Okay all you double barrel experts...HELP! I have a Belgian Cape Gun, 12/.405 Win. It shoots consistantly high(6") and left(8") at 25 yds, with two loads. one with 400 gr cast(squib load) 3" group X 8. 5 X 2" with Hornady production 300 gr. which chronys at 2380 fps(high I know). When I start trying to make it shoot what are your suggestions? Rifle barrel is on right. Groups fired offhand w/sling. Hints, tips, or sympathy welcome.

DD,
What does it say on the barrel flats? That is a good place to start in working up a load.

Rusty
We band of brothers!

DD As Rusty says, let us know what it says on the bbl flats. Assuming it says nothing [it should say something], here is what I would do if it was my cape gun. I would forget about cast bullets for a while, sometimes it takes a little witch craft to get cast bullets to shoot well. Also do not shoot it using a sling, as that could wreck havoc with regulation. How much does the gun weigh?
If the factory 405 loads do not show high pressure or any other problems the following should be safe.
Clean the barrel very, very good.
Get some 300gr. bullets that are correct for the 405 WCF, the Hornadys should be .411 dia.
Load four rounds of the following:
Start with 50gr. of IMR 3031
Go up one grain at a time, watching for pressure signs or any other problems. I have seen 57 grains listed as maximum, but that is for the Winchester 95, you might not want to go that high, WATCH FOR PRESSURE.
Hopefully you will find a load that will shoot accurately, it may or may not shoot with the sights, they can be moved later if necessary. The Important thing is to fine a load that shoots good with NO pressure signs. If this works or fails, either way, then do the following.
Test the 12ga. bbl with as many different slugs as you can find. [HINT] I have found that the "low recoil" slugs meant for Law Enforcement sometimes shoot real good in some of the older combination, and single bbl shotguns. [they kill pigs o.k. too ]
See where the shotgun bbl prints with slugs in relation to the sights and the 405 bullet impact.
Let us know how this works out. Your "problem" may be solved.
If the individual bbl groups are good, but you cannot get them to group together, then I would take the best rifle load, and the best grouping slugs and send it to JJ at Champlins to be re-regulated and re-sighted.
I do not know where you live or hunt, but a 405/12ga would make a good hunting gun for a whole bunch of situations.

Thanks for the info. Hadn't realized that about the sling. Will try loads as you suggest. Flats have load info for 12 but not .405. Atop the barrel inlaid in gold on the rib it says 57C which I assume was the cordite load. Gun was well cared for but used a great deal. weight about 71/4 pounds. underlever. Wish it could talk.....

Will let you know how it turns out.

Dan

Before you fire a shot slug the bore with any double gun of Foriegn make...problem is damn few folks know how to slug a bore or rather how to measure the slug...

Before you fire a shot slug the bore with any double gun of Foriegn make...problem is damn few folks, even gunsmiths know how to slug a bore or rather how to measure the slug would be more appropreate...

First thing I did was cast the chamber and muzzle, AND slug the bore. Valid thought however, and thank you.