Barrel twist for deer hunting

[Ricky Bobby]

I’m completely new to black powder and have a huge urge to get a flintlock rifle for some reason. Cool factor 100% in my eyes! I’m an avid whitetail hunter and definitely would like to experience harvesting a deer with one. I feel like a round ball would go along with entire experience as well but maybe I’m not thinking correctly? Are conical bullets something I should highly consider? I’m not needing or expecting to shoot a long distance … 50 to 75 yards with iron sights are my expectations. So with that said, what twist rate would you all recommend? Would you go slow twist and all in for round balls or would you try finding something in a medium twist rate to have best of both worlds and possibly be able to shoot conical bullets too? I don’t want multiple rifles so that’s definitely not the answer I want to hear.

 

[nchawkeye]

.54 caliber, patched round ball, 80grs FFF black powder and a 1-72 twist will do all that needs doing. I do prefer deep, cut rifling over shallow, button rifling for a patched round ball.

 

[bpd303]

Welcome from the Ozark mountains.
I would chose a 50 caliber with a 1 in 48 twist, which will do just fine with patched round ball and conical's. The reason being is 1 in 48 is a compromise twist to be able to shoot both with good accuracy and 50 caliber supplies are much more common and available. A 50 caliber hole and good shot placement will take any game in North America.

 

[bldtrailer]

getz 1-72 .50, green mountain 1-70 .50 , bobby hoyt 1-56 .50 or gain twist , rice 1-66

getz

green mtn

green mtn

hoyt 1-56

hoyt 1-56

hoyt gain twist

all twist can make great groups if you take the time to work up good loads all the above are round bottom but the green mtn is square bottom
even a traditions 1-66 can be made to shoot well if the right load is found

100yrds traditions Kentucky Kit rifle sight in

 

[longcruise]

A 50 is a good choice and is well proven on deer. I suggest a slower twist of 1:56 to 1:66. That will be a good ball shooter. I suggest staying with the ball for several reasons. First, it's absolutely adequate and is capable of good accuracy, especially in the slower twist rates. Second, it's more economical to shoot and you will find that the great majority of local shooters and clubs will be mainly ball oriented and those are the people you want to get in with. The enjoyment of shooting these guns and associating with other shooters goes way beyond deer hunting.