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.

You should get the book 'Shooting English Double Rifles' by Graeme Wright, the Aussie. Wright has loaded for every kind of old blackpowder double and has some excellent black and smokeless loads in his book. He even tells you how to make wads, crimp the shells, etc.