[mjyeagle]

i was just on the dixie slug website and saw the 3 ball loads this is the first i have heard of factory loads of this type i have been doing this for about 3 years but have been useing 50 cal soft pellets and the dixies are 60 cal hardcast i soon plan to get a 60 cal mold and try that out has anybody ever reloaded anything like that these loads are amazing

 

[Ralph McLaney]

Try:

i was just on the dixie slug website and saw the 3 ball loads this is the first i have heard of factory loads of this type i have been doing this for about 3 years but have been useing 50 cal soft pellets and the dixies are 60 cal hardcast i soon plan to get a 60 cal mold and try that out has anybody ever reloaded anything like that these loads are amazing

You will find "the recipe" information here:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=47198&highlight=Tri-Ball

If your friends that don't handload are interested in this ammo, send them over to the Dixie Slugs website.

 

[DMC]

A search for 'Hog Cruncher' on this forum should turn up a .570" Tri-Ball load information that Mr. Gates used before the .60" one he has now. I've loaded both.

DC

 

[Pete D.]

A search for 'Hog Cruncher' on this forum should turn up a .570" Tri-Ball load information that Mr. Gates used before the .60" one he has now. I've loaded both.

Just tried that. Didn't see any reference to Tri ball type loads. (but I've missed things that were right under my nose on other occasions.)
Pete

 

[DMC]

OK, here it is:

http://www.shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=2806&highlight=hog+cruncher

DC

 

[Ralph McLaney]

Take a look at:

Ole Dixie Versus The Bone Box:

http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=39309

 

[Ralph McLaney]

The current Tri-Ball load is superior.

OK, here it is:

http://www.shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=2806&highlight=hog+cruncher

DC

"Most full choke guns will keep this load in a 18" circle at 50 yards."
James Gates from the 2002 "hog cruncher" post above.

With the current Tri-Ball 3" load it is common for a pattern to run less than 8 inches at 50 yards with an extended full to extra-full choke tube. The combination of hard cast "pellets", "steel shot" wad, and spherical buffer has moved the Tri-Ball into another realm of power and tight patterning.

 

[DMC]

I've loaded both, plus a hybrid, and all of them keep all 3 balls on my "Standard Shotgun Cardboard Target" at 50 yards. The SSCT measures 7 5/8" X 11 7/8" which happens to be the exact measurements of the cardboard divider used in 24-Pack soda and beer cartons. What a coincidence!!!

DC

 

[unclepaddy]

"Most full choke guns will keep this load in a 18" circle at 50 yards."
James Gates from the 2002 post above.


How does a full choke affect balls in a single column? I would think that it would matter very little, or do I need some edification on this?

 

[Combat Diver]

Paraklese Technologies also makes a two .58 ball in a 2.75" and the 3" has three .58 round balls.

http://www.paraklesetechnologies.com/products.asp?cat=13&pg=2

CD

 

[Ralph McLaney]

Full choke?

"Most full choke guns will keep this load in a 18" circle at 50 yards."
James Gates from the 2002 post above.


How does a full choke affect balls in a single column? I would think that it would matter very little, or do I need some edification on this?

First the original "hog cruncher" was put together with soft lead balls, just going to hard cast was a major pattern tightener. The current Tri-Ball is set up in a thick walled steel shot cup wad and surrounded with sperical buffer.

Cylinder bore patterns run 5 to 7 inches at 25 yards.

Extended full chokes with a parallel section patterns in the 4-5" range at 40 yards and under 8" at 50yards! I suspect that delaying the opening of the wad and perhaps keeping the pellets in better alignment at muzzle exit are the primary factors.

Excellent patterns have been reported in chokes from modified to xxfull. However, if you see patterns with two balls hitting together and the third several inches out, you are using too much choke for your shotgun.

Such are the mysteries of the smoothbore!

Ralph

 

[James Gates]

The original poat was rather old and I see friend Ralph added some thoughts.
What I would advise is not to use soft pure lead balls, any size, trying to make the latest Tri-Ball loads. They will upsetin the wad and cause sidewall pressure indeed.
The original load was greatly improved using the Precision Reloading TUPRW123 Orange wad - three .600"/603" hard cast balls - 28 grs of Blue Dot - bullered - roll crimp - 3" Cheddite hulls.
But....you are on your own with this load. The balls must not have any buffer under the bottom or between the balls!
Regards, James