Muzzle loading shotguns? Educate me

[ghosthunter]

Thinking of getting into muzzle loading shotguns for birds. I have black powder rifles, but never had a shotgun. I really like SS cap lock.

What are my options? What do I need to know? 20 ga. 410 ?

I also have an old Hawken replica that I was wondering if I could bore out to smooth bore??
 

[Smokeploe]

I have a 12 ga sxs for about 25 years now.  When I CA I use to dove shoot with it,  it a blast and in a good spot quite fun trying to keep both barrels loaded.  Loading is real easy, what ever shot load you use you use the same powder load.  You have to know what is the max load for your barrels,  example 1 1/4 oz load.  You can vari the loading like 1 oz of shot and 1 1/8 oz of powder,  you will need to spend time at the pattern board.  You do want to get the chrome moly barrels so you can use nonlead shot, worth the extra expense.  As far as .410, not worth the effort.  20 ga I feel that it is too small,  12 ga you can load down to 7/8 oz but I stick with 1 oz. They are a kick in the but when you go out in the field and no one realizes you have a front stuffer,  the boom will rattle everyone!   Send me a PM with your number if you want to talk more.

Smokeploe

[SeaRun1]

I have a 20 gauge Fowler but have been looking into a double barrel percussion shotgun myself.  Interested to see the replies.

SR1

[DeerThug]

I have a 12 ga double barrel.  Have not used it in years but used to dove shoot with it. Everyone says dove are hard to hit but with this gun it was very effective.  Dont remember my load but it was a fun gun to shoot birds with.

[Skillet]

Many years ago I thought about adding a SxS caplock 12 gauge to my muzzleloader stable.  Mainly for pheasant and grouse, but also for those bluebird duck days that you don't expect much shooting.  If I recall,  Pedersoli had a few field doubles that fit the bill (steel safe) for a very fair price. Not sure if that's the case anymore,  but might be a good place to start.