[Serial Fan]

I've only gotten out to the range twice since acquiring these guns, and I was rushed for time on both occasions, but it was a pretty good start. The bores on this gun showed .627" on my caliper, so I ordered some new supplies from ToW. I ordered over-powder wads, fiber cushion wads, and over-powder cards in 19 gauge. The fiber cusion wads were dry, so I used my 50/50 mix of melted Bore Butter and olive oil. I used #6 chilled shot from ToW that's really a mix of #6 and #7; 2F and 3F GOEX; and RWS caps.

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/mike53787/IMG_1880.jpg

On a side note, I did a little test with the two types of caps I had, RWS and CCI #11 Magnums. I stuffed a cotton ball in the muzzle and popped a cap of each type (using the same barrel, to eliminate that variable). The RWS caps made a noticeably louder 'bang', produced much more sparks coming out from under the hammer, and threw the cotton ball about 8" farther. I don't know if this means hotter spark or better performance, I just thought the differences were interesting.

Anyway, I was shooting over a sandbag rest, and swabbing between shots with T/C No. 13 bore cleaner. I periodically checked to see if the load in the second barrel had shifted under the recoil of the first, but that never appeared to be a problem. My targets were attached to a piece of 1/2" plywood propped up against a rubbermaid container (pretty fancy, huh?).

My time was limited, so I wasn't able to test a lot of different loads. Mostly what I did was choose a load and try it at different ranges (I'll experiment with different loads as I spend more time at the range with it). For the same reason, I also used the cusion wads in their full 1/2" thickness. As I do more shooting, I'll cut them to one-half and one-third their thickness to see if performance is affected.

Disclaimer: I'm used to rifled pistols with sights. This was my first time shooting a smoothbore pistol with no rear sight and a bead front, so I wasn't expecting stellar accuracy.

For the shot loads, the load was 7/8 oz. of the aforementioned #6 shot (using my Lee adjustable shot dipper) and an equal volume of 3F GOEX (which was 55 grains of 3F according to my powder measure), OP wad, lubed cusion wad, and OS card. I started at three yards (that's my "Oh s#*@!! A snake!!" range). Being short on time, I wasn't able to get as detailed with the loads as I would have liked. I wanted to mainly determine what effect changing the amount of shot and powder would have, so that's what I concentrated on, although I did try a couple of loads with the cusion wad cut in half.

With increasing loads, I ended up at a max of 1 1/8 oz. of shot with an equal volume of powder (75 grains 3F). Recoil was getting a bit stout at that point, and the patterns weren't really any better, so I went back down to a more manageable load. Although I did feel it could handle more, and I'll probably try heavier loads at a later date, just to see what it'll do. The only effect of cutting the fiber cusion wad in half was that it smacked the middle of the target and looked like it might do more damage than any of the shot! But I only tried that with a couple of loads. Since I don't think I'll be able to get out to the range for another couple of weeks now, I kind of rushed through it.

For now, here's a quick rundown. After trying a bunch of heavier loads, I ended up going back to 7/8 oz. of shot with an equal volume of 3F, OP wad, fiber cusion wad (1/2" thick, lubed with 50/50 melted Bore Butter and olive oil), and OS card. It was raining and muddy. With my target boards sitting on the ground, some of them were getting splattered with mud as some low-flying shot hit the ground in front of them. You might see mud streaks on them where I had to wipe them off before taking the picture.

Anyway, here are some examples of what I was getting (using a 14" x 14" paper):

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/mike53787/IMG_1919.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/mike53787/IMG_1917.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/mike53787/IMG_1916.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/mike53787/IMG_1918.jpg

A couple of caveats: Being in a rush, I jumped around with the loads a bit and wasn't very methodical with the testing. When I slow down and take more time with it, I'm hoping I'll get better results. I will also try the heavier loads at longer range next time.

I'm not much of a shotgunner, and I'm hoping more people will be buying these guns so I can get some advice on them.

I'm still using 19 gauge components, since that's all I have at the moment. I might get totally different results when I try 20 gauge wads (and different size shot), but that will have to wait for now.

I'm going with strictly traditional-type loads at this point. After I've had some more trigger time with it, I might try some modern plastic wads. That would probably tighten the patterns considerably and extend the useful range.

At this point, I'm thinking this gun might be good for close-range squirrels or flushing bunnies from the brush. Just a guess; it's a bit early to say yet as it will take more time to find a good load for it, and I have yet to try 20 gauge components and plastic wads.

For round ball testing, I used .610" cast balls I ordered from ToW (which actually showed .615" when I measured them), and .010" pre-lubed Wonder patches.

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/mike53787/IMG_1810.jpg


I started off with 30 grains of 2F GOEX, followed by an OP wad, and a patched ball (always loaded sprue-up). First group was 1" at five yards...

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/mike53787/IMG_1817.jpg


The second group was 3 3/4" at ten yards...

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/mike53787/IMG_1818.jpg


I wasn't real happy with that. The vertical stringing and large spread at close range wasn't encouraging. I decided to switch to 3F to see if it made a difference. It was a good move, this gun likes 3F better. First group was under 3/4" at five yards...

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/mike53787/IMG_1878.jpg


Moving out to ten yards, it was doing 1 1/2", much better than it did with 2F...

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/mike53787/IMG_1877.jpg


And I got the same 1 1/2" at 15 yards...

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/mike53787/IMG_1887.jpg


I snapped this picture right after shooting that group at 15 yards, I thought it would be cool to show a shooter's perspective...

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/mike53787/IMG_1885.jpg


It was performing pretty well, so I wanted to go farther, but the pistol line only goes up to 17 yards. So I went over to the rifle line and set up a target at 25 yards. This was definitely challenging with no rifling, no rear sight, and that big gold ball covering the target. Not exactly precision shooting, but it's fun trying. The rifle line is out in the open and is pretty windy (the wind was gusting from the right). So, still using 30 grains 3F, this is what I got...

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/mike53787/IMG_1888.jpg


The right barrel made the hole on the right, the left barrel the hole on the left. There were two problems with that group: With the first shot (the one on the right), I jerked the trigger. I knew I had pulled the shot a bit. On the second shot (the one on the left), a right-to-left gust of wind suddenly blew when I fired. I think it might have been better if not for these two factors. But, I was out of time and I had to pack up and git. Later I plan to try heavier charges, hopefully the groups will stay tight.

I also tried some one-hand shots with 60 grains of powder just to try the recoil. The weight of the gun dampens it a bit. It wasn't a problem at all, very manageable.

The patches didn't look too bad (they got dirty from all the mud)...

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/mike53787/IMG_1822.jpg


It was punching clean holes through the 1/2" plywood...

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/mike53787/IMG_1820.jpg


And the bucket behind it...

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/mike53787/IMG_1821.jpg


The 19 gauge OP wads were pretty tough to load, as were the .615" balls. I'll try 20 gauge components and .600" balls later and see how it affects loading and performance. But 3F is definitely the granulation of choice for this gun.

I realize a smoothbore pistol isn't really intended for precision roundball shooting at 25 yards, but overall I was pretty happy with it's performance. I just regretted not having time to shoot more. More testing with varying shot loads will be in the near future, as will juggling the charges and cushion wad thicknesses. But for now, these results are a decent baseline to work from and start working up loads. This was all done with one pistol, I still haven't shot the other two yet.

[scrat]

wow that is so cool. Im very impressed

[RecoilRob]

Agree! Sweet range report. Thank you!

Am just guessing, but wouldn't they have used buckshot for protection against the Big Kitties? Might you try some on your next range foray?

Nice looking pistol that Howdah. Have been contemplating 'stimulating the economy' with one. Thanks again!

[Serial Fan]

I plan to try buckshot as well as heavier birdshot loads, and different ball diameters and patch thicknesses, load components... Testing could take a while. :D

[Perk]

Those are very nice pieces. Clean and simple lines; good art, where it's supposed to be.

Am not so much familiar with these, so am pretty impressed with the results you've quoted - especially considering the caveats ;).

[Ontos]

Just the info I was looking for, and great pics too. Thanks! I know it must have been hard work for you, but somebody's got to do it.

[PTK]

Seems like that'd be a sweet little rabbit hunting gun.

