Pedersoli Coach SXS

[partyboy424]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum (I've been following it for months, but finally registered) I recently purchased a Pedersoli Coach Shotgun with double barrels and percussion ignition. I'm completely new to BP shooting and so far have only taken about 10 shots with #5 lead shot and 777 (which is horrendous)

I may be using it to hunt squirrels this season, since I wasn't able to get an antlerless deer permit for my zone. On the occasions where I don't fire it off, is it okay to leave the gun loaded with powder, wads and shot and take the cap off of the nipple? I've read that maybe putting a small piece of leather on each nipple will help keep the moisture out until I take the gun out the following weekend, but wasn't sure if there are better options.

Here is a pic of it wall mounted with the gun hooks from TOTW.

Kevin

 

[mykeal]

Yes. Black powder is stable, although slightly hygroscopic. The shot column and cards should prevent any moisture absorption from the muzzle, and sealing the nipple cone with leather will work on that end. However, if you have it out in cold weather DO NOT bring it into a warm environment as moisture will condense inside the sealed area.

 

[Prairie Dawg]

I always shoot mine at the end of the day.
Why take a chance on the powder getting wet or ??? and lose a chance at a nice game animal the next time out?
I had this happen on a deer hunt and lost a very nice deer the next morning, due to a dud (fouled powder = pop, but no bang)
Just a thought.
--Dawg

 

[Chawbaccer]

If you hadn't already fired it and reloaded you can leave it be. On a damp or rainy day I would unload and clean, oil no matter what.

 

[partyboy424]

I also have been reading that most "recommended" loads for shotguns consist of 75 grains or less. However, on the barrel it says "89 grains and 1 1/4 shot" Is that a safe load? How about 89 grains with a 715 PRB, or does the PRB create a higher pressure and thus require a smaller amount of powder? I ordered 690 and 715 rounds balls last week. I haven't shot them yet, but the 715 fits in the barrel no problem, so I figure I should skip the 690's and just load that with the tightest patch possible. I also ordered .10 and .15 lubed patches.

 

[arcticap]

A .715 lead round ball weighs almost the exact same as 1.25 ounces of lead shot does, each weighs ~550 grains and 546.8 grains respectively.

The Pedersoli manual lists the maximum loads for their Diopetta/side by side "classic" 12 ga. as 100 grains of powder with 1.25 ozs. of shot, and 90 grains of powder with a .695 round ball & .010 patch for the Diopetta/side by side "slug".
The recommended powder charge for each of the payloads is 85 grains and 70 grains respectively.