Help needed for my SxS 12 gauge.

[Patocazador]

I just took delivery of a Pietta 12 ga with cylinder/cylinder bores. I wish it to be an all-around gun and shoot birds and deer.

Questions:
1) The bore measures .735". What size ball do I need to shoot a patched round ball in it?
2) If I use a plastic shot-cup/wad (power piston), what's the best way to apply lube for easier cleaning?

Since this is my 1st BP shotgun, I expect that I'll have many more questions as I move along.

 

[PapaG]

.735 bore minus 2 times patch thickness should give you ball size. .012 ticking times two is .024. .710 would work.
Tighter is better. If you fire one barrel, check that the ball has not moved forward in the unfired one(remove cap before checking). Do not use a wad over the ball. The ball can overrun the wad and bulge your barrel.
For plastic wads, work some lube into the cushion section. I use power pistons with Lee key drive slugs in a Navy Arms "Magnum" double.

 

[Patocazador]

Thanks PapaG.
2 more questions- What is a Lee key drive slug and do you have a starting place where I could search for a mold for .710 balls?

 

[elhombreconnonombre]

Try Track of the Wolf. I picked up a .715 single ball mold there at one time for a shottie.

 

[whughett]

PapaG.
Does that "ball overrun" apply to revolvers. Have wondered why we use grease over or wad under,but have not seen anyone using a wad on top of the ball.
Excuse the thread wander

 

[PapaG]

Wouldn't know about revolvers...I used either a felt wad under the ball or thick grease over. I was always told by the old timers at friendship never to put a card wad over a solid projectile.
Lee key drive slugs are just fosters cast in lee's proprietary mould that has a web across the base cavity. Use them with plastic shot cups. Moulds can be bought for about 30 bucks.
Check Dixie for RB moulds.

 

[greywolf444]

I use card wads cut from cardboard shoe boxes with shot loads and thick felt wads with a ball. the ball is patched, too. the ball is a .690. mine shoots lower than you expect using the front bead. works better to just sight along the rib. I got disinvited from the local bp club when the ball loads knocked the swingers off their chains.

 

[Patocazador]

I use card wads cut from cardboard shoe boxes with shot loads and thick felt wads with a ball. the ball is patched, too. the ball is a .690. mine shoots lower than you expect using the front bead. works better to just sight along the rib. I got disinvited from the local bp club when the ball loads knocked the swingers off their chains.

HaHaHa !! I'd like to see that.

 

[elhombreconnonombre]

I came across a CVA percussion Pietta short sxs 12g shottie with a 15" barrel recently. Probably not very useful, but could be fun to shoot on occasion.