Pennsylvania Rifle (Betsy)

[fredrader]

I picked up a Traditions Pennsylvania Rifle in .50 cal and I looked all over it and couldn't find the date code and was wondering how to tell when it was made? It is cool with a factory 1:66 twist brl..I haven't shot it yet and was wondering if anyone here has one and what is a good load to start with..I figured I would start with 50g FFFG Goex .490 RB and pillow ticking and my Olive Oil/Bees Wax Lube and see how she does..Oh,It is a SHE since her name is "Betsy" since the previous owner carved her name in her stock and put a lot of brass inlay in the wood..Looks good though..
Click on the pic for a larger view..

 

[PreglerD]

Hello from Germany!

Nice rifle! Here in Germany we can only get it in .45. The charge you want to load for starting seems o.k.work it up 5 grs wise. Is it for target practice or hunting?

Regards

Kirrmeister

 

[fredrader]

I just punch holes in paper with em..

 

[Zonie]

Most of the Traditions guns were made in Spain.
Unfortunatly, Spain does not require that a date or date code will be stamped on the gun when it was proofed so there is no way of knowing when it was made.

Kinda too bad someone decided to carve a name into the stock.

I wonder. Is that the name of the gun or the name of the owner?
Then it could be just a comment once made about the gun?
Like, "Ah'm ah gonna load her up wit' a reel stiff load an' I'll betsy can hit that lil bird waaaaay ovar thar!"

 

[fredrader]

Zonie,Yea I saw the name in the stock and I just shook my head at first but it kinda grown on me...The guy that was selling it said it was his dads and he had it for a long time but he had died so he just wanted to sell it :shake: so he took $100 for it..I don't see selling something that was left to me by someone when they die unless I had no money to feed my kids or something but a lot of people just don't care I guess :idunno:

 

[rafterob]

A friend of mine has one just like it those models come from the '80s. Kinda heavy for offhand shooting-It did not balance well for me, but that is always a personal affair. I think you will find that 65-75 grains ffg will be the sweet spot.

 

[fredrader]

Sounds good,All I have is FFFG but I will give it a try and see how it does..Thanks

 

[The Hermit]

I have one and use 75 grains 3F with a .490 patched ball.It shoots well.

 

[fredrader]

Ok,I finally got around to shooting it today..It shoots better than any BP rifle I have..Here is a pic of the target..I wrote CVA instead of Traditions on the target though.. :redface:It was shooting low so I had to adjust the rear sight on the 1st and 2nd shot.. 3,4 and 5 was in there though...The little squares are 1" each..
Click on the pic for a larger view..

 

[stubshaft]

I guess "Ole Betsy" is still a good shooter.

 

[eaglesnester]

I own this rifle, it was my first flinter in 50 caliber. She goes bang every time if I do my part with 50 to 100gr of holy black or pyrodex 2f or 3f.
Ideal load is with a 490rb .020patch lubed with Crisco lard and 80gr powder. Accurate like stink and hits the mark at 100 with no problem. When using Pyrodex I use a binary charge. 5gr of 3f real black (the black makes the pyro hurry up ignition just as if you were using 100%black in main charge) down the bore followed by 75 grains pyrodex, I load the pan with 3f or 4f real black. I have found no difference in ignition time with 3f or 4f in the pan. I use a binary or duplex charge because black is so hard to get. I have to drive 400 miles to get mine and I get to pay $32 bucks a pound.

Cheers & Tighter Groups: Eaglesnester

 

[fredrader]

I like mine but I wish it was a Flintlock..It seems to shoot good though.. :thumbsup: