Celebration: I have found a left handed .45 cal rifle

[Wolfbane]

B-P stuff is not that common around here, but this morning I was watching as the proprietor of the local gunshop was searching for something else in his vault, when he turned up a custom made left-handed percussion rifle in .45 cal that had come in as part of a deceased estate. Knowing I would be interested he passed it to me, and I was instantly hooked, and decided to buy it. A good little rifle for all sorts of purposes. Anybody got some suggested loads for round ball and conicals?

 

[Dave_B]

I can't help you with load data (other than quoting my Lyman manual), but I would like a description of what you bought. Tell me more!
Dave

 

[arcticap]

Every barrel is going to perform differently especially considering the distance to the target. Shooting at 50 yards, my .45 likes a light target load of about 38 - 40 grains of Pyrodex P (fffg), a Wonderlubed .015 patch and a .440 ball.

 

[Wolfbane]

Dave, the rifle is nothing too fancy, but was custom built by a gunsmith for his own use, as he couldn't get a left-handed rifle - so he made his own. The stock has a straight steel butt-plate. I will take some pictures when I get the chance.

 

[F.G. Ford]

As I understand it, Australia has some tough gun laws.
With your purchase of a left handed muzzleloader, did it present any problems to you.
I am supprised that you had difficulty in finding a lefty. Lyman has a couple of models, Dixie had a model a few years back, as well as CVA.
Any way all the best with your new shooter.
Best Regards
Old Ford

 

[Greenmtnboy]

Hay congratz,
As a leftie my self I can really relate.
As it is I compete with a 45 cal.
My rifle has a 42 inch Greenmtnbarrel with eight lands.
It likes to shoot 60 grains of ffg goex. a 440 ball with a 28 thousands patch. 28 thousands uncompresses,
Good luck
:hatsoff:

 

[Poor Boy]

I have several LH muzzleloaders. Some are .45 ,What is the twist? I start with 45 gr of fffg black powder (no substitutes ie.PYRODEX) .440 or .445 roundball with either a .015 or.020 patch......Conicles (NO SABOTS) try 50 to 60 grns of fffg. POORBOY

 

[2172]

Wolfbane..congratulations...as a lefty, I'm always on the lookout...I have a pair of .45's, neither lefty, and I find my best load in my best rifle is 40gr fffg at 25 or 50 yds, and 60 gr fffg at 100 yds...I use a .440 ball, and get about the same results with either a .015 pillow ticking lubed patch, or a pre-cut oxyoke in .010...Best, Hank

 

[Wolfbane]

Thanks for the load data everyone! :hatsoff:

Australia's gun laws are strict, and very bureaucratic, but we play the game, and we play to win. :winking:

I am not sure what the barrel twist is; I am now waiting for the government paperwork to come through that will give me the permit to acquire the rifle, and I will find out more then.

Lyman MLs are available over here, but not very readily in my local area. A 2.5 hour trip to Brisbane may be able to yield a left-handed Lyman, but the local gunshop treats me very well, so I will buy from them where I can.

 

[Greenmtnboy]

Thanks for the load data everyone! :hatsoff:

Australia's gun laws are strict, and very bureaucratic, but we play the game, and we play to win. :winking:

I am not sure what the barrel twist is; I am now waiting for the government paperwork to come through that will give me the permit to acquire the rifle, and I will find out more then.

Lyman MLs are available over here, but not very readily in my local area. A 2.5 hour trip to Brisbane may be able to yield a left-handed Lyman, but the local gunshop treats me very well, so I will buy from them where I can.

Your kiddin' me. You need a permit for a muzzlestuffer.
Man I am sorry. I hope the powers that be help keep us from goin' down that road.
It's a scary thought.
Honestly has your new gun laws helped with gun crime?
Just wondering no disrespect
:hatsoff:

 

[Wolfbane]

No disrespect taken. We have firearm registration here, hence the permit for such things as muzzle-loaders. As ever, the new gun-laws have not helped with crime, but they have created a flourishing black-market in unregistered firearms. As is the criminals would register their guns anyway :youcrazy: I'll stop on that note as I will get a bit too excitable! On a happy note, the shooting sports in all forms are making a resurgence in this country, such that the antis are starting to panic a bit.

Apart from all of the above, I am just looking forward to going bush with my .45 Rifle, or going to a BP target shoot.

 

[***Sean***]

Here is some good data you might be able to use.

 

[Wolfbane]

Thanks very much for that Sean! :hatsoff: By the way, I meant to say "As if the criminals ...." above, not "As is the criminals". I think my drift is apparent anyway.

 

[Wolfbane]

All permits have been granted and a nice little .45 ML is now in my keeping!