.32 caliber frustrations with not grouping.

Did you guys ever consider the obvious? Like maybe the OP can’t shoot well? It’s not always the gun’s fault.
Just sayin’

I think the .32 cal gun might just be acting contrary because you picked “40calFlintlock” as your screen name.

32’s have feelings, too. Just not as large.

40calFlintlock said:

To everyone who replied- Thank You!

Reading through all responses, I selected several ideas that I felt would have the greatest impact in improving the performance of my flintlock.

I enlarged the vent hole to1/64”dia. Used a “wet” patch lube of equal parts of: Dawn dishwashing soap, concentrated Murphy’s oil soap, Pine-Sol, and rubbing alcohol. Took 10 shots per each of three trials, using a NMLRA 100yd target at 50yds, using a sandbag rest, with excellent results, and No misfires.

I enjoyed reading all replies - some thought provoking, others brought a good smile.

Again, thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts with suggestions to help me.

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Apparently, your primary issue was the vent hole. Now that you've got your rifle firing consistently, please post your accuracy results resulting from the three trials.

MAC1967 said:

What kind of lube did you go from and to? I am always open to learning and often wrong. Just curious. I have a tin can of a lube I bought from Flintlocks Inc and it is kind of pink. It seems really nice, but I've not used it. I had a .32 Crockett I could not get to shoot well, in spite of its great reputation, and tried all sorts of lubes and other combos. I sold the rifle and built the TVM kit.

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Since I started shooting, 1974, I’ve always used Crisco to lubricate the patches for my rifles, Minnie balls, and paper cartridges for my Bess. No Longer own my Zouave and used sparingly for the paper cartridges.

New ‘wet’ patch lubricant also used to swab the bore to keep fouling minimal. Also noted that the ‘wet’ patches were recovered between 15-17yds from muzzle. Crisco lube patches recovered 17-21yds from muzzle. Possible theory: patches sticking to ball longer may have had an effect on accuracy.

Wet patch lube is very slimy. I’m just waiting for the time when my rifle makes bubbles

40calFlintlock said:

Also noted that the ‘wet’ patches were recovered between 15-17yds from muzzle. Crisco lube patches recovered 17-21yds from muzzle. Possible theory: patches sticking to ball longer may have had an effect on accuracy.

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More likely the Crisco lubed patch is heavier and is just traveling a few yards farther.

40calFlintlock said:

Used a “wet” patch …. with excellent results, and No misfires.

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Glad you figured out a loading process that works.

SDSmlf said:

More likely the Crisco lubed patch is heavier and is just traveling a few yards farther.


Glad you figured out a loading process that works.

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I’m examining the ‘Crisco’ and ‘wet’ patches I’ve collected from my last two outings. The majority of the Crisco patches are, for the lack of a better word, baked retaining a cup where the ball sat, whereas the wet patches are soft and nearly flat, having a minimal impression of the ball.

The only reason why I bench rest shoot is to eliminate barrel movement. The buttstock is firmly supported and held tightly against my shoulder with my left hand. The purpose is to find the optimum combination for grouping. Once found, bench rest shoot and adjust the sights until I bring the group to point of aim. Then I’ll shoot offhand to see how I shoot , knowing the rifle is accurate.

Still haven’t figured out how to upload the pictures of the 3 targets I shot yesterday. Help with this will be greatly appreciated.

40calFlintlock said:

Still haven’t figured out how to upload the pictures of the 3 targets I shot yesterday. Help with this will be greatly appreciated.

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If the photographs are on the same device (for example your phone, tablet or PC) that you are logged into this forum with, it should be as simple as ‘copying’ the photographs from your device and then ‘pasting’ them into the message/post you are typing.

The Forum has made it quite simple by using the "attach files" button below and selecting the photo file if the photos are saved on the same device that one is using to participate in the Forum.

SDSmlf said:

If the photographs are on the same device (for example your phone, tablet or PC) that you are logged into this forum with, it should be as simple as ‘copying’ the photographs from your device and then ‘pasting’ them into the message/post you are typing.

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Pictures will not copy and paste. Several tries on both my iPhone 15 and laptop.

40calFlintlock said:

Pictures will not copy and paste. Several tries on both my iPhone 15 and laptop.

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Have you saved the pictures in a file on the same device you use to post or not?

So I sent these to my old iPhone 4 and successfully uploaded.

40calFlintlock said:

So I sent these to my old iPhone 4 and successfully uploaded.

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Those targets tell me your gun wants to shoot. Also, if you want a decent patch lube, try tap water with just enough dish soap to make it slippery, not slimy or 1 Ballistol : 6 parts water.

Some of the oldest ML shooters I ever knew use Dawn and water exclusively.

I would think that 0.018" thick cotton drill for the patches would be worth putting to the test with the Ballistol to water or 1 part liquid soap to 4 parts water and just damp enough to keep the fouling soft.

JDBraddy said:

Below are load development targets shot yesterday @ 50yds with new .36cal T/C Seneca. Went from left to right, top to bottom, shot the center last. increasing FFFg charge 5gr. each successive target, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40gr. Decided to stick with 30gr. for now, will try varying patch material next trip to the range.

View attachment 333294

View attachment 333295

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Bottom left is best. Try a few more target and adjust sights when it is consistent.

Drill it out, retap it for a new liner.
Open it up to 3/32”.

In my humble opinion, @Mikekj, a touch hole of 3/32" is okay for my King's musket, but way too large for a 32 caliber rifle. That touch hole should be 1/16".