doublegunshop.com - home Forums Thread Like Summary - Patterning a black powder double gun

I’ve got an 1896 vintage Remington 1889 hammer gun I’m working up loads for dove hunting. I loaded up five different charges and just shot them through the right, more open choked barrel as it seems to be the more temperamental of the two. Components used were 2 1/2” Magtech brass shells, large pistol primers, .125” nitro over powder card, 1/2” lubricated fiber wad, and a .025” overshot card. Loads were as follows:

2 3/4 drams FFg and 1oz of 7 1/2 shot
2 3/4 drams FFg and 1 1/8 oz of 7 1/2 shot
3 drams FFg and 1 1/8 oz of 7 1/2 shot
3 drams FFg and 1 1/4 oz of 7 1/2 shot
3 1/4 drams FFg and 1 1/4 oz of 7 1/2 shot

Here are the resulting patterns.


2 3/4 - 1 oz


2 3/4 - 1 1/8 oz


3 - 1 1/8 oz


3 - 1 1/4 oz


3 1/4 - 3 1/4 oz

I think the last pattern is the best, even though it doesn’t have the highest percentage of shot in the circles. But it does have the most even distribution of pellets.

Keep in mind that this barrel’s constriction shows to be an improved modified choke, but it’s shooting this load more along the lines of a cylinder choke. I’d be interested to hear any and all comments or advice from those smarter than me.

I know most experts say all pattern test should be 40 yards. But I often do 20, 25 or 30 yards if those distances are more realistic for my most likely shooting distances. I’ve seen a lot of good 25-30 yard patterns which look too open and spotty at 40 yards. And most people hit few Dove at an honest 40 yards, for that matter few even know what 40 yards is in the field.

I place distance markers, cut weeds, when I’m shooting Dove. At 30 or 33 yards which is my effective .410 patterns. If a Dove is inside 33 yards I expect a clean kill when I do my part. Hence the shorter pattern distances. All my .410 patterns look weak at 40 yards, which is beyond my shooting distances. So I use 25-30 as my test range when pattern.

I think the double marks are a Sharpie pen next to each pellet strike indicating it has been counted. I noticed the same thing and wondered for a moment how that could be.

I do think that loose wads will have an effect on pattern (and efficiency of the load in general. In fact, I know it will.

Drew, Thanks for the clarification; I never noticed the discrepancy in terminology before. Sandlapper