By my notes I've tried 36 different loads in my 10 bore over the last 5 years, and at long last have hit upon a winning combo. This in in a 5 dram gun, and my initial attempts with 138gn of Goex FFg crossed 9" at 25 yards! The only thing that really worked better was 145gn ofGoex 3F in brass cases or a very hefty charge of Blue Dot (more than I'd want to use on a regular basis) in Federal plastic. Those two still crossed 4" a 25.

The winning combo uses 120gn swiss FFFg in a Federal plastic case, topped by a 1/8" card, and 1/8" lubed felt wad, another card, then 3/8" of lubed felt. I'd noticed that the under ball felt wads would get shredded, apparently from getting pushed around the ball, so tried the idea of sandwiching one between two card to ensure a good gas seal. The smaller charge of the hotter powder also allowed for a better wad column. These were separated by 1/2" at 50yds, with the left printing just above the right. I'll take it. I didn't chrono them yet, but am guessing 1300-1350 based on other loads.

With bore guns being all about barrel time it is interesting to see how much farther to the left the load printed when I propped my elbows on the bench with my forearm loosely supported vs offhand where the gun could recoil freely.

To say I'm happy with this is the understatement of the year!