I have a 10 ga side-by-side, I think the most beautiful of all guns, the side-by-side, it's 100+years old, black powder of course.

I don't hunt, don't care about 'pattern', i like to punch holes in heavy metal, like the free yugo me and budy scrounged up, lotsa fun. Found I could get 3/4 inch ball bearings for half the price of lead roundball.They are perfect for the 10. Will splash 1/4 inch steel plate, little triangular shaped things on entry side! Go to:
http://www.gvec.net/skoshikin/big_bangs to see if interested, lots other things, read the readme

Anyway, I have been trying all over the web to find some load data, I am afraid I use the 'pinky middle knucle' measure for my brass hulls, it's about 150 grains of FFG, the ball bearing is right at an ounce, don't seem to have had a problem yet, but am wondering if OK? It damn near knocks me on my ass, and is very painful, and I love it! I am not too consistent with the 'wadding', whatever is in front of me, gauze, paper towells, cleaning patches, ...Am I insane, or is this within reasonable type practices. I have had a gunsmith check out the gun and was told it was safe.

Thanks for any advice, I've loaded probably 1000+ 45 auto, but, the old shotgun-blackpowder, just trying not to blow away any body parts, almost been there!


Thanks for any info/help

rob.

Forgot to mention:

My other two favorite heavy metal killers are a 454 Casull and 50 Cal BMG

That poor engine is disentigrating.