re: need help loading for cut-down musket/shotgun

[Type99]

Hello all...

Here is my problem:  I purchased a cut-down Civil War musket for $50.  It has original parts which are worth far more than I paid for it.  It is completely smoothbored, so I would like to use it as a shotgun.  It is an 1863 Springfield, in case you are wondering.  A .58 minie ball falls down the barrel and is a loose fit.  I mic'd the barrel out at .586-.587" 

How do I find wads, both over/powder and over/shot wads, for this?  What is a suitable powder load to start with?  If I am not mistaken, 20 gauge wads would be too large, would they not? 

Your help would be most appreciated...

Thanks,
Gary

[captchee]

 First of I would have a competent BP smith confirm that your rifle is safe to shoot  a projectile from.

  Your rifle is .006 over bore for a 58  cal . However  this isnt un common   even with today’s production barrels .
 For wads and cards you may find a 24 gage  card may work  for you . But finding them may be a problem . Making a cutter and cutting your own wads and cards may be  the ticket .
 As to powder charge , I would start of at less then bore so right at around 55 grains of 2F .
Again though before you do this I would have the weapon inspected

[Type99]

Hello...

I appreciate your advice.  I will try to implement your suggestions.  It should be fun to use this as a shotgun, once I take the necessary first steps.

Thanks,
Gary

[Slamfire]

Goggle up Circle Fly, they have wads and cards for every gauge. Buyin' a couple thousand ought to last you 40 forevers and cost less than a quality arch punch.