Double ball loads.

[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

I'm sorry I was not clear in my original post. YES, both balls are patched, BUT there is ONLY the first powder charge beneath Ball #1. I may try using a card wad or Ox-Yoke felt wad to see what happens.

I see the main benefit of this process is that one can increase the muzzle energy of the payload by 100%. For close range use, the effectiveness of round ball is enhanced. It seems the larger bores spread more. Of course, your results may vary.

Adam

[Dale]

I have also shot two patched balls from my .50 and had about the same results. For close up shots it should work fine. I have never tried it while hunting though.

[roundball]

I've experimented with those same loads (just because) with good results too...T/C's early owner's manuals actually listed the double ball loads in the load data section...I assume they ultimately dropped them out of the book due to possible liability...somebody doesn't seat the second ball properly or something and bursts a barrel, etc