choosing 36 caliber

[Rat Trapper]

Twists faster than 48" are not needed. The old Douglas 32s with 66 were very accurate.
If I had a choice I would use 48 for almost everything. But GM only uses 48 in 32-36.
For some strange reason we are wanting to go faster and faster on the twist for RBs, at least some are, when its entirely unnecessary and might not even be desirable.
Dan

The whole reason for a faster twist is to allow you to shoot really light loads that do not destroy the meat on a squirrel you want to eat. Some rifles just seem to like a little more powder to get the best accuracy. My TC seneca for example likes 40 grains of Goex 3F and that load will blast a squirrel in half. Now some will say to just shoot them in the head, well truth is we all start out with that idea, but don't always happen. I have found that 20 grains of Goex 3F out of my Cherokee 32, is like a 22 long rifle. However the rifle likes 30 grains better and that is starting to get towards too hot for squirrels.

Now if you are just going to plink or shoot paper none of this matters.

 

[tg]

For what you mention a .58-.62 smoothbore may be the best of all worlds for you it is good from squirrels to Moose and target work as well out to 50 yds or so it can hold its own with rifles. many do not go back to rifles once they get proficient with a smoothbore

 

[David W.]

For what you mention a .58-.62 smoothbore may be the best of all worlds for you it is good from squirrels to Moose and target work as well out to 50 yds or so it can hold its own with rifles. many do not go back to rifles once they get proficient with a smoothbore

I, myself do not like picking pellets out of a squirrel. I would rather been it in the head with a .350 ball.

 

[longrifle346]

I thought seriously about a 36 or 40 but here in eastern NC, while we don't have huge deer, it's not unheard of to kill a 160-175 pounder. I carry a 45 squirreling just in case a good one drops by, ya never know what you'll see from the stump....

 

[David W.]

I thought seriously about a 36 or 40 but here in eastern NC, while we don't have huge deer, it's not unheard of to kill a 160-175 pounder. I carry a 45 squirreling just in case a good one drops by, ya never know what you'll see from the stump....

Well, a .45 for squirrel is illegal in Arkansas and Tennessee.

 

[longrifle346]

Not sure I understand the reasoning or the logic. Can you explain?

 

[David W.]

Not sure I understand the reasoning or the logic. Can you explain?

Are you in reference to my stating a .45 is illegal in the states I hunt in?

You should check to see if a .45 is illegal for squirrel in your state. They can take your gun, your vehicle, and fine you.

Otherwise, if you feel comfortable with it...........

 

[cowpoke1955]

I checked with a game warden here in Alabama. He said I could use my .54 on small game, if I wanted to. BUT, in the Wildlife Management Areas, you must use a .40 caliber or smaller for small game. .40 caliber or larger for large game. You can say that the .40 caliber is the do all caliber down here.

 

[David W.]

I checked with a game warden here in Alabama. He said I could use my .54 on small game, if I wanted to. BUT, in the Wildlife Management Areas, you must use a .40 caliber or smaller for small game. .40 caliber or larger for large game. You can say that the .40 caliber is the do all caliber down here.

If you want to use a .54 on squirrel, go for it!

A .40 will work on deer if the range is not too long, 50 yards or less would be my suggestion.

 

[tg]

"I, myself do not like picking pellets out of a squirrel. I would rather been it in the head with a .350 ball."

Yeah, I also do not care for picking pellets out of Quail. Grouse, Pheasant or waterfowl but do not see it as major issue that I would choose a gun around

 

[Loyalist Dave]

The .36 is good for small game. In some places, like in Maryland, the .40 can be used for small game and deer, but you do need to get the deer in under 50 yards. In some places like Louisiana, I am told, the .40 is too large to legally use on small game, and too small for deer... odd but apparently that's the way it is there.

.45 is a good minimum for whitetail, but .50 - .54 are better for the average hunter. A very good hunter can take an elk with a .54. Some folks like the "whompability" of .58 caliber or larger, and there is validity in their choice, especially if elk is the regular big game that one hunts, and throw in the moose for good measure.

You did, however, mention this...,

and ideal for revolutionary war re-enacting

OK well "ideal" would be .50-.54 caliber. In fact a .36 would not be rejected, but would be looked upon with a raised eyebrow.

Now IF you were looking for an "all around gun" then I'd suggest you make it in .54 smooth bore, aka 28 gauge. Make it visually just like a long rifle, including the rear sight..., so you'd have a "smooth-rifle." You would then have success on both big game with a single round ball, and on small game with shot..., even with flying birds. The living history crowd would not look askance at the gun as well.

Some folks will mention that a rear sight might disqualify your using your gun in a "tradegun match" which is for smoothbores, with only a front sight post. Well..., I know a chap who has a smooth rifle... and the rear sight is fixed in place with a set screw. On the rare occasions when he shoots in a tradegun match, he loosens the set screw, and removes the rear sight. Otherwise, he leaves it in place. Works for reenactments, and for hunting. True, he has to sight in the gun for hunting or targets when he replaces the rear sight after the tradegun match, but range time is not wasted time. :wink:

LD

 

[re-enactor]

Thanks for the great comments. I am leaning toward the larger bore, say 50 caliber or a possible smoothbore.