Bullet block

What kind of wood is best for a bullet block?Im thinking about using oak.I made four pre measured powder charges out of brass tubing and wood plug on both ends.Will hold 120 grains of powder.Not really into reenacting so my gear doesnt have to be pc just easy to get to and use for hunting.

 

[Chiefs50]

I'm sure the oak will work fine. I use curly maple because that's what I have on hand. Oak, ash, maple - they all would work.

Mike

 

[Stumpkiller]

Anything that doesn't split easily, or even if it does it will work if you leave enough border around the holes. I have them in walnut, maple, pine, cherry and even purpleheart.

 

[Legionair]

Made mine from a shipping crate a boiler came in.

Don't even know what kind of wood it is (junk wwod or pine of some kind maybe). :haha:

It was 3" wide and 5/8" thick. After cutting, drilling, and sanding, I sealed with wax/oil mix.

Brought what little grain there was out and darkened it nice. :grin:

Work with what you got....

Legion

 

[Norskie]

Walnut

 

[musketman]

What kind of wood is best for a bullet block?Im thinking about using oak.

Just in case you're not sure, here is a drill bit chart to specific calibers...

 

[Two Trails]

What wood isn't to important as long as it is hard, to resist wear, and about 3/8" thick, so the ball can rest inside the muzzle with the block on top centering the ball.
Two Trails

 

[musketman]

What wood isn't to important as long as it is hard, to resist wear, and about 3/8" thick, so the ball can rest inside the muzzle with the block on top centering the ball.
Two Trails

The grain of the wood will also come into play here, even hard wood will break easy when hit along the grain...

There are some soft-hardwoods that are nice to work with, like poplar and my personal favorite: sassafras wood...

 

That bit chart is pretty cool.Should I build a short starter also?Im planning on elk hunting with this gear.Ive heard a roundball has plenty of knock down power.I dont plan on shooting over 100 yards,probably less.The old timers used to do it right?I think if your going to hunt with a ML it should be done traditional but if folks want to use other gear that is their choice.Im not gonna put them down for it.I am gonna use my Lyman GPR kit in 54 cal cap[url] lock.In[/url] the future Im gonna get a flintlock.Do those leather cappers work any good?Thanks for your help

 

[musketman]

I have used leather cappers for a long time when shooting percussion guns, I like to sew my leather capper to the inside of the flap of my shooting bag, this keeps the caps in the capper dry and from getting knocked out...

Just flip up the flap to expose the capper and pop one on your rifle when needed...

Some make a ball block/short starter combo, it helps eleminate fumbling around looking for loose gear...

 

[flint62]

I've used maple for my blocks. Home Depot sells iot in all widths for any size block. I like the maple because after staining and some oil it just looks nice.

 

I found part of an old oak bow stave I cut in the mountains a couple of years ago.It should work.Thanks for the info

 

[flaming canvas]

What kind of wood is best for a bullet block?Im thinking about using oak.

Just in case you're not sure, here is a drill bit chart to specific calibers...

And just where do you find a 35/64 bit without having to spend enough to buy a chambers kit?

 

[Stumpkiller]

I always drill undersize and open the holes with a rattail or chainsaw file until the patched balls are a tight fit. A drill hole is too rough, anyway (IMHO).

 

[Joel Lehman]

Buy a 9/16 spade bit for about $3.00. Grind or file off 1/32 from each side of the bit. The 9/16 bit is 36/64, so take off 1/16 and you have a 35/64. Then follow up with a file as Stumpy suggested.

 

That is exactly what I did.I used a 1/2 inch spade bit and a chainsaw file.Also used a farriers rasp to shape it.This wasnt a mill cut peice of oak.I cut it in the hills,shaped it with a hatchet and drilled the holes with a hand crank drill.This muzzle loader hobby is awsome.I like to make homemade stuff.Now to make a short starter.I see a good looking elm branch outside :rotf:

 

[mmahlock]

When I was growing up I inherited an auger bit from my father that was adjustable through a wide range of sizes. Very useful for odd sized holes.

Like others, I've been considering a bullet block. One thing I've thought would be exremely useful feature would be a recess the size of the barrel to center the ball on the bore for easier and quicker loading. A Forstner Bit or even a spade bit would do nicely to create the feature.

Any thoughts?

 

[sidelock]

I made mine of American Chestnut I found in the woods of western VA about 40 years ago. Wish everyone had the oppertunity. Mine holds 8 balls, is 3/8" thick and is reinforced on the small end with inletted brass. The brass is from a 30/40 Krag shell fired in a rifle given to me by my Grandfather when I was 15 years old in 1947. I LOVE THIS STUFF ---- STILL :thumbsup:

 

[paco97]

And just where do you find a 35/64 bit without having to spend enough to buy a chambers kit?

Check this out 35/64" Bit

 

[Legionair]

So... would you leave it a round countersink or cut the sides to make it octagonal. Seems to me that would be much more difficult to do, but more artistic and desireable.

Legion