Everything .40 Cal. Muzzleloader

[Dusty_Traveler]

I absolutely love my .40. I got it off GunBroker a few months ago, and it is just a good solid rifle. Good ignition, good accuracy, just a joy to shoot. I use all my guns, no safe queens, so I wasn't looking for a pristine example. It's got a small siler lock, and thats about all I know. If ya'll can identify the kit, or the barrel, just holler it out!

 

[BP Addict]

My first 40 was an Iron Mounted Pennsylvania Flintlock rifle. I believe the unknown builder rifled the bore himself as there are “chatter marks” in the barrel so it fouls terribly. I don’t know whether to try and polish it out or send it to Hoyt and have it made into a 45. The barrel is 42” and a little front-heavy. I’m not sure what the twist is. I don’t think I’ve measured it yet. Rather than cut dovetails for the sights, he made these gawdy bases. He also over-sanded the side plates. I call her “Ugly Betty” (photo 1)!

Last year, I purchased a Chambers Issac Haines 40 from one of our members. It has a 38” swamped barrel (photo 2). The twist is 1-48”. I’ve shot it out to 100 yards. The accuracy is phenomenal! I’m just having a hard time getting used to the full stock. I’ve shot half-stocks with Crescent butt-plates for 35 years. I use it mainly for target shooting. Although, 40 is legal for deer in my state. I’ve played around with powder charges. I usually shoot 40 grains, .395 patched round ball with Bumbling Bear Grease lube (Bear grease and Bee’s wax) from October Country on a .018 Pillow Ticking patch (photo 3). I’ve tried 50 with not-so-good results. 60 grains has the same Point of Impact as 40 but with more foot-pounds of energy (photo 4). Shots 1-3 were 40, 4-6 were 50, and 7-9 were 60.

I also have a 40-caliber English Flintlock pistol made by Hollie Wessel of Lake Shasta, CA, for target work (photo 5). My load is a .395 RB, .018 pre-lubed Pillow Ticking, and 20 grains of 3F BP.

I’m wanting to buy a Neil Fields 40-caliber Vincent Cap-lock rifle (photo 6). This one is basically the same dimensions as a Traditions Crockett. I’m not sure of the twist but most small bores come with 1-48”. Pecatonica River has a kit with a 36” barrel, and a Golcher Percussion lock. I don’t see many Flintlock Vincents. They seem to be like hen’s teeth.

One thing I’ve loved about the 40 besides accuracy is the economy of shooting one; approximately 76 balls and 175 shots to the pound of lead and powder! Plus, Flints locally are $2.50 each. I can get between 80 and 100 shots with a good lock.

 

[BP Addict]

I absolutely love my .40. I got it off GunBroker a few months ago, and it is just a good solid rifle. Good ignition, good accuracy, just a joy to shoot. I use all my guns, no safe queens, so I wasn't looking for a pristine example. It's got a small siler lock, and thats about all I know. If ya'll can identify the kit, or the barrel, just holler it out!
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Beautiful gun!!!!!

Congrats!!!!

Walt

 

[Ninering62]

Ive been using a .395 roundball with a .015 patch lubed with Mr Flintlocks powered by Swiss 3FG 50 gr charge. The barrel is a 1/48 twist.

Thanks for your post & info

You really peaked my interest. I believe I will look in to this also. Thanks for the post.

Thats awesome, you're welcome.

 

[Ninering62]

My first 40 was an Iron Mounted Pennsylvania Flintlock rifle. I believe the unknown builder rifled the bore himself as there are “chatter marks” in the barrel so it fouls terribly. I don’t know whether to try and polish it out or send it to Hoyt and have it made into a 45. The barrel is 42” and a little front-heavy. I’m not sure what the twist is. I don’t think I’ve measured it yet. Rather than cut dovetails for the sights, he made these gawdy bases. He also over-sanded the side plates. I call her “Ugly Betty” (photo 1)!

Last year, I purchased a Chambers Issac Haines 40 from one of our members. It has a 38” swamped barrel (photo 2). The twist is 1-48”. I’ve shot it out to 100 yards. The accuracy is phenomenal! I’m just having a hard time getting used to the full stock. I’ve shot half-stocks with Crescent butt-plates for 35 years. I use it mainly for target shooting. Although, 40 is legal for deer in my state. I’ve played around with powder charges. I usually shoot 40 grains, .395 patched round ball with Bumbling Bear Grease lube (Bear grease and Bee’s wax) from October Country on a .018 Pillow Ticking patch (photo 3). I’ve tried 50 with not-so-good results. 60 grains has the same Point of Impact as 40 but with more foot-pounds of energy (photo 4). Shots 1-3 were 40, 4-6 were 50, and 7-9 were 60.

