1861 Springfield breech?

[ShooterJim]

I recently purchesed a 58 cal. 1861 Springfield from Cabela's. when I removed the barrel to degreese prior to shooting I see what looks like a crack or seam on the bottom of the barrel from the breech plug forward about 2 inches long. Is this just a forgeing mark or could the barrel be cracked? It's a brand new gun.

 

[threepdr]

Shooter,

Nothing to worry about. That is on my Armi-Sport 61 barrel also. It is part of the forging process when they made the bolster breech on the barrel.

 

[ShooterJim]

Great, thanks Threepdr. Do you have any reconmendations on a miniball mold?

 

[threepdr]

If it is Armi-Sport made the bore is probably about .580 or .581 like mine. Mine likes the Lyman 575213. However my particular .575 mold actually throws a .579 bullet. For best accuracy use a bullet size that is about two thousands less than bore size.

I have not tried any of the lighter target minnies in it, so I can't comment on those.

Good luck

 

[Va.Manuf.06]

The modern reproductions use a cast breech, what you are seeing is the seam where the barrel threads into the cast breech. Supposed to be perfectly safe and strong, I have never heard of one failing.

 

[Trot]

My Armi Sport 1861 measures .581, I am presently working on a load using a .580 minie. They can be extremely picky about minie size, powder charge and you must use good soft lead.

 

[ShooterJim]

Thanks, I picked up nice used Lyman 575213A with handles for $45 today at the Allentown Gun Show. Lookc like old stlye to me but not sure, other markings stamped on the blocks are 724 and 05

 

[ShooterJim]

Thanks Trot, what brand mold?

 

[Trot]

RCBS Hodgdon mold, so far it is working pretty good. I have also used .577 Rapine old style minie, it wasn't too bad but the bullet was a tad small for my rifle musket.