40 cal rate of twist

[joeboleo1]

What rate of twist do you favor in a .40 cal flinter --- roundball target use only. I have seen where they range from 1:48 to 1:72. Wondered what would be any advantages of a slower rate. Trying to decide on a barrel. Thanks

 

[whitedog333]

My original .40 Leman flintlock has a 47" barrel and appears to have one complete twist from breech to muzzle. I can't say if it's accurate or not because I can't see worth a darn and flinch like a greenhorn when the pan flashes. It must've been a prefered rate of twist for Henry Leman though who had some experience in the subject. Fred

 

[Tom Compton]

Several 40s with 1/66 twist with .012 deep rifling. They work so well, I ain't found a reason to try anything else.

Fella that built 2 of them used a 1/48 twist in his .40. We were always at the head of the line when awards were handed out.

Just pick a twist and be sure to have rifling .010 to .013 deep for a PRB then find what it likes.

 

[ohio ramrod]

My nephew and his youngest boy shoot 40 cal douglas barrels with one in 66 twist. And they shoot very very very well.

 

[nkmprdstr]

I've had good luck with 1-66. When H&H barrel was in business, Hoppy made me one in 1-42 twist and told me this would change everyones mind. Built it into a Leigh valley rifle and somebody bought it before I ever got to shoot it. Has anybody ever played wih a 40 with that fast a twist? The Leman Trade rifle I gave my son had a .53 gain twist so an't help you on that part.

****

 

[roundball]

The closest experience I have to that is my GM 33" x 1:48" barrel and its incredibly accurate for just me...imagine what it would be like in the hands of an actual top notch shooter

 

[flintlock50]

1:48 or 1:57 work real well with 40 to 60 grs. 3fg

 

[DEWB]

I have wondered about this myself. I don't know because I don't have one[yet], but I have heard that you can shoot more powder out of the slower twist. Load it up a little for bigger game I guess. Does anyone have a .40 with a 1-72 twist? If so please chime in.

 

[nchawkeye]

My .40 flintlock has a 1-48 in a Ed Rayle barrel...I use 25grs fff for squirrels and have used as much as 70grs fff with no adverse effect on accuracy...

 

[joeboleo1]

Guess like most everything, there is no cut and dried solution. Personal preference seems to be the way to go. Thanks for all the input.