New Flinter Issues

[jdixon]

Recently got up and running a Tennessee Mnt. Rifle, .50 cal. Green Mnt. barrel w/ 1:70 twist, L&R Durs Egg lock. Once I got it sighted in, shooting 1.5" groups at 50 yrds with it. (That reminds me - I have a dead Westerner to send in) Very pleased with the accuracy. A couple of issues however that I am looking for answers on.
1. The Durs Egg lock is rough on flints - At least in my opinion it is rough on flints. Getting about 20 - 25 shots out of black English Fueller flints before they are falling apart. Have to re-knap slightly after about 12 - 15 shots. Any suggestions here on extending flint life or is this typical given the lock and flint material I am using.
2. Patches are blown apart. Using a .490 round ball, .015 pillow ticking, soaked in Bore Butter, over 70 or 75 gr. 2F Goex. Like I said accuracy is everything that I could want, but the patches I am finding are usually totally abused, torn-up, holes around the rifling ect. I have done the trick of seating and pulling a patched ball to check for sharp lands in the barrel (it is a new barrel), the patches come out just fine - no holes. Given the accuracy that I am getting, should I be concerned about the condition of these spent patches? If yes, should I go to a wad, hornet nesting, or a thicker patch and smaller ball?

 

[Rebel]

You might try putting a lubed patch or a wad down over the powder before seating the patched ball and see what you recovered patches look like. Also should improve your accuracy if your patches aren't coming apart.

 

[gordy]

Can't help out on the lock/flint problem,but I think You should go with the Hornets nesting under the PRB.Also try going to a thicker patch .18 compressed if it will load without beating the ball downbore with a hammer.You might try a different patch lube too.The GM bbls. are exceptional for the price.

 

[rickC]

Check your pillow ticking and make sure it isnt a "blend" fabric. I got some that had a touch of polyesther in it!didnt figure it out till I compared it with some old stuff, you could kinda feel it?? slippery is the only way I can explain it. check your barrell end, is it coned? that might help you?I had a small almost unnoticeable snag on the rifling that would grab the patch and cut it.could have been "runout'?from the boring. Its usually the little things that bug you!!! :front:

 

[DannyB]

A feller' sold me some of that polyester stuff at a rondy a few years back. It was camoflaged inside some of the good stuff in a roll. I didn't find out until I was home, but you know what, it shot pretty good.