Anybody tried this for buckshot?

[Will52100]

My normal load is pretty much strickly for CAS, 70 grains of 2F black powder, a lubed fiber wad and overshot card and roll crimp with 1 1/8oz. #6 shot.  I've been thinking of trying some buck shot loads, but with the price of shot now days I'm thinking of casting my own.  I already cast for 36 round balls, what's the standard buck shot load sizes?  Will a 31 cal mould do for 00?  I figure I'll need the cylinder choke in and overshot card.  I've been thinking of using the 36 round balls and filling the space with #6 shot and see what happens.

[.45 COLT]

Standard Buck sizes (leaving out the letter sizes), and approximate weights, are:

#4 - .24" - 21 Grains
#3 - .25" - 23.5 Grains
#2 - .27" - 30 Grains
#1 - .30" - 40 Grains
0 - .32" - 49 Grains
00 - .33" - 54 Grains
000 - .36" - 70 Grains
0000 - .375" - 79 Grains

That sure don't mean that you can't use the .31" balls. They'd weigh about 45 Grains, so a load of 12 would run about 1 1/4 ounce.

I cast 0, 00 and 000. I'd do the smaller sizes if I could find molds at a reasonable price.

DC

[Will52100]

Thanks for the sizes, gives me some starting points for differant loads.  Now if I can just figure out a way to cast #6-7.5 shot without the pop corn effect or tails I'll be happy!