Jim Kibler's Brown Bess update.
- Thread starter Painkillers
- Start date
Painkillers
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
How many grains is generally loaded behind the enormous .75 ball?
Think its 100grs of ffg max charge for modern Pedersoli's. The original charges were much larger ive read, but powder was also weaker back then according to some sources.
With 100gr charge behind a .715" ball I was getting over 1500ft/lbs of muzzle energy from my Bess.
With 100gr charge behind a .715" ball I was getting over 1500ft/lbs of muzzle energy from my Bess.
The standard ball was around .69" diameter and it was contained in a paper cartridge. I know modern shooters are sometimes inclined to use larger balls and load with a patch, but the historical charges are for the loose-fitting cartridges. Original flintlock charge sizes were around 168 grains or even larger. After the switch to percussion, charge sizes were reduced, but still listed as 4.5 drams (126 grn). That's what I use in various 1840s percussion muskets (with paper cartridges) and it's a comfortable and accurate load to shoot. If I were to use a tight-fitting ball/patch, I would reduce the charge dramatically and play with charges to find something that shoots well.
milsurpo
I always use 110 in mine.
Mike Béliveau has recently passed away from pancreatic cancer.He was a wealth of knowledge for the black powder community
The fowler kit in walnut is US$1785. The Bess is more complex; wouldn't be surprised if the kit is well over US$2000. 2500 wouldn't shock me. Delivered here, going to exceed 3k beaver bucks.
Probably the best Brown Bess reproduction ever made available in commercial quantity. It is going to be right.
Service cartridges had powder for both priming and propulsion. Half ####, prime the pan, close the frizzen, dump the balance of the charge down the barrel, ram the ball with cartridge paper. Ramming a charge with the lock half cocked and primed isn't current practice, but 18th century concerns were different.
Probably the best Brown Bess reproduction ever made available in commercial quantity. It is going to be right.
Service cartridges had powder for both priming and propulsion. Half ####, prime the pan, close the frizzen, dump the balance of the charge down the barrel, ram the ball with cartridge paper. Ramming a charge with the lock half cocked and primed isn't current practice, but 18th century concerns were different.