[arcticap]

That's a beautiful pistol.
There doesn't seem to be any negatives with it at all.
I'm curious about how the shot patterns would improve by using plastic shotshell wads though. :)

[Ontos]

Serial fan, what are you thinking would be a good buckshot load? I'll mostly shoot ball out of mine (when I get it!). but a dose of double 'O' would be fun too.

[Serial Fan]

what are you thinking would be a good buckshot load?

Dunno, but I'll find out. :D

[Play Hard]

Thanks Serial Fan, GREAT info!

I just got the 20x20 and shot it yesterday for the first time. I'm hoping to use it for woodcock hunting next fall, and maybe bow-range deer hunting. I haven't patterned it yet, but I am a bit concerned about the velocity of my No. 6 lead shot. Even at 80 grains of powder pushing 70 grains of shot I could not perforate a tomato sauce can at ten yards. I'm wondering if it's not possible to get adequate lethal velocity from the short barrel. Anybody done chronograph testing?

[Play Hard]

Some clarification, my lead shot charge was the volume equivalent of 70 grains, and my target was an empty can. Also used plastic shot cups. Shot didn't even perforate one side!

[Ontos]

It seems like everyone that buys one of these howdah's is going for the 20x20. I wonder if the .50 will be around very long. It seemed a bit small of a caliber for a howdah pistol anyway.

[Serial Fan]

What granulation were you using? And what other load components?

In my tests, most shot was embedded in the 1/2" plywood board, but some penetrated all the way through. I think it would do the job on birds or rabbits, although I haven't worked up a tight pattern yet.

I don't know of anyone that's done chronographing yet. Before I did my initial range report, I searched the web and many forums and didn't find any other range reports done on one yet, so I think mine might be the first. I've seen mention of other people shooting them (including a couple of pics and a short clip on youtube), but no detailed range reports. But I don't have a chronograph, so I couldn't tell you what the velocity is. I think it would do the job, you just have to keep in mind that it's not a shotgun barrel, so effective range will of course be reduced accordingly. It will just take lots of experimentation to figure out what load will work best for you at what range for what critter. I still have a lot more shooting to do before I can nail down a particular load for hunting.

Also keep in mind that a Howdah pistol was never intended to be used for hunting small game in the first place, it was designed to be a last-ditch "Oh S#&%!!!" defense gun. We're just taking it now and trying to apply it to something else it might be useful for. What degree of success we achieve with that effort remains to be seen. I'll be happy with it regardless, because I just like to make smoke and send big balls downrange. :D

[Play Hard]

I loaded 80 grains of American Poineer FFG, a plastic 20 ga shot cup, 70 gr equivalent volume No. 6 lead, and a felt wad on top

The plastic shot wad has the cushion extender thing at the base. Might that be causing a problem with velocity? Also I know, maybe try other powders, less shot, etc. I'm still experimenting.

If you are perforating your plywood with No. 6 lead, then you definitely have a higher velocity. What load did you use for that?

[Serial Fan]

I loaded 80 grains of American Poineer FFG...

There's your problem. Ditch the AP powder. It's a sub, not real blackpowder, and it's less powerful than blackpowder, more hygroscopic, and degrades over time to become even less powerful. I know, I know... Jim Shockey uses it. Guess who's paying for all his globe trotting...

GOEX 3F produces higher velocities and is more consistent and stable. You'll immediately see the difference. Take the AP stuff and sacrifice it into the swirling vortex at the altar of the porcelain god.

Also, use an overpowder wad to get a better seal and increase pressure, and thus velocity. And try an overshot card instead of a felt wad.

[Cosmoline]

Man that's some sweet iron.

Interestingly, your lockwork and stock design appear to be very close to my Kodiak double rifle's. Must be off the same equipment.

[Serial Fan]

They're both made by Pedersoli, but I don't know how similar they might be.

Here are some other pics if you missed them the first time around... http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=351807

[Cosmoline]

I just completely stripped and cleaned the Kodiak over the weekend and I'd be prepared to testify that a number of those parts are 100% identical. Others are similar enough to come off the same machines. Anyway it's not a bad thing, since these are very well made firearms. Mine had a cracked stock but it was an easy fix and the design of the receiver bolt held the whole thing together in spite of the crack.

