Well i took my repro enfiled to the range today, and shot the mini balls with 90 grains black powder, after finding my point of aim, moved the target out to approx 65 fett, yes thats short. than i noticed a odd ocurrance, more than a few of the minni balls wanted to key hole for some reason, had about 9 do it, full key hole and half key hole, go figure.
Fun on the range with 1853 enfild repo
- Thread starter TGC
- Start date
What mini bullet are you using. Some will have a thin skirt and too much powder will deform part of the skirt at the muzzle resulting in a keyholing bullet. Cut back you load 10% and see if it still happens. If the keyholling does not stop, cut back another 10%.
Try a minni bullet with a thicker skirt as well.
Try a minni bullet with a thicker skirt as well.
Shooting the 1853 Enfield
I use a Lyman mold #577611 for the best bullets. I have 5 Parker-Hales,
two 1853s, one 1858, one 1860 and the Volinteer in 451. I also have a Pederesoli 1863, one Colt 1861, and a Euroarms 1853.
You need really soft lead to make good projectiles. I used to get some pure lead from the local telephone repair guys. They would be upgrading the system and when they cut off the old stuff they would come by and drop it off at my work. I probably have a couple of 100 lbs left in my barn.
I use a Lyman mold #577611 for the best bullets. I have 5 Parker-Hales,
two 1853s, one 1858, one 1860 and the Volinteer in 451. I also have a Pederesoli 1863, one Colt 1861, and a Euroarms 1853.
You need really soft lead to make good projectiles. I used to get some pure lead from the local telephone repair guys. They would be upgrading the system and when they cut off the old stuff they would come by and drop it off at my work. I probably have a couple of 100 lbs left in my barn.
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