Jaz--- The recommended load for this 4 bore blunderbuss from the people I bought it from is:

100 Grains Black Powder 1 or 2F
1/8 inch thick 4 bore Wad (very tight fit)
4 Ounces of Shot (#4's or whatever is game appropriate)
Overshot Card

I can tell you that that load is devastating.

If it is #4 shot that corresponds to about 1500 Pellets!

If 38 caliber, as I used, that is about 21 Pellets! (I also loaded it up once with 4.5 ounces of 38 cals, so it was 25 Pellets. Wow! What a HOOT!)

Essentially, though, I am just replacing the recommended SHOT Weight of 4 ounces with a single round ball.

And since this IS a blunderbuss we are talking a short range gun. It is really a 50 feet or less gun. As I think I mentioned I always wanted a Blunderbuss. I know it is NOT an Elephant gun or a dangerous game gun as MUCH as it is entertainment and short range devastation. And yes it is very commanding for the purpose it is intended!