Loading Block

[dkephart]

I would like to build a loading block for my 54.
Somewhere I read the size to drill the blocks,but cannot find the info anywhere.
Does anyone know the size or where the info was posted?

 

[musketman]

Does anyone know the size or where the info was posted?

I can't find it either... :curse: :curse: :curse:

However, I have a drill bit chart... :winking:

bit size/hole size

17/32 = .5312
35/64 = .5469

 

[Claude Mathis]

Loading Blocks

 

[Rebel]

For a .54 cal use a 35/64" bit

 

[musketman]

Loading Blocks

I was there too, I just didn't scroll down far enough...

See what happens when you have too many post to remember... :crackup:

 

[bdarin]

As long as you're looking those up, hows about drill size for .50? (My drill chart is long lost). Thanks. ::

 

[Rebel]

1/2" drill bit for a .50 cal.

 

[bob1961]

here's two i made for my .50 out of popular....

half inch forsner bit then some 400 grit sandpaper on a pencil to just open up the holes a little to make them go in easier then a piece of 100 grit on top of the holes under my thumb to camfer the holes just slitly to adviod splinters when loading the balls.......................bob

 

[Claude Mathis]

As long as you're looking those up, hows about drill size for .50? (My drill chart is long lost). Thanks. ::

The link in the above posts, "Loading Blocks", contains the chart...

.36 caliber patched ball-------------------->3/8 inch drill bit
.45 caliber patched ball-------------------->29/64 inch drill bit
.50 caliber patched ball-------------------->1/2 inch drill bit
.54 caliber patched ball-------------------->35/64 inch drill bit
.58 caliber patched ball-------------------->19/32 inch drill bit
.62 caliber patched ball-------------------->5/8 inch drill bit

 

[Rebel]

here's two i made for my .50 out of popular....

Bob, i can see where they might be Popular. :: Right nice looking blocks, and looks like ya gots the makin's of a couple nice knives too.

 

[Dave Poss]

Hi...it was pointed out in another heading of the Muzzleloading forum that short starters were, relatively speaking, a modern invention. But, in useing a loading block a short starter is almost a necessity. Are loading blocks "new" too and if a starter was used to push the ball into the barrel instead of useing finger or thumb pressure, wouldn't a starter be necessary in the same gun to load normally? To clarify, I'm referring to colonial days and since most rifles were fairly large calibers,I would think you could use your finger since it would usually be smaller than the hole in the block ....of course, thinking has never been my strong point! thanks

 

[Stumpkiller]

I use a loading block for 95% of my rifle shooting and I only need a short starter for my .50, which is a tight patch fit. With my .54 I just choke up on the ramrod to 4" or so and jamb the ball and patch on in. If the barrel is well radiused, or coned, it is even easier.

Madison Grant's book Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle has a dozen or so loading blocks pictured alone or still tied to bags . . . but no short starters.

I do keep a little 1" ended "Stub-Starter" for when the piddies get numb and the lube is stiff.

 

[Claude Mathis]

I do keep a little 1" ended "Stub-Starter" for when the piddies get numb and the lube is stiff.

Me too, and this may be what some authors are describing as a "short" starter, not the 10 inch modern starters we see at rendezvous.

 

[jtmattison]

Log Cabin Shop $5.95

Track $4.50

If you don't want to make your own. It takes the guess work out of it.

Does anyone have a pattern they would like to share for a loading block? I have a nice piece of 1/2 inch oak to make blocks out of but no good pattern to cut it.

Huntin

 

[RussB]

Bob...Is the piece of horn, to the right of your blocks, your short starter, with a measured charge in the main beam?
I like that thought very much, matter-o-fact, I have already set to work to make something similar. Great idea IMO. Guess I realy need to get out more!
Russ

 

[dkephart]

Thanks for the info.I knew I had seen the chart somewhere.
Made a 6 shot round block out of bacote for the .54.Is perfect for a short hunt.

 

[bowjock]

I have a question in regards to the loading block, how do you use them if you us a "spit patch". I can understand the lubed patches. Just a courious mind I guess...lol

 

[Claude Mathis]

I have a question in regards to the loading block, how do you use them if you us a "spit patch".

You don't.

I never considered spit as an option for the obvious reason you mention.

 

[Stumpkiller]

I have a couple of the blocks from Track OT Wolf that I added a seventh hole at the top on the center axis. You can also rip them down the middle and make two 3-shot blocks. Hang one of those off your horn and you have an afternoon hunt without needing a hunting bag.

My favorite block is canoe shaped, holds five shots, and I string a thong through a hole on either end and wear it like a gorget. Being tied on either end it flops around less

 

[gasbomb]

My favorite block is canoe shaped, holds five shots, and I string a thong through a hole on either end and wear it like a gorget. Being tied on either end it flops around less

Now what does the wife say about you using her undergarments to hold your loading block? :blah: