New Jaeger in .62 cal. Need starting load info please!

[Curt LaManna]

From what I've read in the other recent post about a man in need of .62 Smoothbore loads, I was surprised to see that about an equal amount of shooters use 3F instead of, the more traditional loadings of 2F? One guy posted last year that the loads in a Jaeger, having a shorter length barrel, was more efficient at burning using 3F, which make sense. But, my main use would be for just range shoots, at the local club, or in the Desert, and a Hunting Load, for game large and another for Medium size critters, such as Deer or Coyotes. Being money is tight, as it seems for about the whole of society currently, I figured 3F would be more efficient as a cost factor, as well. I was going to shoot a RB in .595-.610 and work up some loads starting at about 60grns. for as they call them at our local club, "Pun'kin Balls Shooters". I have cast some of my own .600 RBs and haven't shot the rifle yet. I have a number of different sizes from my 20ga Smoothbores, in Matchlock to early Flintlocks.
Starting loads of 60 grns. too light? I know that Hunting loads will be between 75-90 grns. of 3F.
I measured the bore right at .620" and the groove to .650". I guess a thicker patch would be best for this, .020" thick using a .600" RB?
I bought it from a wonderful couple in TN. and from what they told me, the Jaeger was built about 25-30+ yrs. ago. Plain Jane finish, what I would consider an NCO Jaeger Rifle. It came with a really nice period correct Tapestry sling, sliding wooden covered patch box, and heavy barrel and bore caliber. It's a really sweet handling Rifle, and the accuracy of the workmanship is very good.
Thanks for the tips on the start loads and any other advice you guys shooting Jaegers may have to give, I'd greatly appreciate it!

 

[majg1234]

no advice on loads but some PIX to drool on would be nice :bow:

 

[Curt LaManna]

Here you go, Brother!

 

[Dphar]

28 to 30% of ball weight of FF Swiss is a good start.

Dan

 

[fire-n-brimstone]

That is a purty gun.


Andy

 

[rich pierce]

I'd measure the twist right off. This would help you have an idea how much velocity you might need to stabilize the ball.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I'd measure the twist right off. This would help you have an idea how much velocity you might need to stabilize the ball.

Rich beat me to it, asking about twist.
My Jaeger .54 has a 1:72 twist and prefers charges of 70 gr. and up. Really, you need to find a bench and do some shooting to determine what your nice Jaeger wants. For a rifle gun in that caliber, I'll opin that whatever charge it likes for accuracy will be your hunting load as well. There isn't much on this continent that will walk away after being hit with a .62 cal. ball at even moderate velocities.

 

[Grizzled Roberts]

My .62 Jaeger likes 65 grains 3F, .595 ball and ticking for patch. This works good for paper and woodswalks. If I need a critter cruncher load I jump up to 90 grains. I use 3F because it is cleaner than 2F and I need less powder to get the work done.

 

[paulvallandigham]

If your groove diameter is .650, I would recommend using the larger, .610" ball, with a .025" thick patch. These fabrics DO compress, and the whole purpose of the patch is to seal the bore and GROOVES so that gas can't cut up the grooves, and tear the fabric, and cut the lead ball. If you can't find thicker fabric, consider using either a "Filler" such as corn meal, corn flour, cream of Wheat, etc. to seal the bore between the powder charge and the PRB, or find a .660" diameter Over Powder( OP) wad to put between the Powder and the PRB. The .600" RB will make it much easier to load the barrel, but considering the actually bore diameter- .620", which is larger than the nominal .615" that these guns usually have, I think you have to think "Bigger" is going to be Better. NO? :idunno: :surrender:

my "20 gauge" fowler actually came with a smoothbore barrel that measures .626-27" in diameter. That makes it closer to a nominal 19 ga. barrel(.629), than to the smaller 20 ga.

I ended up buying 19 gauge OP wads, and OS cards for shooting shot loads( you won't be doing that with your rifle) but kept the 20 gauge cushion wads as they are much easier to load in my gun.

I tried .600" balls, but have recently acquired some .610" diameter balls to try. I am expecting better groups with the larger ball diameter.

No, I don't think starting with 60 grains of FFg, much less FFFg powder is TOO Light a powder charge in your gun. Velocity should be in the 980 fps. range +/-, but that has proven to be a very accurate load for those "pumpkin balls", shot out of smoothbores. Out of a rifle, you may find that increasing the powder charge will improve group size, but each gun is different. Only testing will answer the questions you have. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

[Rifleman1776]

My .62 Jaeger likes 65 grains 3F, .595 ball and ticking for patch. This works good for paper and woodswalks. If I need a critter cruncher load I jump up to 90 grains. I use 3F because it is cleaner than 2F and I need less powder to get the work done.

3Fg is fine, my preference also. What is your twist? That will largely determine your most accurate charge.

 

[Jaegermeister]

My .62 Jaeger eats about 75 gr of ff with wal mart pillow ticking square patches. It's a TOTW kit.

 

[hoochiepapa]

Nice rifle. I can't help you with loads, mine is .58