and was able to place my shots in the 10 inch circle. I ran out of time to check out further results at 75 yards. This will give me an excuse to get back to the range soon before hunting season.
Thanks in advance for any advice or knowledge you are able to pass on about my questions.
It was great to get out and smoke up the shooting range for all of the other shooters.
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