Small bore rifles ?? Favorite's ?

[TreeMan]

I find it really odd that many small bore shooters, including myself, who simply never have had a fouling problem while many others report significant problems. The only thing I can think of is that the lube and patch thickness is responsible for at least some of the problems. I'd like to get some sort of survey from both camps giving details of what and how they load the rifles. I'd bet there is a common thread running through both groups as far as patch, lube and muzzle crown condition that would interest all pee-wee rifle shooters.

I had a 32 traditions crockett for many years. I now have a Pedersoli Kentucky 32 flint. With both I use a 310 ball and a thin 010 patch and 3F Goex. I don’t clean between shots and I just lube the patches with spit. I can/could shoot either all day it seems. I think with the 32 a super tight patch/ball fit is unnecessary. Mine go down easy and will shoot ragged holes at 25 yards.

 

[DuncNZ]

I have a .40 flintlock and I just love it , I use 40 grains of Swiss fff , the ignition is ultra fast and it goes off with a nice crack and is very accurate , but the .395 ball gets moved about by the wind .

 

[oldwood]

Have owned and shot a .32, shot and squirrel hunted w/ .36 , and then there's the .40. It is my absolute favorite for small game. I don't shoot competition any longer , but if I pick out a flinter to go to the range and practice , it's my .40. For small critters , 36 gr. FFFG , for turkeys and stuff a little harder to terminate ,60 gr's , FFFG. Almost anything you stuff down the bore shoots accurately. It is amazing. .......oldwood

 

[Dekka37]

I have no problem with fouling with my Scout 32 cal. Using .31 round ball with a .01 pre lubed patch. Easy to load and shoots accurately.

 

[French Colonial]

I find it really odd that many small bore shooters, including myself, who simply never have had a fouling problem while many others report significant problems. The only thing I can think of is that the lube and patch thickness is responsible for at least some of the problems. I'd like to get some sort of survey from both camps giving details of what and how they load the rifles. I'd bet there is a common thread running through both groups as far as patch, lube and muzzle crown condition that would interest all pee-wee rifle shooters.

I shoot a 32 I built back in the 70's. It has a Douglas barrel and I crowned it with a Dremel burr, I load a .310 ball and a .020 pillow ticking spit patch over 37 grains of 2F. I worked that load up back then and it was deadly on squirrel heads back when I could see. It doesn't foul and I do blow down the barrel between shots.

Its not pretty, I had never seen a SMR or held one and had seen very few muzzleloaders period but I used Hershel House's write up in Foxfire 5 and hammered out the buttplate and trigger guard and off we went. It will be one of the last ones to go when that time comes.

 

[Rod Man]

I have a .36 and .40 both are percussion guns and I have a .40 flint gun in the mill. I have found that the .36 is reasonably accurate and great for my grandson. My .40 though is an absolute tack driver. It seems to prefer a .390 ball with an .015 patch and 40grs of 3F. I have only recently acquired the rifle, so I need to do a little more experimentation but at the moment I am very happy with the current results.

RM

 

[Grimord]

I find it really odd that many small bore shooters, including myself, who simply never have had a fouling problem while many others report significant problems. The only thing I can think of is that the lube and patch thickness is responsible for at least some of the problems. I'd like to get some sort of survey from both camps giving details of what and how they load the rifles. I'd bet there is a common thread running through both groups as far as patch, lube and muzzle crown condition that would interest all pee-wee rifle shooters.

Hanshi, I believe the fouling issue has to do with the type of rifling used and the lube. I found that when I switched from a liquid lube to a grease lube (Mink oil) that my fouling issues became much less of a problem. I could get 15 or more shot before swabbing, and even then I only swabbed cause I thought I should.

 

[TexiKan]

I started muzzleloading with a .40 and enjoyed it. Then I purchased a .45 which seemed to be an all around great caliber for me until it was stolen.
At that time, Hawkens were the rage and none were .45 cal. and my fellow club members talked me into a .50. My Sharon is a bit heavier than I prefer but I got used to it. Would still rather have a .45.

 

[hanshi]

Hanshi, I believe the fouling issue has to do with the type of rifling used and the lube. I found that when I switched from a liquid lube to a grease lube (Mink oil) that my fouling issues became much less of a problem. I could get 15 or more shot before swabbing, and even then I only swabbed cause I thought I should.

My Crockett had square cut rifling and my SMR has radius groove rifling. In the woods I use TOW's mink oil and "mostly" Hoppes for general shooting. Both have done well in my rifles. I do tend to use thick patches for a nice tight load out of habit but agree it isn't necessarily required for accuracy. IMO, once you find an accurate, low fouling load you don't need to look anywhere else. Patching with ticking in the Crockett worked great so I stuck with it. My .32 SMR with the deep grooves seems to prefer something thicker that fills up the grooves. So I think you are definitely on to something. It does make a difference and I load with the wood rod, so tight has it's limits.

 

[French Colonial]

I have never tried Hoppes patch lube, where do you find it?

 

[Flintlock]

my favorite small bore is a .45 flint longrifle. Tried smaller guns but the .45 will do anything they do plus more. For small game I use bunny fart loads of .25-30 grains of FFG and make head shots. For normal woods walking-target and some small game hunting 47 grains of FFg is my accurate go to loads.

 

[GDM]

Thank you to everyone who responded. It provided me with a bunch of good information to chew on. I really appreciate it. I still have a little time as I dont have the money saved up yet but I am getting closer and closer. Wont be long.

 

[hanshi]

I have never tried Hoppes patch lube, where do you find it?

I'd think places such as Dicks, Cabelas, Bass Pro and some gunshops may have it. I once ordered a gallon drum, can't remember from where, and was finally rescued by a gentleman who sent me two bottles of Hoppes lube and two bottles of their BP bore cleaner. I found the bore cleaner to be a good lube if the patch lube is unavailable. Truthfully, this is a bad time to buy (especially order) most anything. Shortages, high prices, ignorant sales staff, etc.