Muzzleloading Shotgun Need Help!

[mountain man]

Looking for anybody who has info on setting up the powder and or shot charge. I have a CVA Trapper 12ga., using #6 shot, plastic shot cups,cardboard wads. I have shot it before but was not very successful in target practice, even at 20 yards.Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Shovelbuck]

Mountain man, In my experience, I've had no luck using plastic shot cups. I load mine just like the old timers. Powder, over powder card, thick fiber wad, shot, and over shot card. I use a Navy arms with a poly choke. I shoot shot from it with the choke screwed tight. I also use volume for volume loading. Ex. 80 grains pyrodex and the same measurer full of shot. Hope this helps some. I also have a test of this gun on my web page with about the same info. Keep yer powder dry, Jay

 

[NWBuck]

mountain man,

I recently bought a Knight TK2000. I use 120 grains of pyrodex with 3.5" plastic wad cups and a styrofoam wad over. Ignition is #11 percussion cap. Anyway, here's my advice: try different shot sizes. Using #6 shot with the above specs mine has a terrible pattern even at 30-35 yards. With #5's the pattern is very good, even at 45 yards. Kicks like a mule, but still fun to shoot. Good luck!

 

[mountain man]

Shovel Buck, NWbuck,
Thanks to both for the info. Will take it and give it a shot.

mountain man

 

[muddy]

NWBuck,

I've read that the muzzleloading shotguns don't pattern well at even medium ranges like 30 or more yards. I was just in a store talking about the TK2000 and these are the stats I got:

120 grains of FFg GOEX black powder & 2-1/2 ounces of #4 Knight RedHot lead shot in 3-1/2 inch shot cups (340 pellets per cup)

25 yards - 330 shot in a 30 inch diameter which is 97% of the shot hitting in the 30 in circle
30 yards - 328 shot in a 30 inch diameter which is 96% of the shot hitting in the 30 in circle
40 yards - 389 shot in a 30 inch diameter which is 85% of the shot hitting in the 30 in circle

I don't know what the conditions were when they shot them but a 30 inch circle is bigger than anything I've ever used, what turkey has a head that big?!?! I've always used a paper plate for my target. I hope the jibberish I wrote will help ya'll out.

 

[vman]

NWBUCK,
I would have to agree with you. I to have a TK2000. I use 110 grains of pyrodex. Knight 5 shot and 3.5 in wads. At 40 yards I get 25-30 pellets in the red area of a turkey target. I agree, this baby kicks like a mule. The old boy I shot this year didn't now what hit him. I will never use a different gun for turkeys.

 

[NWBuck]

vman,

Yep...they really pack a punch. I put a nice tom down with no flopping...just lights out. But then again, I guess it should have at only 12 yards

I also fell in love with the TruGlo sight that comes standard with the gun. Definetely a great turkey gun. I just wish they weren't such a pain in the rear to clean.

 

[vman]

NWBUCK,
Mine was at 30 yards, and he went down with no flopping to. I won mine at a NWTF banquet so I convinced myself that I needed a scope. Your right though the sights that come with the gun are great.