Need help with 1858 Enfield clone.

[JDBraddy]

Powder load? Target distance? POA?

40gr. Grafs FFg
25yds
Center of the X-ring.

 

[dave951]

Well, since Patrick @ lodgewood said he couldn't help, I probably should have sold it and bought something else, but am too stubborn about stuff sometimes, so spent probably as much as the rifle cost, buying and trying used molds,
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Cast and tried a number of them today.
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Here where the results.
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First choice is the Rapine, three touching, Second choice is the Lyman, both are 0.585".

Now, I just need to get it to shoot to point of aim, or modify the non-adjustable sights, to point of impact.

Did you ever find out your bore size? The pix posted are prime examples of what happens when the bullet isn't sized properly, especially when the Rapine is suddenly the ticket and nobody else is close. Check the diameters of the bullets as cast and that should at least give you an idea of where things stand.


Get it right and wonderful things happen.........

 

[JDBraddy]

Did you ever find out your bore size? The pix posted are prime examples of what happens when the bullet isn't sized properly, especially when the Rapine is suddenly the ticket and nobody else is close. Check the diameters of the bullets as cast and that should at least give you an idea of where things stand.


Get it right and wonderful things happen.........
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Finally got together with Johnathan who used the pin guages and told me it guaged to 0.5805". So... should I order a 0.579 sizing die?

 

[dave951]

Finally got together with Johnathan who used the pin guages and told me it guaged to 0.5805". So... should I order a 0.579 sizing die?

.580 or .579

 

[JDBraddy]

Finally got together with Johnathan who used the pin guages and told me it guaged to 0.5805". So... should I order a 0.579 sizing die?

Ok, ordered. The Rapine 585510 shoots really well, but requires heavy thumb pressure or a short starter, and I was told that wouldn't be allowed in a Skirmish.

 

[JDBraddy]

Ok, ordered. The Rapine 585510 shoots really well, but requires heavy thumb pressure or a short starter, and I was told that wouldn't be allowed in a Skirmish.

Well, the 0.579" sizing die came in, but I had already given up and sold the 1858 patterned two band enfield, and bought an 1853 pattern Armi-sport. Bore size 0.580" so used the 0.579" sizing die, and went to the range. Went down the bore with just the weight of the ramrod, and I think it shot well at 50yds.

 

[dave951]

Well, the 0.579" sizing die came in, but I had already given up and sold the 1858 patterned two band enfield, and bought an 1853 pattern Armi-sport. Bore size 0.580" so used the 0.579" sizing die, and went to the range. Went down the bore with just the weight of the ramrod, and I think it shot well at 50yds.
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Great start. Time to begin tweaking the load. What was your load for this group?

 

[JDBraddy]

Great start. Time to begin tweaking the load. What was your load for this group?

Mold was Lee 90479 flying 🗑, 0.581", 482gr. Run through the.0.579" sizing die, and lubed with 3parts Beeswax, 2parts olive oil.

On top of 50gr FFg with CCI musket caps.

 

[dave951]

Mold was Lee 90479 flying 🗑, 0.581", 482gr. Run through the.0.579" sizing die, and lubed with 3parts Beeswax, 2parts olive oil.
View attachment 312122
On top of 50gr FFg with CCI musket caps.

That's the Lee version of the Rapine Trashcan. Sadly, Lee has discontinued this mold.