I load equal volume of FFg Goex powder and 1 1/4oz, #7 nickel plated shot. On top of the powder goes 1/8" card, then 1/2" pre-lubed cushion wad, next PB12 cup cut to hold the 1 1/4 oz of shot with four cuts 5/8" deep from the cup opening. Over shot wad is cut from egg crate top using an old choke tube. This load gives my particular gun the pattern density, energy, and width to kill a bird at 25 yards, while sighting down a plain rib having a small metal bead at the end, and maintaining safe internal pressures.
For those new to muzzle loading each componet has a purpose. The card acts as a piston, cushion wad cushions the shot and keeps the fire from coming past it and melting the cup, (or in the old days melting and deforming the shot), BP12 cup aids in controlling pattern density and shot deformation, as does size and type of shot used, over shot wad keep shot from rolling out the barrel after it's loaded. As you can see there are many variables. Consistency is the key in loading each shot. I place equal importance on Loading, Shooting and Cleaning.
I clean my gun after every shot.
Ralph
