32 or 36cal suggestions

[buzz]

thanks yall and the advice is all worth what i paid for it
but a decission been made as a realy nice used 36 came up and once i get it decent enouf shape i will post some pics
this new smoke pole have never been shot i realy wanted to boiuld one but this one came up for a price one could not say no on wife was happy
this fills the void as everything in my case is 50 to 75 cal and now this little 36 will be joining in and will help ofset the cannons in the powder stores
again thanks for all yo who posted

 

[CoyoteJoe]

Strictly for targets I'd take a .45 over any smaller bore. The .32 & .36 calibers are great for small game but much more wind sensitive and tend to foul up during a long shooting session. Also I agree with Flash Pan Dan that it is desirable to be able to use a ramrod of at least 3/8" diameter. It's also nice to be able to walk into a retail sore and find suitable balls on the shelf.
OOPS, sorry, I didn't see your final post before I posted. Forget everything I said and enjoy your new .36 caliber. :redface:

 

[buzz]

Coyote joe all good
yeah i know i had several 45's in the past
but things happen and all i had last couple years in my bess 75cal besides my cannons so you can see why i want smaller bore
I see were im at with a 50 yard target?
as far as supplies i get most off the web anymore

 

[hanshi]

You won't regret getting the .36.

 

[buzz]

wel it not here yet but once it is i post pics
i might need advice on loads
3f or 2f inthe pipe as i said i used to large bore guns i guessing i need start a new thread but search first

 

[hornetk4]

My choice is the 36 also I have both 32 and 36 but both are too heavy for my liking.I would realy like to get 38 cal it bucks the wind better than both plus there is a jillion bullet styles and wieghts for the 38. My dream gun would be a poorboy style with the barrel turned similar to a fowler barrel 38 cal hexagonal for the first 10" then turned round for the rest of the 38" length thin but plate minimal hardware light as possible.Oh I forgot flintlock of course.

 

[Zonie]

Actually, I don't believe there is hardly any projectiles at all that can be used in a .38 caliber barrel.

It would need a .370-.375 diameter roundball or a .378-.379 diameter bullet.

The modern .38 caliber handgun shoots a .357 diameter bullet which, interestingly, is just a few thousandths of an inch smaller than a .36 caliber muzzleloader.

I haven't heard of any of these pistol bullets working well in a .36 caliber rifle though, probably because they are usually cast from hardened lead.