Finished Matchlock

[bioprof]

Tried it out today with a .735 patched roundball. It was VERY hard to start. Had to hammer it to get it started, then it slid down the barrel. I don't have a rear sight yet, so I'm still trying to figure out where it shoots. I think my first two shots at 25 yards were low. I moved closer to the target (a pumpkin) and it went right through the middle. I'm going to have to either get thinner patches or smaller round balls. My hand couldn't handle the pounding it took to get the ball started. Recoil was there, but not too bad.

Has anyone tried shooting roundballs without a patch in a smoothbore? Any trouble with lead fouling the bore? Cleaning after only three shots seemed like it took forever, even with soap and water.

 

[PitchyPine]

I`m sure you`ll have it shootin fine in no time. :thumbsup:

 

[Leonredbeard]

Bioprof,
I have not experienced satisfactory shooting without the patch, although I haven't done it much. More importantly I haven't seen anyone else shoot well without a patch with one exception. An older gentleman was shooting his bess by pouring powder, ramming a small hunk of tow to within three inches of the powder and dropping a ball on top and ramming the remaining distance. The tow wraps around the ball as needed and seals the bore. If you try this, DO NOT, stuff the tow into the bore and leave it near the muzzle, place the ball on it and try to ram. You will have a very stuck ball down there somewhere. I tried this but did not get satisfactory results. But then I don't shoot enough, too busy building locks and such. Maybe after I get the next three gonnes built...
volatpluvia

 

[Leonredbeard]

Oh, Bioprof,
The guys I know shooting .75's use .715 balls with a patch. They use .735's for shooting without the patch.
volatpluvia