54 smooth rifle load

[Wislnwings]

I'm shooting a patched round ball over 80 grains as a deer load in my 54 smooth rifle.  Can you guys recommend a starting point for a shot load?  I have no experience with shot loads in a flintlock.

[Rob DiStefano]

One of the best online articles on shot loads for flintlock smoothbores ...

http://home.insightbb.com/~bspen/SmoothboreLoads.html

I'll add that the T/C Renegade .56 recommended shot load is 80 grains of 2F under a 1/2" fiber wad (Circle Fly) under 7/8ozs of #6 pr #7-1/2 shot, under another 1/2" fiber wad.

[Wislnwings]

Thanks Rob.  Good article.

[Rob DiStefano]

I've mostly loaded shot for a 20ga fowler and a few times for a .58 smooth rifle. 

I haven't loaded shot in years and checking my records - for both above guns it was 60 grains of Swiss 3F, under a .135" Circle Fly over powder gas seal wad, under a Circle Fly 1/2" cushion shot wad lubed with Gato Feo, 7/8oz of #7-1/2 lead shot, under a Circle Fly .070" over shot wad.  Circle Fly wads are sized to the bore. 

Always seems to take some testing to find what works best for any gun or bore size.

[lone hunter]

I purchased a 62cal smooth bore about 15 yrs. ago for turkey and geese.  I asked for help just as you are doing.  The advice I was given was as follows: 80gr 2/3 F (your choice), 1 hard card then 1 cushion card, then using the 80gr measure add that amount of shot then 1 or 2 hard cards, (your choice). This recipe is devastating on turkeys and geese.  Hope this helps, Mike