Thread: Reloading for black powder

12 GAUGE BRASS So load powder (grade FFG) then cardboard wad from milk carton, then grease cookie, then maybe two wads from beer mats/coaster, bit of a cushion for the shot, then shot,then wad held with small dob of wax. I have load data at home. I usually mount a new, old, gun in an old tyre and fire with a string attached first few times for safety. Have used light smokeless loads as the proofing, as Bp wont have the same pressure. but be careful first few times

Originally Posted by Maca49

12 GAUGE BRASSAttachment 25147 So load powder (grade FFG) then cardboard wad from milk carton, then grease cookie, then maybe two wads from beer mats/coaster, bit of a cushion for the shot, then shot,then wad held with small dob of wax. I have load data at home. I usually mount a new, old, gun in an old tyre and fire with a string attached first few times for safety. Have used light smokeless loads as the proofing, as Bp wont have the same pressure. but be careful first few times

You cant use Platic wads or Hulls as the heat of the BP burning will melt it enough to finely line the bore with plastic, dangerous after a while! It comes out like a plastic condom when you put a cleaning rod thru

Originally Posted by Maca49

12 GAUGE BRASSAttachment 25147 So load powder (grade FFG) then cardboard wad from milk carton, then grease cookie, then maybe two wads from beer mats/coaster, bit of a cushion for the shot, then shot,then wad held with small dob of wax. I have load data at home. I usually mount a new, old, gun in an old tyre and fire with a string attached first few times for safety. Have used light smokeless loads as the proofing, as Bp wont have the same pressure. but be careful first few times

This was a really helpful guide thank you. It seems reloading these is more trial and error / experience as there's little load data. I personally want light loads for cowboy action and was hoping to use Trail Boss not BP.

I've read issues with these specific hulls in 'some' cases where the recess around the primer in the brass head has left some slower powders unburnt. In some articles people plug the bottom with plastic, I was thinking to fill up the base with a little molten lead, then copy your load data but adjusted for Trail Boss. Is lead filler a good idea?

On a side note, I'm not a hot glue fan, wax seems ok. What was used 'back in the day' to seal off loaded hulls? Pitch? Pine resin? Shellac? Just curious.