I also have a 40-caliber English Flintlock pistol made by Hollie Wessel of Lake Shasta, CA, for target work (photo 5). My load is a .395 RB, .018 pre-lubed Pillow Ticking, and 20 grains of 3F BP.

I’m wanting to buy a Neil Fields 40-caliber Vincent Cap-lock rifle (photo 6). This one is basically the same dimensions as a Traditions Crockett. I’m not sure of the twist but most small bores come with 1-48”. Pecatonica River has a kit with a 36” barrel, and a Golcher Percussion lock. I don’t see many Flintlock Vincents. They seem to be like hen’s teeth.

One thing I’ve loved about the 40 besides accuracy is the economy of shooting one; approximately 76 balls and 175 shots to the pound of lead and powder! Plus, Flints locally are $2.50 each. I can get between 80 and 100 shots with a good lock.

Thanks for your post, great write up & info. The pics of your beautiful flinters is impressive.
Heres a little food for thought on your first rifle you discussed & are considering sending it to Bob Hoyt. If you want to keep it in .40 he can over bore & sleeve that barrel & nothing on the outside changes, just a better shooting gun on the inside. I seriously need to get my TC HPS .40 re barrel project off to Bob, I'm excited about that project. Life & procrastination have interceded long enough.
I missed a .40 Tingle pistol on auction last yr. I'd love to have one, or even the CVA copy of it in .40 fast twist.

 

[user 49399]

So far, nobody dislikes the .40 caliber. I may have the wrong caliber rifles.

 

[user 53891]

So far, nobody dislikes the .40 caliber. I may have the wrong caliber rifles.

I don't think anyone hates any caliber. As long as it makes smoke and makes you happy.

 

[BP Addict]

Thanks for your post, great write up & info. The pics of your beautiful flinters is impressive.
Heres a little food for thought on your first rifle you discussed & are considering sending it to Bob Hoyt. If you want to keep it in .40 he can over bore & sleeve that barrel & nothing on the outside changes, just a better shooting gun on the inside. I seriously need to get my TC HPS .40 re barrel project off to Bob, I'm excited about that project. Life & procrastination have interceded long enough.
I missed a .40 Tingle pistol on auction last yr. I'd love to have one, or even the CVA copy of it in .40 fast twist.

Thank you for your reply. I thought by making it a 45, it would be a little lighter and I'd hear fewer complaints from my lower back. I really don't have a 45 right now.

Most of the Tingles and copies I've seen are 44 caliber.

Walt

 

[Ninering62]

Thank you for your reply. I thought by making it a 45, it would be a little lighter and I'd hear fewer complaints from my lower back. I really don't have a 45 right now.

Most of the Tingles and copies I've seen are 44 caliber.

Walt

I like the .45 more than I ever did the .50 & have become a huge .40 lover in that last 3yrs. Lasy yr there were 2 Tingles on GB for auction, 1-.45 & 1-.40. I really wanted that .40 but it went out of my price range.

 

[Ninering62]

So far, nobody dislikes the .40 caliber. I may have the wrong caliber rifles.

This is true, but I've read & heard a bunch of times that the .40 fast twists are not recommended for novice muzzleloader shooters. That doesn't apply to anyone " disliking it " bc only ppl that could not make their .40 work for them ever had anything bad to say.

 

[sportster73hp]

Mine is a Kibler smr. I expected it to use less powder . It likes 50 grains 3f a .395 ball and .015 patch with olive oil.
In the past my go to was a 45 in both bp and unmentionable . After watching a member and his 40 ,i needed one.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

I got home earlier this evening, from the Encampment Rendezvous, and found this thread…what a fun thread on one of my favorite calibres.

@Ninering62 This is fantastic!!!

Here’s my .40 calibre Flintlock, it’s a TVM Natchez Poor Boy. As @Ninering62 stated, this calibre can be finicky. I’ve tinkered with mine for the better part of 5 months, hundreds of RBs down range…and it’s shooting pretty solidly right now.

My main load is 40 grains of fffg, under a .390 RB, with pillow ticking and Moose Milk lube.

I also have pretty good accuracy with a .375 RB over 30 grains of fffg, same patching as above.

I really love this calibre…I enjoy the versatility of being able to load .375 RBs and going after rabbits and squirrels one day…then loading a .390 or .395 and going after deer sized big game the next.

Yeah, don’t be fooled…the .390 is solid on squirrels as well.

What a great thread. The .40 calibre is such a solid calibre

 

[nkbj]

What weight are your bullets? I'm getting a pretty fast twist on the one I'm building - prob in 1:32, to shoot light - 140gr 150gr & 160gr custom sized jacketed & cast 10mm pistol bullets out of up to 1800fps.

Depends on which base plug is used.
With the deepest plug at .87" (medium length for the adjustment) they'll come in at 250 grains.

