.54 halfstock

[Shortfingers]

I recently acquired a used .54 percussion that appears to be custom built.
The underside of the barrel is marked 1:48 which I know is a 1 in 48 twist. All of my other rifles are 1 in 60 or 1 in 66 and I prefer to shoot PRB as a matter of choice. My question is with a 1 in 48 twist will it shoot PRB effectively and if not what should I try shooting out of it?

 

[rusty]

It will shoot a round ball just fine.

 

[The Crisco Kid]

Ditto.

 

[SDSmlf]

I recently acquired a used .54 percussion that appears to be custom built.
The underside of the barrel is marked 1:48 which I know is a 1 in 48 twist. All of my other rifles are 1 in 60 or 1 in 66 and I prefer to shoot PRB as a matter of choice. My question is with a 1 in 48 twist will it shoot PRB effectively and if not what should I try shooting out of it?

If the bore has shallow rifling (well less than .010” deep), it may handle conicals well, particularly shorter ones like a REAL. That said, I would start with tight fitting patched roundball for a baseline and go from there.

 

[Banjoman]

It will handle patched round ball just fine.

 

[Shortfingers]

If the bore has shallow rifling (well less than .010” deep), it may handle conicals well, particularly shorter ones like a REAL. That said, I would start with tight fitting patched roundball for a baseline and go from there.

Thank you….that was my thought as well but appreciate the affirmation.

 

[Shortfingers]

It will handle patched round ball just fine.

Thank you…..I was hoping to hear that. Can’t wait to get it to the range.

 

[Flintleather]

I recently acquired a used .54 percussion that appears to be custom built.
The underside of the barrel is marked 1:48 which I know is a 1 in 48 twist. All of my other rifles are 1 in 60 or 1 in 66 and I prefer to shoot PRB as a matter of choice. My question is with a 1 in 48 twist will it shoot PRB effectively and if not what should I try shooting out of it?

Original Hawken rifles had 1-48” twist.

 

[Shortfingers]

Ditto.

Thank you…..

Original Hawken rifles had 1-48” twist.

Did not know that…..thank you

 

[Beaverman2]

Just work up a load, she'll shoot just fine

 

[Shortfingers]

Just work up a load, she'll shoot just fine

Thank you

 

[oldwood]

Don't go crazy on the powder charges. If patched round ball , find the sweet spot , and expand from there.

 

[Urban Coyote]

"Appears to be custom build."

Pictures?

 

[Shortfingers]

"Appears to be custom build."

Pictures?

I’ll try to post some when I get back home. Right now I’m about 3,500 miles from all of my guns…..

 

[Shortfingers]

"Appears to be custom build."

Pictures?

I’ll try to post some when I get back home. Right now I’m about 3,500 miles from all of my guns…..

 

[Shortfingers]

Got the rifle to the range. You are all correct in that it groups really well. Benched at 50 yds, 50 grains FFg. I threw the first round due to a hang fire. As is the case with all of my BP rifles I need to file down and/or replace the front sight. The blade is really thin and my old eyes just are t what they used to be. Overall I am happy with it and will get back to the range after it quits snowing…..

 

[Phil Coffins]

Nice rifle, the front sight looks like an unfinished blank. Most folks like to taper them to the front. A thin piece of wood with a slot sawn in it that slides over it makes it easy to file to shape. Taking a small amount off the top can be done when you decide your load.
92536486-6250-45C6-A7E7-D6A11DDAB2E1 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

 

[Shortfingers]

Nice rifle, the front sight looks like an unfinished blank. Most folks like to taper them to the front. A thin piece of wood with a slot sawn in it that slides over it makes it easy to file to shape. Taking a small amount off the top can be done when you decide your load.
92536486-6250-45C6-A7E7-D6A11DDAB2E1 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

The wood block with a slot in it is a great idea. Can’t wait to get it to the range again.

 

[TDM]

Fine shooting rifle @Shortfingers.

 

[Urban Coyote]

Thank you for the picture and congratulations on scoring a beautiful gun, apparently a good shooter too. I'm guessing your concern over the 1 in 48" twist and roundball has resolved itself.
Nice shooting.