.32, .36, or .40?

[bearhunter]

I've been looking into getting a custom flintlock made. It's going to one of these calibers and I plan on hunting squirrels, ground hogs, coon, and other small furry critters. I'd also like to go to some skirmishes with it. I've been leaning toward the 40. What are your thoughts?

 

[Roy]

I like the .40.. and the .36... and the .32 :haha:

 

[Roy]

I have a .40 in the works for me when I get the chance :v

 

[Trench]

I know from experience that a .36 can get all that done out to 50 yards.

 

[bearhunter]

You think the 40 would have any better or a range for 100yd gongs?

 

[Roy]

it will make a better ring..

 

[David W.]

I've been looking into getting a custom flintlock made. It's going to one of these calibers and I plan on hunting squirrels, ground hogs, coon, and other small furry critters. I'd also like to go to some skirmishes with it. I've been leaning toward the 40. What are your thoughts?

I am partial to the .36 for small critters. I use 000 buchshot which saves me from having to buy another mould. Someone posted that 000 buck is harder than dead soft lead, which is true, but I found no need for expansion on either squirrel, rabbit, or coon, for that matter.

I also read you want to plink 100 yard gongs. The larger the caliber, the better when going at long distances, especially when it is windy.

 

[Stophel]

I'd go with .40 only because .36 and .32 balls are too small for my fingers...and you can use a 3/8" rod with a .40.

:wink:

 

[nchawkeye]

I'd go with .40 only because .36 and .32 balls are too small for my fingers...and you can use a 3/8" rod with a .40.

:wink:

+1...With my .40 I go down to 25grs FFF for smaller game and have used as much as 70gr FFF for the larger stuff...As mentioned, that 3/8 ramfod really fills the bore, no damage of breakage...

 

[hanshi]

I'll have to say .40 for the reasons already given.

 

[Chilidog]

I'll have to say .40 for the reasons already given.

Yep...

 

[paulvallandigham]

When you indicated you want to shoot some of the longer targets, that settled the question on a .40 caliber rifle. You can down load it for small game, but it is the choice for 100 yd shooting, and a bit further, unless you move on up to a .45.

 

[ohio ramrod]

My nephew and his youngest boy both shoot 40's. And they do very well on paper as well as Ohio White tails. The 40 will hit gongs well at 100 yrds and is effective on game up the white tails at short ranges.As I always say:" it isn't how hard you hit them, but where you hit them. "

 

[larry wv]

My next two will be a .40 and .62 Larry Wv

 

[smoothshooter]

Being able to use the larger sized rod is a major advantage for the .40 over the .36 . - Smoothshooter

 

[Tom Compton]

.40!

FORTY!

.50 minus .10!

You won't regret it!

 

[killer]

Another vote for 40. It's a great all around caliber.

 

[peter hawbaker]

Another vote for the .40, it is not too big for squirrels, and is great for groundhogs and larger varmints. It is great for paper out to 100 yards or so.

I had to make the same decision when I was getting ready for my first build. What clinched my decision was the precarved stock I had had its ramrod drilled for a 3/8 rod, and .40 is the smallest caliber that is able to use a 3/8 rod.

 

[nkbj]

Figured what twist on a custom forty?

Anybody tried anything but a 48"?
Is 48" the high end on velocity for a forty? Mid range?

 

[Trench]

You think the 40 would have any better or a range for 100yd gongs?

You want a .40 then. I won't shoot my .36 over 50yds at anything. Even breezes start playing havoc with a .36 out to 100yds.