Wildcatter

Cannon powder is significantly coarser than Fg. Fg is typically used for bores larger than 10 gauge.

If you are shooting blanks, your only payload is wadding. 3F is fine for that application. Just don't use too much ;-)

3F is reserved for pistols and small cartridge loading as well as rifles of 45 caliber and smaller. The finer the granulation of powder, the faster the entire charge ignites due to the increased surface area of the grains (ie increased burning rate). For the big bores, you are heaving huge payloads at low to moderate velocity. You need a slower burning rate powder to accomplish this without dangerous breech pressure.

4-bore cartridge guns are loaded with 14-16 drams of Fg or FFg. I use FFg for a faster burning rate to get a little more velocity out of a very short barrel. The use of FFg also increases breech pressure compared to a coarser grade. I feel it is safe to use FFg in the 4-bore blunderbusses that I build. I build the blunderbuss barrel and breech plug to the same spec as a 4-bore rifle designed to fire a 1750 grain ball with a full ounce (16 drams or 437 grains) of powder. I don't use that much powder because it will never get close to burning efficiently in short barrels. I came up with a 200 grain standard loading by shooting the weapon over a white sheet with progressively higher loads until I started seeing unburned powder. That occurred at around 220 grains. Send me an e-mail or give me a call regarding pricing. Pricing depends completely on options. Reignclark@gmail.com 512-419-8424

50 caliber balls are to big for your bore size. I would keep buckshot at about 45% of bore size so they nest well in the barrel. You should use 36 caliber buckshot (000) as the largest size in your gun. I cannot recommend a powder charge as I am not familiar with your particular weapon.

13 each 45 caliber balls make a 4 ounce load that I recommend for the 4-bores. These balls stack like 00 buck in a 12-bore. Pattern spread depends on barrel length and velocity. The power of this load within 30 yards has to be seen and shot to be believed. Heavy payloads of small birdshot give dense patterns at 30-50 yards with the longer barrel lengths with no choke. The 1400 grain round balls will go 5-6 feet into a clay bank and create a hole the size of your fist. The momentum created is unbelievable. Reign Clark 512-419-8424

See more at customblunderbuss.com Reign

Will cut the flare about 2" back from the muzzle. This one has a bore of .985". The flare goes to about 1.750". Please contact me for photos, further info about configuration, and pricing. My first buss was a 7-bore. It shoots 2.5 oz of shot or a 1000 grain ball. At 8 lbs, it's a hoot. Look for videos on YouTube under customblunderbuss for video of the 7 and 4 bores in action. Thanks, Reign Clark

My name is Reign Clark. I built Will's 4-bore blunderbuss kit from a blank of Bastogne walnut and a round bar stock for the barrel and breech plug. I test fired his gun to develop a proof and standard load for his particular gun. If I can help anyone with a fine blunderbuss similar to the one I built for Red Jacket, let me know. Contact me at 512-419-8424 or reignclark@gmail.com