Opinions wanted on .36 or .40cal?

[Regulis7]

Been shootin .50's since I started messin with muzzleloaders back in the 80's, but now I am getting interested in a smaller caliber rifle.

Our state allows small game hunters to use .40cal and below during small game only season, and .36cal and above for either small or big game season.

So, been looking for something in either .36 or .40 that dont cost an arm-leg and half the bank accout! I am not a big fan of flinters so pretty much looking for a #11 cap gun.

Any suggestions on a new gun thats affordable?

Regulis7

 

[Big John]

Years ago i owned a Pedersoli percussion rifle,it was very accurate and fun to shoot. Shot like a .22. :m2c:

 

[Rebel]

Cabela's Blue Ridge is available in .36 caplock or flintlock. They are a very accurate shooting gun, at least in .45 and .50 cal i know they are.

 

[Tahquamenon]

I would think a .36 or .40 would be a sweet shooting calibers. I recently got my first .45 and love it for PRB & light loads for small game.

I'm presently looking at a .36 drop-in for a T/C Hawken.

 

[BrownBear]

I doubt you would notice a difference between them on small game. My big concerns would be fit, weight and balance. In the same model, the 40 will always weigh just a little less and be a little less barrel-heavy. But the question is whether or not you can find a 40 in the model you want. There's also the question of finding a reliable source of 40 balls if you don't cast your own. If at all possible, try to get near a place with a broad selection, then pick the one that handles best for you. Any other way, you are betting your bucks on guesswork.

 

[[email protected]]

I would say that ya outta get a .36 or a .32....
.40 is kinda an "ODDBALL" in my opinion...i KNOW THAT SAYIN THAT WILL RUFF A FEW FEATHERS....but, it's my opinion.

**** WV SCROUNGER ***

 

[Tahquamenon]

I would say that ya outta get a .36 or a .32....
.40 is kinda an "ODDBALL" in my opinion...i KNOW THAT SAYIN THAT WILL RUFF A FEW FEATHERS....but, it's my opinion.

**** WV SCROUNGER ***

There is that. 40 does not seem nearly as popular as 36.

 

[riarcher]

TOW has cast .389 & .395, or swaged .395 so ammo isn't a problem. Dixie probly does too.

 

[CoyoteJoe]

I've had both calibers and I prefer the .36 for small game. Where the .40 comes in is for short range deer or long range varmints. Past 50 yards the .40 packs a lot more punch and has a bit less wind drift. The .40 also permits use of a 3/8" ramrod, much better than the skinny 5/16" rod of the .36's and .32's. I wish .38 was more common, they can use the same .375" balls as C&B revolvers. :imo:

 

[wilded]

I pick up my .40 more than any caliber I own. I have taken deer, hogs and exotics on the biggame side. It holds up long shots for coyotes and such. Loaded down it is great on small game. Hornady makes a swaged .395 ball so no problem with ball. That being said if I am going specifically for same game I take one of my .32 calibers. If I am going deer hunting I take a larger caliber. But the forty is still my favorite and it seems like I end of carrying it most of the time. :m2c:

 

[Regulis7]

Any comments on the Traditions Shenandoah .36 or Cabela's Blue Ridge .36?

Theres about $55 difference between the Cabela's Blue Ridge and the Traditions Shenandoah after shipping and handling, so not sure which to get.

Who makes the barrels for each, if anyone knows.

Regulis7

 

[CrackStock]

Reg,

I have rifles in both calibers and I would get the .40 again in a flash. In fact, I am looking to either make my old caplock .40 into a flinter or might just get another similar rifle in flint since it shoots so well. It is more accurate and works well with the range rods from my large bores which will not fit the .36. I also find that it is less prone to fouling and is just a pleasure to shoot in competition.

Maybe we can get together some day and I can let you shoot them. Not this weekend, but maybe next.

I have moulds for both for both.

As to an inexpensive gun -- try TVM. Get an in-the-white gun or a kit.

YMHS,
CrackStock

 

[jimeckersley]

You didn't say what type of rifle you're using. If you like the rifle and want to keep cost down, consider a Green Mountain Barrel made up to drop into your existing rifle stock. I have a .50 hawken and added a .40 barrel for target shooting and small game. Works very well. Only 35 grains of swiss produces 1850 fps with the little .395 ball.

Track of the Wolf would be helpful if you call them.

 

[Dave K]

I have a 32, 38 and a 40. I can't tell any real difference on either one for squirrels. I do love though the 40 mostly because it is flint and the others are perc. Also in Ohio a 38cal. or larger is legal for deer, if that means anything to you. If you are looking at saving money JPerryE may have the best answer. If you go smaller than a 40cal. the gun may be getting awful heavy.

 

[CoyoteJoe]

Any comments on the Traditions Shenandoah .36 or Cabela's Blue Ridge .36?

Theres about $55 difference between the Cabela's Blue Ridge and the Traditions Shenandoah after shipping and handling, so not sure which to get.

Who makes the barrels for each, if anyone knows.

Regulis7

For $55.00 I'd take the Blueridge hands down! I'd had one for about a dozen years in .45 flint and it's been fast, reliable and accurate. I've recently done a lot of work on a friend's Shenandoah and it is toy-like next to the Blueridge. A cheap top at that. The Blueridge is made in Italy by D.P. Pedersoli. Traditions are made in Spain by , I don't know, Spanish Folks I reckon.

 

[Howard]

I have to agree with Scrounger. Go with a .32 or a .36. I would recommend the .32 cal. With proper loads, a .32 packs enough punch for game up to the size of wild turkey (maybe javelina if you can make a head shot). A .32 cal is also incredibly cheap to shoot.
.40 cal is one of those oddball rounds. It's too big for most small game, yet it does not carry enough energy to ensure taking a deer at average hunting distances. :m2c:

 

[Rat]

Right on Coyote Joe, I'd love to have a .38, carry my Remington Navy with it, and feed 'em both from the same bullet bag.

Rat

 

[walter lynn]

Also looking for a .36 for my t/c hawken. Where have you found yours? thanks.

 

[shmrck1]

wallygator,
try Green Mountain Rifle Barrel Co.(603)447-1095. they are nice people to deal with :imo: Check the links forum.
snake-eyes eace: :thumbsup:

 

[BrownBear]

Still don't care much about the size of the hole for my own version of small game shooting, but I just had a chance to shoot a friend's 40 with a swamped barrel. Now THAT makes a whole bunch of of difference! He didn't know the details about make because he inherited it, but you can bet my next gun will be swamped, no matter what the cost or size of hole. In truth it might very well be a 45 so it will do well for small game while sneaking into the "deer" category.