Flintlock questions

H

heft

Member
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hello,
I'm considering getting into flintlocks, and I have a few questions.

-If I load a rifle, and accidently load a second shot in, will the rifle blow up?
-Is there a non toxic option for the round ball?
-Is a 20" barrel long enough to make the most of black powder burn rates?
-To what distance can a flintlock ethically be used on deer?
 
Having a hard time figuring out whether you're genuinely curious. Or something else.
Okay....I'll play along.

1: Maybe. maybe not.
2: Bismuth
3: Yes...depends on powder used.
4: How good a shot are you?

Your next response should let everyone here(many of whom are very experienced bp shooters) decide whether to help you, or not.
 
-If I load a rifle, and accidently load a second shot in, will the rifle blow up? ---------- I don't think it will blew up but it would be a bad idea to try. Better remove the balls with a worm extractor or air pressure.
-Is there a non toxic option for the round ball?--------------------------------------------The best would be copper plated round balls but never heard of... something harder would not grip on patches.
-Is a 20" barrel long enough to make the most of black powder burn rates?------------20" barrel much too short. If you would take a shot over snow you would notice unburned powder on it.
-To what distance can a flintlock ethically be used on deer?------------------------------75 yards for .50+ and over up to 100 yards would be possible but I would stick to 70 yards max.
 
Thanks for the replies.
I saw a video on YouTube where a guy destroyed several rifles with short started second ball. I was worried that might happen to me if I double loaded. My memory isn't what it used to be and I don't like to take chances. I haven't used bismuth shot a whole lot, but I do know how it shoots, that works. I don't want to use lead where I am.

I'm interest in this rifle, I think at 50 yards I'm not gaining a whole lot using a PRB over buckshot. If I went with a PRB I would probably get the Late Lancaster from TVM.

Is there any other rifle I should look into? The blunderbuss has a bit of a short barrel, but I like handy rifles.
 
If you are worried about a short seated ball or double load use a paint marker to mark your ramrod when the barrel is empty and when it has a properly seated charge. I do this with my deer gun as it is often difficult to seat a bullet in a fouled barrel especially in a tree stand. If the paint line doesn't match up to the muzzle I know the bullet isn't seated.
 
heft said:
Is this really something I should be worried about or am I getting hung up on a non issue?
Click to expand...

I think it's possible to not fully seat a ball especially if the barrel is fouled but it is easily avoided as I said above. I wouldn't worry about it too much.
 
I have double loaded once or twice over the years. In addition to not reaching the mark on your ramrod, the most obvious indication is that the patched ball will spring back up a couple of inches. Push the ball down all the way and hold it down for the compressed air to escaped (trapped between first and second ball) An air space between loads will give you a burst or bulged barrel
In terms of hunting performance, over and above accuracy, stack some water filled milk containers in a row and shoot through them and your maximum distance and decide on how well the ball penetrates. A round ball in a deer is much like an arrow in that it drills a hole with minimal bruising and little of the puffy shocked tissue you see with a modern rifle. Relative to buckshot, you will get much better accuracy and greater penetration with a patched round ball. In terms of barrel length, I would lean towards 26" to 30" minimum length

cheers mooncoon
 
Heft, check your local gun clubs as to whom has a Black Powder group there. Go to one of their get togethers and ask all the questions you want. Also ask for demonstration on how to properly handle, load and shoot a muzzleloading rifle. Hang out with them a few times till you are comfortable tp do it on your own. Good luck and have fun.
 
I have one my Springfield carbine 58cal

image.jpg
 
The Lyman Deerstalker comes with a 24" barrel , haven't heard anyone complain about it , no doubt a longer barrel will burn powder more efficiently .
 
mcpiper said:
If you are worried about a short seated ball or double load use a paint marker to mark your ramrod when the barrel is empty and when it has a properly seated charge. I do this with my deer gun as it is often difficult to seat a bullet in a fouled barrel especially in a tree stand. If the paint line doesn't match up to the muzzle I know the bullet isn't seated.
Click to expand...

Good idea.
 
I really am not an authority on much but the rifle heft is looking at is a blunderbuss which was a close quarters boarding weapon meant for 10 -20 foot combat and not a firearm for hunting.... again "I only know enough to be dangerous "
 
Traditions used to make a Tennessee rifle in cap and flintlock. It had a 24" barrel with 1/66 rifleing for round ball. Accurate as all beat hell. I have one in a caplock that I bought for my wife. They don't make them anymore but you can find them around. This is the shortest muzzleloader rifle that i know that was commercially built without going to a custom rifle. If it is a flintlock you want, check the US as well for new or used rifles cuz you can have it shipped to Canada if they are willing. It will keel. Taken two deer with it.
 
I would recommend going to a local black powder club and talking to the members.Flintlocks require a bigger learning curve compared to percussion for new comers to the sport and it is easy to get discouraged if the gun doesn’t fire reliabily.Also shooting a muzzle loader also requires you to give the gun a good cleaning with hot soapy water or black powder solvents to prevent the gun from rusting.By visiting a BP club they can give you a good idea of what guns to look at and the accessories that go with them
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom