doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com loading black powder shells

SMLEkid
I use Wano 2P, but 3f/p is also said to be an appropriate granulation.
I use the two piece/Reiffenhausser (sp?) style that everyone else spurns for reloading and save the compression formed stuff for nitro; the two piece have a greater capacity and tend to develop lower pressures than the others. I trim them to length with a pocketknife once I've seated the over shot wad and roll crimp them.
BP melts holes in them, but they're free!
The looks at the range are priceless if they're not used to BP! I use them at Hamilton SSAA occasionally; the first time they thought there'd been a blowup!
The Tom Bullock page is superb.
RG

I've loaded many BP shells- the only thing I'd recommend is useing a thin [ .028 ] overshot wad. The thicker ones [ in my experince ] will put a hole in your patterns. Use more , or less overpowder wads, or cut the 1/2" filler wad to get the proper amount for your load- NOT over the shot. You can do without any overshot wad- just work up the proper height with wads between powder and shot, and star crimp. And as Jim wrote , use what ever press you normally use, they work just fine. I've used a 46 bushing for BP in a Mec. Good luck - Paul

thanks all
Cadet that is the response I was hoping for from other shooters I don't think many would have seen black powder
I have sourced some 3P Wano here I just need to round up some wads should be good for a little fun I was also planning on using the Reiffenhausser cases

Let me know if you want wads.
I just punch them with a 3/4 inch wad punch (Bunning's etc) from heavy card and 1/4 inch saddle felt (sourced from a felt manufacturer in Huntingdale, Melb.). I dunk the felt wads in 50:50 beeswax (ebay) and olive oil (coles).
If using 3P (Forbes?) you might want to drop the charge back a little from that used with 2P.
Fiddly, takes time to round up and do, but the enthusiast should love it!
RG

I live on the Coast and have trouble with Paper shells. They swell to much and do not fit in the gun.
I also use BP with Bismuth and it seems to work, the birds do not like it.