Euroarms Volunteer Rifle (Happy Birthday to me!)

[BP Addict]

I just pick up a Euroarms 2-Band Volunteer Rifle in pristine condition! I've been reading an old thread about a Whitworth and gained a considerable amount of information, especially from David at Research Press. I saw it in my local shop a couple of weeks ago. The info I received here gave me the confidence to "Pull the Trigger" on the purchase.

I've also watched a few You Tube videos. The previous owner wrote some Loading Data on the box*. They didn't have what I really need to shoot it properly except the mold he recommended. I'm not sure that's the one I want. I bought some 45 Caliber Minié Balls (it's in the 90s here so didn't feel like casting any). These should give me a feel for the gun. I'm mostly an Off-hand Flintlock shooter but am looking forward to some Long Distance Shooting. I'll be start by sighting in at 25 yards, then go to 50 and then 100. We do have a 200 yard range at the club and a Gong on the hill at almost 300 (260) yards.

Now to order molds, sizers, make card wads, etc.

*Not sure I like the idea of a flat nose bullet or if a revolver Wonder Wad would be a good enough gas seal. However, I was told he was a Long Range Shooter.

 

[Whitworth]

Happy Birthday, nice rifle. Always treat yourself well because the rest of the world may forget to

 

[BP Addict]

It's not until the 5th, but thanks!

You know, the best presents are the ones you buy for yourself. That way you get exactly what you want!

 

[ResearchPress]

Those long range loads are quite stout and likely unnecessary. I use 90 grains FFg with 530 - 560 grain paper patched bullets in .45 match rifles out to 1000 yards. I’ve gone up to 100 grains FFg for occasional matches at 1100 & 1200 yards.

Enjoy your rifle!

David

 

[Stantheman86]

I just buy .451 Volunteer bullets and use a sizer. I have .449, .450 and .451 sizers.

I take them down to .450 and lube them with SPG, I can shoot 10 shot strings before wiping but I'm also not a World Class shooter. I use 90 gr of 3f.

I'd love to find a Euroarms 3-bander and one of the .457 bore Volunteers that use 45-70 bullets

 

[Bad Karma]

Those long range loads are quite stout and likely unnecessary. I use 90 grains FFg with 530 - 560 grain paper patched bullets in .45 match rifles out to 1000 yards. I’ve gone up to 100 grains FFg for occasional matches at 1100 & 1200 yards.

Enjoy your rifle!

David

I believe @Idaholewis used 80 grains to shoot 1200+ yards... you really don’t need a lot of velocity to shoot 1000 yards. (Just be patient, the bullet will get there... eventually...)

 

[ResearchPress]

I believe @Idaholewis used 80 grains to shoot 1200+ yards... you really don’t need a lot of velocity to shoot 1000 yards. (Just be patient, the bullet will get there... eventually...)

... and I know what works for me. I’m sat here with the Long Range Rifles Branch of the MLAGB ‘Metford Trophy’ - the competition comprising 15 shots at each distance, 1000, 1100 and 1200 yards. I have also won the LRR ‘Hepsworth Medal’ for 15 shots at 1200 yards and have set National Records in MLAGB competition. A few weeks ago I won the LRR 900 yard Championship.

... and what do you use?

David

 

[ResearchPress]

I believe @Idaholewis used 80 grains to shoot 1200+ yards...

From the recent video posted of the few shots fired by Mr. Lewis at 1200 yards it shows his load as 95 grains of Swiss 2F.

David

 

[Bad Karma]

... and I know what works for me. I’m sat here with the Long Range Rifles Branch of the MLAGB ‘Metford Trophy’ - the competition comprising 15 shots at each distance, 1000, 1100 and 1200 yards. I have also won the LRR ‘Hepsworth Medal’ for 15 shots at 1200 yards and have set National Records in MLAGB competition. A few weeks ago I won the LRR 900 yard Championship.

... and what do you use?

David

It varies. In my .40 caliber rifles I seldom exceed 75 grains, in the .45’s 90 grains is as much fun as I like, my one .50 caliber, a green mtn lrh never sees more than 80 grains but it’s a short range thumper for elk. These are hunting rifles, from 7.5 to 9# so I don’t often shoot heavy loads.

From the recent video posted of the few shots fired by Mr. Lewis at 1200 yards it shows his load as 95 grains of Swiss 2F.
View attachment 87991

David

Well there you have it... I was actually misremembering, since that’s kind of a favorite load of his. Albeit with lighter bullets... by the way David, I was in no way shading your rifle, your choice of loads bullets or anything else at all.

I’ve never shot in any formal competition and it’s really been a few years (1983 actually) since I shot centerfire rifles at long ranges regularly. I’m sure you’re proud of your accomplishments. It isn’t as easy as it looks.

 

[hanshi]

That certainly is a fine looking rifle. I think you did well with that present.

 

[BP Addict]

That certainly is a fine looking rifle. I think you did well with that present.

Thank you, Sir!

 

[BP Addict]

I took the rifle to the range Sunday. My 2008 Dixie Gun Catalog said to use 60 grains of 3F. All I could find were some 300 grain Minié balls. I was hoping to get a “feel” for the gun.

I started at 25 yards. Point of Aim (POA) was the White Center. They hit quite a bit high. Second POA was six o’clock on the 6-ring (I posted the target up-side-down so it looks like a 9!). Left Side was the 60 grains. Right Side was 40 grains of Powder. POA was the same. I only shot the three shots then moved to the next distance.

At 50 yards, Left Side POA was originally the same 6 o’clock hold but they hit above the target. Second POA was at the BOTTOM OF THE TARGET BOARD! This is with 40 grains of powder. The Right Side was 440 Patched Round Balls. POAs were the same as the left side.

I tried a few shots at 100. POA was at the bottom and Point of Impact was all the way at the top, above the paper! I didn’t bother to take a photo of that.

I read in another thread that this high Impact Point is characteristic of these Reproduction guns. Needless to say, I’m going to need a taller front sight. The funny thing is that there’s what appears to be a Rear Sight groove lower than the one on the slider but there’s no way to use it.

Disappointing but not devastating. Thanks to that other Thread, I wasn't too surprised. Still fun though!

 

[ResearchPress]

... there’s what appears to be a Rear Sight groove lower than the one on the slider but there’s no way to use it.

You appear to be referring to the toe of the flap that is uppermost when it is folded down and sights are set at 100 yards. The notch in the toe is not a sight, but filed to prevent it interfering with the line of sight when firing at that distance. This goes right back to the Pattern 1853 Enfield.

David