Drill Bit Size for Vent Hole

[rickystl]

Hi guys. What's the common size drill bit size for a vent hole in a flintlock? I have a flint barrel with a new liner in it. I just need to re-drill where the existing old vent hole was. The old vent hole is about 7/64ths. But since I'm drilling through the liner, I can go smaller. Your thoughts? Thanks, Rick.

 

[Birddog6]

Some prefer 1/16". I usually start as tad larger at .070 and if a large bore go to 5/64". Just depends on the person & what her prefers & what works best for him.
:wink:

 

[rickystl]

Thanks birddog6.

 

[LRB]

I would suggest 1/16". You can always go larger if needed.

 

[rancher]

Mine is 5/64"

 

[tg]

I would start at 1/16 or one numbered bit larger one can always make it bigger, I like 5/64 on my .58 and .62 smoothbores.

 

[Packdog]

I start at 1/16 but most times end up going to #50 drill bit size or .70 as Birddog said.
5/64 for my .54. 5/65 will dribble powder when loaded with 3F so you'll need to plug the vent hole when loading or you will have a self priming gun.
Ken

 

[tg]

"5/65 will dribble powder when loaded with 3F "

eh,eh,eh, I thought it was 'cause I was gettin' older... :idunno:

 

[Packdog]

:surrender: :surrender:

It dribbles just a bit more than 5/64 but not as much as 5/66.

 

[Vaino]

Using the "White Lightning" TH liner, a 1/16" dia. should do the trick but I still use a #51 drill {.067} "just in case"....Fred