euroarms kentucky rifle Question

[stevenjay1]

I have one of the euroarms kentucky flintlock 44 caliber rifles which was made in the early 70’s. The weather was nice yesterday so I took it out for the first time. Overall the lock was ok, not as fast as I would like but ok. The big issue I had was the accuracy. I used .433 round balls with a .015 cotton patch and 45 grains of 3F powder. I was very disappointed in the grouping at 50 yards. Ok, what is going on? After checking that everything was tight and it was. I then decided to measure the twist rate of the barrel. To my surprise I got a twist rate of 1 in 33 inches or close to it. I think this is too fast of a twist for a 44 caliber round ball. Was this a normal twist rate for the early euroarms kentucky rifles?
Thanks, Steve

 

[rafterob]

Carefully test the twist rate again, I believe you will find more like 1:48. I have an old Euroarms "Kentuckian" barrel. It has a 1:48 twist. Very accurate. I use 65 grains Goex 3f. My barrel is .45, I think as they started importing more rifles they moved to .45 over .44 to fit in with American standards.
Also, you need to work up the load for that rifle starting from scratch. Start at 25 yards, get your load developed, then set your sights and then practice at farther distances.

 

[Rod Man]

Carefully test the twist rate again, I believe you will find more like 1:48. I have an old Euroarms "Kentuckian" barrel. It has a 1:48 twist. Very accurate. I use 65 grains Goex 3f. My barrel is .45, I think as they started importing more rifles they moved to .45 over .44 to fit in with American standards.
Also, you need to work up the load for that rifle starting from scratch. Start at 25 yards, get your load developed, then set your sights and then practice at farther distances.

I was going to say the same thing, thinking you need to push that ball a bit faster.

RM

 

[stevenjay1]

I’m at work so I’ll recheck the twist when I get home. I thought 1in 33 was way to fast. I’ll also increase the powder charge to 65 grains. It will be after Christmas before I can get back to the range. Snow tomorrow and cold for the foreseeable future.

 

[mooman76]

Check your fired patches. They tell you allot.

 

[Erwan]

I wouldn't be surprised if the twist rate is actually .48"...
Try this rifle at 50 yards with a .445" bullet and a .01 patch (greased or oiled)...

 

[cynthialee]

Check your fired patches. They tell you allot.

This right here.

I had no clue my patches could tell me so much until I came here. And yeah, the patches tell many tales. Take the time to collect up as many as you can after some shots.

You don't know how to read a patch? No problem. Post some pictures here and you will get good input.

 

[stevenjay1]

Rechecked the twist with a very tight patch and it is 1 in 48. I was surprised that the rifling is so shallow. Next time I’ll try a larger ball and will recover some patches. I got this rifle for a song and dance and didn’t expect the lock to work as well as it does. As soon as it warms up a bit and the holidays are over I’ll hit the range and let you guys know. I think there is potential.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Rechecked the twist with a very tight patch and it is 1 in 48. I was surprised that the rifling is so shallow. I think there is potential.

I bought the same rifle along with a Lee .433 round ball mold to trade to my foster nephew for a full choke 20 barrel. It shot well but IF you're rifling is shallow, you may have a situation where you will need a conical bullet. You might get away with a .430 bullet from a .430 Lee bullet mold or a .429 bullet from a Lee .429 mold ..., perhaps with a linen-paper patch around it? Those are pistol bullets though, and might want a faster twist. Lee also makes a much heavier 310 grain bullet mold, but I'd think that is perhaps too heavy.

LD

 

[hanshi]

A 1-48" twist will shoot prb AND conicals very well; if, that is, the rifling is deep enough. You state yours is not deep at all. Conicals should still shoot accurately but with prb you're going to need a larger ball even with your present patches.