Enfield 1858
40 Cal.
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2007
- Messages
- 111
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I inherited a Parker/Hale 1858 Enfield Naval, .58 Cal. Replica in very good condition.
I bought black powder and Hornady .570 Round balls. The gun shop told me to try the .010 and .018 prelubed patches.
I've never shot the gun, or any muzzel loader.
The Loading and Maintenance instructions recommend using a Minie or swaged bullet of .575 Diameter. No mention of patches.
If i'm going to use the .570 dia. balls, which patch thickness should I use? Should I start with the .010? I wouldn't want to get it stuck in the barrel. How much pressure should I expect to use when pushing the ball down into the barrel.
It's recommended to use a .575 ball and no patch. I have .570 ball, that's .005 smaller but a .010 patch would be .570 + .020.
.010 a side, equalling .590
Also, it recommends 50 to 70 grains of FFG or Fg
black powder for average conditions. I have the FFg. Any thoughts on this?
I'm not sure how to use the adjustable sight either.
I'm really looking forward to safely shooting it and becoming a good shot with it, so I can use it deer hunting next year.
I plan on never selling the gun, but I am interested in the value. One gun shop said about $800?
Any help for this greenhorn would be appreciated.
Thanks
Proof
Your Enfield rifle has been proofed at the Birmingham Proof House and is marked with a service load of 3 1/2 drams of powder with a 536 grain bullet.
As a guarantee of safety however,it has in fact withstood a charge of 7 drams with a 724 grain bullet.
I bought black powder and Hornady .570 Round balls. The gun shop told me to try the .010 and .018 prelubed patches.
I've never shot the gun, or any muzzel loader.
The Loading and Maintenance instructions recommend using a Minie or swaged bullet of .575 Diameter. No mention of patches.
If i'm going to use the .570 dia. balls, which patch thickness should I use? Should I start with the .010? I wouldn't want to get it stuck in the barrel. How much pressure should I expect to use when pushing the ball down into the barrel.
It's recommended to use a .575 ball and no patch. I have .570 ball, that's .005 smaller but a .010 patch would be .570 + .020.
.010 a side, equalling .590
Also, it recommends 50 to 70 grains of FFG or Fg
black powder for average conditions. I have the FFg. Any thoughts on this?
I'm not sure how to use the adjustable sight either.
I'm really looking forward to safely shooting it and becoming a good shot with it, so I can use it deer hunting next year.
I plan on never selling the gun, but I am interested in the value. One gun shop said about $800?
Any help for this greenhorn would be appreciated.
Thanks
Proof
Your Enfield rifle has been proofed at the Birmingham Proof House and is marked with a service load of 3 1/2 drams of powder with a 536 grain bullet.
As a guarantee of safety however,it has in fact withstood a charge of 7 drams with a 724 grain bullet.