Wild Wings and White Smoke

Muzzleloading shotguns are not as popular among hunters as muzzleloading rifles, but I see more and more of them in the field each year simply because they are so much fun. Available in single- and double-barrel configurations, wingshooters often prefer the double for the way it handles and because it offers two shots without having to reload.

The double imported from Italy by Cabela's is available in 10, 12 and 20 gauge models, and it comes with screw-in chokes for improved cylinder, modified and extra-full constrictions. The bores are chrome lined and capable of handling steel shot. Prices start at less than $450. While it takes only a brief glance to discover that these guns were not built by Purdey or Westley Richards, the quality is quite good for the price. A similar shotgun is available from Dixie Gun Works.

As a rule, double-barrel muzzleloaders are not designed to handle powder and shot charges as heavy as are commonly used in modern, in-lin single-barrel guns. Maximum charges for my 12-gauge double are 89.0 grains (by volume) of blackpowder (or one of its substitutes) and 11⁄4 ounces of shot.

Some turkey hunters choose single-barrel guns like the Knight TK2000, Thompson/Center Encore and Traditions Buckhunter because they are usually a bit less expensive than a double-barrel gun. Since the modern in-line muzzleloading shotgun is basically a rifle with a 12-gauge smoothbore barrel, it comes with adjustable sights, and its receiver is drilled and tapped for the mounting of a scope or electronic sight.

The in-line gun is also designed to handle much heavier loads than the typical double-barrel hammer gun. Knight, for example, recommends the use of 2 1/2 ounces of shot and 120 grains of powder in its 12-gauge TK2000. This is substantial, considering that two ounces is the heaviest shot charge available in the 3-inch 12-gauge shotshell.

Only blackpowder or one of its substitutes--such as Pyrodex RS or Triple-7--should be used in muzzleloading shotguns. I stopped using blackpowder when Hodgdon introduced Pyrodex, which leaves less fouling residue behind. Now I use Triple-7 exclusively because, in addition to leaving less fouling than either blackpowder or Pyrodex, it is also free of the rotten-egg odor of both.

When hunting spring gobblers with the Knight TK2000, I use 100 grains of Triple-7 and 2 1/4 ounces of shot, a combination that generates enough recoil to get your attention. For wingshooting at close to medium ranges with my double-barrel gun, I load an ounce of shot atop 75 grains of Triple-7 (FFg granulation), but when hunting pheasants late in the season I up the payload to 1 1/4 ounces and increase the powder charge to 85 grains. These loads generate about the same level of perceived recoil as modern shotshells loaded with the same shot charge weights.