Twist rate TC Firestorm

[agingbuck]

Guys,
I have a .50 cal. TC Firestorm Percussion and I am wandering what rate is the twist in the barrel.......I am fairly new to the sport and I would also like to know if I can shoot the PA Conical bullets.
Thanks for looking.
Raymond.

 

[galamb]

I don't know if this came in different twist rates, the only info I have seen on it says it has a 1:26 twist.

If that's the case that is a little too fast for a PA conical.

Although Hornady lists that bullet for use in 1:66 twist, I did talk to one of their reps who stated that it still worked well in up to 1:48 twist. Still considerably "slower" than the twist on the Firestorm.

It would be better suited a much longer, heavier bullet - such as a 350 grain Buffalo conical or 370 grain Lyman Maxi.

Both of those are big/heavy bullets and will definitely "thump" hard - perhaps in both directions...

 

[agingbuck]

Thank you GALAMB
Raymond.

 

[excess650]

They were 1-48" twist and had a pointed breech plug to enhance ignition of pelletized powder.

The Pa Conical was made short and light enough to be used in 1-66" twist, so yes, it should work in 1-48" if it is snug in the bore.

 

[Mr. S]

I think the percussion model was 1-28, and the flint was 1-48. I have one in flint and it is 1-48.

Rick

 

[don hepler]

There is an easy why to determine twist. For example 1:48 means, the ball or bullet would rotate one complete turn in 48 inches. So, if you put a ramrod down the barrel with a snug fitting patch, and you mark 24 inches on the ramrod, the ramrod should turn 1/2 a turn in 24 inches. A 1:26 would turn almost 1 complete revolution. A 1:66 would rotate 1/2 turn in 33 inches. Just start the jag into the barrel, push the rod down 24 inches, make a mark on rod, and watch it rotate as you pull the ram rod out of the barrel.

 

[agingbuck]

Hadden West has a good way, which I am going to try........thanks all who posted; I've already sent a note to TC asking them about the twist......I will post when I get a reply from their Technician.
Hey guys, most appreciated.
Raymond.

 

[mr.flintlock]

One way to get an accurate rate of twist is to start a patched ramrod into the bore with a business card taped to the upper portion of the ramrod. Push the ramrod down the bore until it has rotate 180 degrees. Mark the ramrod at the muzzle. Withdraw the ramrod and measure the distance from the ramrod jag to the mark and multiply by 2. This will give an accurate reading of the rate of twist.

 

[agingbuck]

Got it, thanks mr. flintlock, my TC Firestorm percussion has a 1/28" twist measured as per harden west and mr. flintlock's instructions.
Yours.

 

[Dirty Steve]

Do you have a picture of this gun? I thought the Firestorms were only Flintlock? I have a Stainless Greyhawk in percusion. There was a percusion New England version also. Just wondering. :v

 

[agingbuck]

Yes it is a Firestorm and it is percussion; I have a picture but I don't know how to post it on this site.

 

[OSR]

Do you have a picture of this gun? I thought the Firestorms were only Flintlock? I have a Stainless Greyhawk in percusion. There was a percusion New England version also. Just wondering. :v

I thought that also. Anyone know how many flint version Firestorms were made? I guess there weren't too many. I have yet to see any for sale on Gunbroker.

 

[Jamie from Alberta]

I have both. I always thought they were 1:48?