 

[Ninering62]

I got home earlier this evening, from the Encampment Rendezvous, and found this thread…what a fun thread on one of my favorite calibres.

@Ninering62 This is fantastic!!!

View attachment 151483
Here’s my .40 calibre Flintlock, it’s a TVM Natchez Poor Boy. As @Ninering62 stated, this calibre can be finicky. I’ve tinkered with mine for the better part of 5 months, hundreds of RBs down range…and it’s shooting pretty solidly right now.

My main load is 40 grains of fffg, under a .390 RB, with pillow ticking and Moose Milk lube.

I also have pretty good accuracy with a .375 RB over 30 grains of fffg, same patching as above.

I really love this calibre…I enjoy the versatility of being able to load .375 RBs and going after rabbits and squirrels one day…then loading a .390 or .395 and going after deer sized big game the next.

Yeah, don’t be fooled…the .390 is solid on squirrels as well.

What a great thread. The .40 calibre is such a solid calibre

Thanks Rock Home Isle, I'm glad you like the thread. Thanks for your post & pic, sweet lookin flinter.

 

[jlatz]

I started with one of the early Dixie .40 rifles. It did well. Later I had a .40 Vincent made with a Green Mountain barrel, 1/48 twist, 36". It has been a great performer. Recent loads have been 40 grains of Pyrodex P, .395 ball and a .15 thou. lubed patch. In the past I have used a flint .40 to good effect as well.

 

[Rod Man]

I absolutely love my .40. I got it off GunBroker a few months ago, and it is just a good solid rifle. Good ignition, good accuracy, just a joy to shoot. I use all my guns, no safe queens, so I wasn't looking for a pristine example. It's got a small siler lock, and thats about all I know. If ya'll can identify the kit, or the barrel, just holler it out!
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I thought you was Left handed? That’s pretty steady nerves with shooting a flint gun wrong handed. I can deal with shoot’n a perc gun but not a fan of right handed flint guns.

Nice Rifle though!!!

RM

 

[Gordoncourtney]

I absolutely love my .40. I got it off GunBroker a few months ago, and it is just a good solid rifle. Good ignition, good accuracy, just a joy to shoot. I use all my guns, no safe queens, so I wasn't looking for a pristine example. It's got a small siler lock, and thats about all I know. If ya'll can identify the kit, or the barrel, just holler it out! View attachment 151331View attachment 151332View attachment 151333View attachment 151334View attachment 151335View attachment 151336View attachment 151337

The 450 -400 at 2150 ft sec was always the best rifle for India and Africa. You won’t get more than 1900 ft sec with BP but with a 400 g bullet it will stop anything on the planet. I have one in unmentionables Not by me but the previous owner was shooting Cape buff not 6 months before his death and I bought it at Bonhams auction. 2013 Yours looks fantastic , beautiful even. I love the small bore in the heavy octagonal barrel. Also a great target rifle however for round ball I would prefer a .510 just building a gibbs 1860 LH flint one now. Of course they are all inert wall hangers in uk without a police certificate such is Shooting life in this green and pleasant land

 

[Dusty_Traveler]

I thought you was Left handed? That’s pretty steady nerves with shooting a flint gun wrong handed. I can deal with shoot’n a perc gun but not a fan of right handed flint guns.

Nice Rifle though!!!

RM

Haha! I AM a lefty! Been dealing with dang ol right handed weapons so long, it's just become a part of shooting now. I don't find the flash much of a problem, I try not to pay it any attention.

Thanks! She's a good shooter!

 

[Mulemauler]

I've always loved the .40 for competition. It is very good at 25 and 50 yards but suffers in our Okla. winds at 100. It just won't buck the wind as well as a .45 or .50 but if we don't have a 30 MPH crosswind it is hard to beat!

 

[Gordoncourtney]

Haha! I AM a lefty! Been dealing with dang ol right handed weapons so long, it's just become a part of shooting now. I don't find the flash much of a problem, I try not to pay it any attention.

Thanks! She's a good shooter!

I bought the flint lock action off eBay USA $40 I am making three Gibbs look alike as that was the size of my slab of walnut, just getting carried away It’s .5 bore with a Lancaster oval bore. The touch hole remaining un drilled so it’s inert to comply with UK laws. Pending a S1 police certificate. Gibbs never made a flintlock as my research goes. So I thought it time I had one. ( I could of got a steel blank drilled for £140 but it would be .437 ) It’s possible Gibbs did a .5 bore as a hunting rifle , but not target. 1/38”’twist so .5 bore better for patched or unpatched balls I might be lucky at holts auction and find a 10.4mm barrel which is in essence around .400 for a replacement , last 10.4 mm barrel was only 30” long. Probably have to buy whole rifle. That’s £300 plus but worth it

Sorry just rambling along off the .4. Subject regards from uk