What size punch should I get for my kibler 16ga Fowler barrel? I’ve seen several different sizes mentioned. I like the ability to make my own wads out of different materials to work up loads but this is my first 16 gauge. What works for you guys?
Punch size for 16ga?
- Thread starter Texcl2
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A 16 gauge cylinder bore is 0.662" in diameter. A 11/16" punch is 0.6875" which is a tight fit. The 5/8" is 0.625 which is too small.
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Ok, I figured that was gonna be too tight, I suppose if I us multiple thinner cards it won’t matter much.
First measure the bore. You just might have to get a custom cutter/punch made. Start by looking for hole saw size that is about 0.010" larger than your bore. If that don't work out then find a buddy that has a lathe and ask him to make you one for a fair price. If you don't know anyone with a lathe then find a machine shop and ask them what they will charge. If you don't like the answer they give you then just go buy pre-cut ones.
Best thing to do is go metric. I had to do that with Pedersoli 20’s since they are closer to 19 ga at .625 and 16mm fits perfectly with a little snugness. For a 16 gauge at .662 a 17mm punch is equal to .669. Try a 17mm punch and it should be good to go.
on a side note, a lot of the 16ga wads are out of stock from many of the vendors, it’s always good to have the capability to make your own shooting supplies.
Wait till you try too find the right ball size for that 16….
That’s where knowing the bore measurement is critical..
I shoot a .626 ball out of my 16 gauge Tip Curtis smoothbore..
I’ve shot .648 & .642 as well , but those are difficult to load after a few shoots.
My Colerain barrels measured.653.
There’s not a lot of choices out there when I comes too buying roundball for a 16.
After I found the right ball I ordered a mold from Tanner..
That’s where knowing the bore measurement is critical..
I shoot a .626 ball out of my 16 gauge Tip Curtis smoothbore..
I’ve shot .648 & .642 as well , but those are difficult to load after a few shoots.
My Colerain barrels measured.653.
There’s not a lot of choices out there when I comes too buying roundball for a 16.
After I found the right ball I ordered a mold from Tanner..
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For my unmentionable 45/70 sharps I got a metric punch.Might have one for 16 gauge?
Depending on the punch, you might could carefully polish the inside of the 17mm with a Dremel to reduce it a few .001's if they fit too tight as is...
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Since .662 (16 gauge bore diameter), .662 is 16.8 in millimeters. A 17 millimeter wad punch is probably as close as you can easily get that is currently made. Your wad sizes should come out to .669.
Ohio Rusty ><>
Ohio Rusty ><>
I think I’m going to try the 17mm
BJHabermehl
40 Cal
11/16 arch punch has worked well for me
On Amazon. $22.00. Same type I use!
Visit the Store, GEDORE
GEDORE
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4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (560)
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Visit the Store, GEDORE
GEDORE
Visit the Store
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (560)
GEDORE - 4544000 570017 Arc Punch 17 mm
Amazon's ChoiceOverall Pick
I might add I took mine to a machinist and he turned down the handle so it would fit into my small drill press! Works great!
That’s a great idea!
A friend of mine had some guns that went through a house fire. He gave me all of them to use as parts or what ever. One shotgun barrel was a 16 gauge. I cut off the end, sharpened it and it made great wads. Another friend borrowed it and never got it back. Oh well I had punched out enough wads to last me a lifetime and he moved to New Mexico.