Bottom line is, these firearms would make a VERY NICE LOOKING matched set if you wanted to get some customization done. I'm thinking about grabbing one of the .50 cal versions so they can share ammo.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b52/Gussick/kodnew2.jpg

[scrat]

very nice pics very nice

[DutchmanDick]

Load with buck-and-ball, make sure you change your loads frequently, and you've got a VERY nasty (and legal) "sawed-off shotgun" for home defense!

[Serial Fan]

these firearms would make a VERY NICE LOOKING matched set

Did you see the pictures in the link I posted? I have three of them, so you could say they're a matching set. I don't plan on doing any custom work, I think they're tastefully done the way they are and any more would be a bit too much for my tastes.


Load with buck-and-ball

I plan on trying buckshot, but I don't know about buck and ball.

[Cosmoline]

I didn't scroll down far enough. Those are close enough to the Kodiak I'll bet you could put the rifle barrels into the Howdah socket. But it would look real funny.

I've got to get me one of those.

[Serial Fan]

You're right, the locks look the same.

[Play Hard]

With my recent purchase of the 20x20 Howdah pistol I now have the set. I have the Pedersoli double 12 ga, and the .54 cal Kodiak (which I shot a buck with last fall). I'll have to see if they all can swap barrels.

[Ontos]

I finally ordered my howdah, in 20x20 of course. Woo hoo! It's backordered, since I think the demand was higher than pedersoli expected, but I can wait since the money to pay for it is on backorder as well.

[Serial Fan]

Who did you order it from, Dixie? Theirs have been on backorder for a few months. Cherry's has them in stock, for less than Dixie's price. That's where I got mine. I originally had them ordered with Dixie, but I cancelled and went with Cherry's because I got tired of waiting.

http://cherrys.com/ped_pist.htm

[Ontos]

I'm up in Canada, and i don't know how my gun guy ordered it from. It's coming sometime in the future and that's good enough for me.:)

[Rachen]

Wow, that is a mighty impressive gun.

From Dixie's catalog, it doesn't look that impressive. You just have to come up close and personal to admire the beauty and art of this piece!:)
No wonder the colonials in India carried these against tigers.

[Play Hard]

Ontos, FYI I ordered my Howdah from Dixie at the end of December and received it at the end of March, so expect a three month wait at least.

[Ontos]

Thanks for the info Play Hard. Even a rough estimate of the painful wait ahead is helpful.

[.38 Special]

Fantastic gun! I called Cherry's to get mine and they say the 20x20 is gone, though they have another shipment due in about a month.

Have you done any further testing with roundballs?

[Serial Fan]

No, I haven't been to the range at all since then. Been kind of busy lately. Being a single father of three doesn't always leave a lot of spare time, and one of the three has been sick lately. I'll work on it when I can, just not sure when at the moment. I'd like to try some heavier shot as well, maybe #5.

You might try Dixie, they might have some in stock. I think their price is about the same as Cherry's, or maybe slightly higher.

[Ontos]

I've started to pick up sundry bits to go along with my howdah pistol to pass the time as I wait for it to arrive. I ordered a replica US 1942 lanyard to put on the lanyard ring from Bowens. 1942 is a little late to be correct for a percussion howdah but I liked the look of it better than the 1905 model which I ordered at the same time.
I was originally going to case it like a classic double rifle, but now I'm leaning more towards a hardwood crate with two layers of removable trays to house the assorted bits for care and feeding.

[BlackNet]

So far the best 'accessory' item I have bought for my howdah is a 20 gauge wad punch. The wad material is cardboard from cat food containers. I get these wet food boxes and they use this super thin stuff between layers, get something like 14 x 10 out of each one.

http://wetlands.simplyaquatics.com/d/29781-1/IMG_7362.JPG

Next to that cigarette paper.

http://wetlands.simplyaquatics.com/d/29775-1/IMG_7353.JPG
That's 30 grains of swiss FFFg and a .490 round ball. Just dump it down the bore and tamp it i place. the paper acts as a patch and super funny at times while shooting.

[Dr.Rob]

Sweet mother of... wow I WANT ONE!!!!

[black_powder_Rob]

awsome range report. Great Pics as well.