54 cal flintlock smoothbore pistol

[jtkerk]

Going to be building a 54 cal smoothbore flintlock pistol does anyone have any info on loads, powder, patches, etc? Never shot one I am excited to build shoot and hopefully take a deer with

 

[Birddog1911]

What length of barrel? I'm far from an expert, but I'd start at 20 to 25 grains. I use 25grns in my .50 Queen Anne, and that's not stout, but it makes it move.

 

[jtkerk]

Not sure honestly I think it’s a 10 or 12 inch

 

[jtkerk]

Is that 3 f powder

 

[Birddog1911]

Typically, folks say 2F for anything over .45cal. But I've used both 2F and 3F. There's no problem with either, but 3F will be a little, and i mean little, more powerful at the same volume.

I couldn't tell you how many loads of 30grns of 3F in my .62cal smoothbore pistol.

 

[jtkerk]

Wow they’re nice. Can’t wait to build and shoot. What patch thickness u use?

 

[jtkerk]

Also what’s typical accuracy can I expect and at what range? I can assume never shooting one keeping shots on deer at 20 yds?

 

[Birddog1911]

The smoothbores aren't as finicky when it comes to patches, but I think mine are .010.

I can't speak to what sort of accuracy and range you can expect out of yours; I don't know what you have, and I'm far from an expert. I can tell you that those three of mine are close range weapons. I wouldn't think of using these for hunting. Notice that the Queen Anne and the Heavy Dragoon don't even have a rudimentary sight.

ETA: I failed to mention that the two smaller are rifled. Only the Heavy Dragoon is a smoothbore.

 

[jtkerk]

Thanks for your insight.

 

[Jr45]

I use 45 and 50gr of 3f in my .54 smoothie with .533 ball and thick pillow ticking. Recoil and blast is not too bad but accuracy is poor past 15rds.

 

[RicM]

I know everyone may have different views, and im not expert by far, but first time shooting go light on the BP like around 20 grains to feel the gun's reaction. I own an original 1854 Aston Johnson .54 caliber smooth bore . It has an 8" barrel. Did research on it for loads, after a extensve inspection of the barrel and pistol itself (safety always comes first) I shoot it with 35 grains of 2F, using a .520 ball with a .010 lubed patch. I probably can go up to around .40-.45 grains but refrain cause of the age of the handgun. I have no issues at all shooting, not much of a kick either. At around 20 yards or so it hits the target pretty much spot on, not much accurate after that. But close range its spot on. I'm not a hunter, but I would make sure of it accuracy, as you want a kill shot not a wounded deer running off. Best of luck with yours. I do love mine though its not a flintlock, its fun to shoot.

Video of my son trying it for his first time. Little bit of a cringe he forgot to wear ear plugs. I'm half deaf anyway from all those 1970's rock concerts so it doesn't phase me when shooting BP firearms lololol

 

[jtkerk]

Cool video. thanks again for all the info

 

[rickystl]

For these larger (.54+) smooth bore pistols, many find a good load to be between about 30-35 grains of either 2F or 3F. For a smooth bore you will want to go with a ball 2-3 calibers smaller than nominal bore size. 10-thousands patching should work good. These pistols are not much accurate past about 15 yards. But that is all they were made for anyway. A short range weapon.

Rick

 

[Birddog1911]

Don't be afraid to play with a buck and ball load. I've had fun loading about 8 or 10 .25 balls for a "buckshot" load.

 

[pwbsmokey]

Don't be afraid to play with a buck and ball load. I've had fun loading about 8 or 10 .25 balls for a "buckshot" load.

Just check out the legality of buckshot for deer hunting

 

[SwanShot]

I use 30 grains of 3F black in a 54 Kentucky rifled pistol. With a 535 ball and a 0.010 patch. Olive oil lube. It's tight loading but works well.

 

[Birddog1911]

Just check out the legality of buckshot for deer hunting

Oh, I can't see anyone thinking you could successfully or ethically hunt deer with a smoothbore pistol. At least not my big Dragoon!

 

[jtkerk]

Ok thanks for all your info. It’s nice to get some feedback

 

[jtkerk]

I use 30 grains of 3F black in a 54 Kentucky rifled pistol. With a 535 ball and a 0.010 patch. Olive oil lube. It's tight loading but works well.

What kind of distance to shoot accurately enough 15,20,25 yds

 

[Birddog1911]

Does your smoothbore have front and rear sights?