Squirrel/small game gun

[bendjoseph]

I am looking for a small game gun. Squirrel will be the main quarry. Which is better? .32 or .36?

 

[hanshi]

.32! But if you find a gun you like in .36 don't let it out of your sight.

 

[marsh trapper]

.32 will be your best bet ..what u looking for flintlock or percussion

 

[bendjoseph]

I am looking for a percussion.

 

[robinsroost]

I would go with the .32, with 10 to 15 grains of 3Fg. The .32 will tear up a lot less edible meat than the .36, if you are off a little on your aim. Keep yer powder dry.......Robin :wink:

 

[Powderhorn09]

Traditions Crockett 32 cal rifle @ oldsouthfirearms.com for $399.95.

 

[SgtSchutzen]

The only small game I've ever hunted with a blackpowder rifle is squirrel and rabbits, and the only caliber I've ever owned or used has been 32. Never had a reason to want anything bigger but if I ever get another it'll be a 36 or 40 :idunno: Since I started wearing bifocals though I mostly hunt small game with a smoothbore and shot.

 

[juancho]

My everything gun is a .45, and my loads go from 23 grains FFFG (about 950 fps) to 80 grains FFFG ( about 2200 fps).
I've taken small game with both loads, however, at the upper end, you do not want to miss the head of a squirrel. There is nothing left, just pieces hanging from some branches and leaves stained red.
With the small 23 grains load , I do not need to be concerned at all. I've taken squirrels shot thru the center mass and lost no meat.
Never felt the need for a smaller gun, but hen again , that could change . There is not such thing as enough guns.

 

[Brokennock]

The o.p. is in Connecticut, his only legal options for small game with a black powder gun are round ball of between .32 and .36 caliber or a shotgun/fowling piece/smoothbore trade gun or smooth rifle with shot smaller than bb.

 

[druid]

Sorry, I can't answer your question. I use my .50 loaded with 60 gr FFFg and 60 gr of #6 shot. It's perfect for the little varmints

 

[rodwha]

Smoothbore or rifled?

 

[Hoyt]

I built this little 20ga. for spring gobblers, but use it for squirrels also. Put a 36" Colerain Turkey Choke barrel on it.

 

[Britsmoothy]

Very nice :hatsoff:

B.

 

[SgtSchutzen]

Now that's a gun that would suit me and my style of hunting just fine :thumbsup:. I like it lots.

 

[jethro224]

Either will work fine. I have had a couple of .32s in the past. Now I use a .36. I like the .36 better. The balls are easier to handle and Hornady OOO Buckshot measures .350 and works great.