new(to me) rock lock

[FRJ]

I just picked up a new to me rock lock. It's 45cal and I'm wondering where to start with a powder charge. I'm thinking starting at 45gr 3f and maxing out at 85 or so. What are your opinions.Naturally if accuracy starts to go down the tube before max is reached I'll rethink my ideas. FRJ

 

[Mike Brooks]

What kind of rock?

 

[FRJ]

Hi Mike, They are also commonly called "flintlocks" but I kinda think that any hard,sharp "rock" would do as its just cutting off pieces of the frizen that causes sparks to ignite and set off the priming charge. You however would know better than me and that's why I asked the question as I dont have the experience with these kinds of rifles that others do.My last flint lock was 40 plus years ago and I just found the ceramic "rock" that I used in that one. I am by the way sorry if I offended you in any way as that surely wasn't my desire. By the way do you have any idea about powder charges for this rifle? FRJ

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Well, one rule-of-thumb is you start with a powder load equal to your caliber, so that would be 45 grains of 3Fg. In my case the law requires for deer a minimum 60 grain charge regardless of the caliber, so I started with 60 grains when I had a .45. I now have a .54 and I use 70 grains of 3Fg.

I hope this helps. If all you wish to do is small game and targets, then start at 45 grains, and increase the loads as you test on the range in five grain increments, until you find an accurate load that you like.

LD

 

[ballandcap]

I use 60 grains FFF Goex for hunting and gets me dead on at 100 yards.

50 grains Punching paper at 100 yards is still dead on.
25 yards paper 45 grains
50 yards paper 50 grains.

Start at 45 grains and probably wouldn't go too far past 70, but doubt you'd need that much?

 

[Mike Brooks]

Hi Mike, They are also commonly called "flintlocks" but I kinda think that any hard,sharp "rock" would do as its just cutting off pieces of the frizen that causes sparks to ignite and set off the priming charge. You however would know better than me and that's why I asked the question as I dont have the experience with these kinds of rifles that others do.My last flint lock was 40 plus years ago and I just found the ceramic "rock" that I used in that one. I am by the way sorry if I offended you in any way as that surely wasn't my desire. By the way do you have any idea about powder charges for this rifle? FRJ

I'm not offended, I'm amused with the silly term :grin: You got good advice above about loads. :thumbsup:

 

[rich pierce]

Your accurate charge may depend on the twist of the barrel. I have an old Green River Rifle Works barrel in .45 with slow twist and it does not shoot as well below 50 grains FFFG.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Good thing you didn't say: "stone-pole" :haha:

45 gr sounds like a great stepping off point. Are you planning on hunting large game with it or mostly paper-punching? The latter usually restricts the minimum charge much more than the former.

 

[ebiggs1]

I just found the ceramic "rock" that I used in that one.

You need to re-lose that. :grin: Get a hand knapped black English or a Pierce hand knapped flint. :thumbsup:

 

[Stony]

Don't pay Mike no mind, he was around when flints were first discovered to work pretty well as an arrowhead. :rotf: But if you ask him a question, listen to the answer. Most of the time he's got good advice. Just remember, you can get ten answers to one question and about half will be right or almost right, you'll have to determine how the answers will affect you or your situation. Good luck! :hatsoff:

 

[Stony]

Stone-pole. :rotf: I like that.

 

[FRJ]

I'm thinking of using it for deer just because the flintlock makes for a little more fun than my percussion. While the 45 is legal for elk in Washington I feel its a little light for them.I'll probably do more paper punching than anything just like most everyone. FRJ

 

[ebiggs1]

Don't pay Mike no mind,............. :hmm: