The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - .58 caliber musket as a 24 guage shotgun ?

BluRidgDav · February 14, 2002, 10:45 AM

I hunt an area that has alot of squirrels, but rifles of any kind are prohibited. Blasting them with a 12 guage semi-auto doesn't appeal to me. So, before I spend another $500 on a double-barreled ML shotgun or flintlock fowler;

Anyone ever used a .58 caliber rifled musket as a 24 guage shotgun? My barrel is twisted very shallow & slow (1/72-80") so I don't think? the pellets will spin-out too bad. Lack of choke will probably also limit my range, but, how far? 20-25yds would be OK.

Anything else that might make this a bad idea?

Also, I'm having trouble finding .58 caliber / 24 guage wads to test my theory.

Thanx, Dave.

February 14, 2002, 10:45 AM	#1
BluRidgDav Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2001 Posts: 314	.58 caliber musket as a 24 guage shotgun ? I hunt an area that has alot of squirrels, but rifles of any kind are prohibited. Blasting them with a 12 guage semi-auto doesn't appeal to me. So, before I spend another $500 on a double-barreled ML shotgun or flintlock fowler; Anyone ever used a .58 caliber rifled musket as a 24 guage shotgun? My barrel is twisted very shallow & slow (1/72-80") so I don't think? the pellets will spin-out too bad. Lack of choke will probably also limit my range, but, how far? 20-25yds would be OK. Anything else that might make this a bad idea? Also, I'm having trouble finding .58 caliber / 24 guage wads to test my theory. Thanx, Dave. __________________ Watch your top-knot.