In a 12 ga 3 Drams - 82 grains 1F or 2F and 11/4 oz shot would pretty much be standard . If there is any pitting especially if Damascus twist steel be cautious . load it up and fire with the butt inside an old tire or similar setting it off from cover with kite string or the like . Proofing is usually double charge and double shot but I wouldn't go that far . They are really satisfying to shoot and hunt with when set up . Be careful and have fun with it . WJR
I hunted with 20 ga. muzzleloaders for a number of years. For the 20, I used 70 grains of 2F and 1 oz. of shot, so I think your numbers are right on for a 12.
Bores are perfect gun doesn't look to be Damascus. I'm going to strap it down to the shooting table and test fire it with some paper balls a few times. Then I will load it up with some shot. Guess I'm going to have to get some FF or RS powder . I have pounds of FFF that I shoot in my rifles, can't find a 3f load for a shot gun? Just want to see the old gun shoot. Wishing could find out who T Walton was and where he built guns at thing my be priceless.
A general rule of thumb to use when going to a finer grain is to reduce the load by 25% or so. For example, most people use 25 grains of 3F in a .32. I had very good results using 15 grains of 4F. I had better ignition and less fouling.
Another rule of thumb is that it is hard to overload a blackpowder gun that is in good condition. On the other hand, why punish yourself. Use light charges, at least to start with.
In the Dixie catalog, Turner Kirkland said to test your load on a tin can. If the shot penetrates the can, the load is heavy enough.
Congratulations on getting the old gun put back together. :bthumb:
