Did I screw up ?

[user 52142]

After 50 years of hunting and shooting, I decided I wanted to build BP rifle for hunting. I wanted a Kentucky Long Rifle kit at first, but with the OAL and knowing I would be in tree stands and deer blinds, I opted for something shorter. I found the Pedersoli Scout in .50 cal, it had a full stock and looked alot like a Kentucky.
I knew I wanted to stay fairly traditional and use BP and round balls. Most shots will be under 100 yards. Prob more in the 50 to 75.

Didnt know to check the barrel twist to determine what to shoot.

It has a 1 in 32 twist, and from what I have been reading, this twist is to fast for round balls. Is this true ? I was thinking of using .490 balls with a .010 or .015 lubed patch sitting on 60- 70 grains of ff powder. Or will I need to look at lead conical bullets ?

Thanks in advance
Bill

 

[oldwood]

If you wish to get a patched 490 round ball going fast enough in a turn in 32" barrel to be accurate , and effective for killing deer , that might not happen. Even with a turn in 48" there will be a narrow sweet spot in powder charge , where accuracy and power come together. One turn in 54" to one in 60" are the best over all for a .50 cal.. The magic powder charge range for a .50 is between 80gr. FFFG to 85 gr. FFFG. Hope this is of some value to you....oldwood

 

[longcruise]

The "rules" regarding twist rate are repeated relentlessly. Often by people who have heard it over and over but who have never really tried and tested this irrefutable knowledge.

So, it is correct in a general sense but well worth your effort to try it and find out for yourself.

A couple examples:

I had long ago a 58 caliber with a fairly fast twist. In the neighborhood of 1:30. It shot everything well but it was exceptionally accurate with a patched ball and 60 or 70 grains of goex ff.

For several years we had a regular in our elk camp who was both new to hunting and shooting. He had a fast twist 54 inline that he loaded patched ball over 90 grains of goex ff. It was not remarkably accurate, but I watched him shooting with completely adequate hunting accuracy at 50 yards.

A couple years ago we had some folks at an organized shoot with a 50 fast twist inline. That range had a safety agreement that specifically allowed onl PRB. They were inexperienced with ML but a couple members jumped in and worked with them and soon they were regularly hitting a ten inch gong at 100 yards off the bench.

So, ignore the experts and become your own expert.

 

[longcruise]

@oldwood my post above wasn't directed at you. I was typing while you posted.

 

[rich pierce]

I’d predict it will not shoot round ball well with over 60 grains of powder.

 

[user 52142]

I’d predict it will not shoot round ball well with over 60 grains of powder.

Would that be using ff or off powder?
Would that make a hunting load at say 75 yards ?
Trying to get my ducks in a row before I purchase balls and powder.

Or should I look into maxi-balls ?

 

[GoodRabbitPilgrim]

You will probably get acceptable accuracy with a light load between 50-60 grains 2F. At 50-75 yards that's enough to kill a deer.

 

[GoodRabbitPilgrim]

Would that be using ff or off powder?
Would that make a hunting load at say 75 yards ?
Trying to get my ducks in a row before I purchase balls and powder.

Or should I look into maxi-balls ?

I would definitely be considering the need for a
Conical or saboted bullet if you want a 100 yard load. Is there anyway you can return it for another gun?

 

[user 52142]

I would definitely be considering the need for a
Conical or saboted bullet if you want a 100 yard load. Is there anyway you can return it for another gun?

No, cant return. It was a kit and I am just about complete with the build

 

[user 52142]

Thanks for all of the advice ! Given alot to think about...

Round balls. Conical, sabot, ffg or fffg etc.

Dang my head hurts already....lol

 

[deermanok]

I have one of those unmentionable guns with a fast twist barrel, 1/28"
It shoots a patched ball surprisingly well.

 

[bear3855]

I'm of the opinion that the rules are more like guidelines. Work up a load and see what kind of accuracy you can get at your desired range, and if you want to be certain it's going to be sufficient for a deer, use a chronograph to figure out if you're getting velocities consistent with what's recommended to take down a deer using your most accurate load. If you can't get one that's accurate and powerful enough, start looking into acquiring some conicals for hunting, and maybe just stick to plinking when it comes to PRBs.

 

[user 52142]

I have one of those unmentionable guns with a fast twist barrel, 1/28"
It shoots a patched ball surprisingly well.

What powder and load are you using ?

 

[user 52142]

I'm of the opinion that the rules are more like guidelines. Work up a load and see what kind of accuracy you can get at your desired range, and if you want to be certain it's going to be sufficient for a deer, use a chronograph to figure out if you're getting velocities consistent with what's recommended to take down a deer using your most accurate load. If you can't get one that's accurate and powerful enough, start looking into acquiring some conicals for hunting, and maybe just stick to plinking when it comes to PRBs.

Good advice bear3855. That's probably the route I will go.

 

[Okie Hog]

Your rifle will shoot patched round balls just fine.

Been shooting patched round balls in rifles with fast twist since 2000. First rifle was a cheap old CVA inline with 1/32" twist rate that shoots round balls like lasers using 70 grains of Pyrodex. Another rifle, a .54 caliber with 1/38" twist rate is very accurate with patched round balls and 70-90 grains of Pyrodex.

Round Balls In Fast Twist Rifles | White Muzzleloading

 

[deermanok]

What powder and load are you using ?

70 grains by volume of 3f Old Ensyford.

 

[user 49399]

I have a 50 caliber in!;@€ that I shoot PRB with 50 grains of 2f. It’s a tack driver at 50 yards.

 

[FPDoc]

After 50 years of hunting and shooting, I decided I wanted to build BP rifle for hunting. I wanted a Kentucky Long Rifle kit at first, but with the OAL and knowing I would be in tree stands and deer blinds, I opted for something shorter. I found the Pedersoli Scout in .50 cal, it had a full stock and looked alot like a Kentucky.
I knew I wanted to stay fairly traditional and use BP and round balls. Most shots will be under 100 yards. Prob more in the 50 to 75.

Didnt know to check the barrel twist to determine what to shoot.

It has a 1 in 32 twist, and from what I have been reading, this twist is to fast for round balls. Is this true ? I was thinking of using .490 balls with a .010 or .015 lubed patch sitting on 60- 70 grains of ff powder. Or will I need to look at lead conical bullets ?

Thanks in advance
Bill

Put black tape over the part of the manual that indicates the twist rate (like if it was your check engine light) and just work up loads it likes. Faster twist rate barrels can perform in a satisfactory manner with patched balls.

 

[user 52142]

Put black tape over the part of the manual that indicates the twist rate (like if it was your check engine light) and just work up loads it likes. Faster twist rate barrels can perform in a satisfactory manner with patched balls.

I like that remedy FPDoc !!! Thanks

 

[bear3855]

For what it's worth by the way, I hunt with a Kentucky-style rifle (38 inch barrel!) out of a blind and while a little inconvenient it works for me. Don't let that stop you when the time comes to get another one! And that time will come, no doubt about it, unless you have more self-control than me.