The Whitworth thread

To achieve a correct charge, you to first weigh it, and then pour it into a volumetric measure and set it so that it is level. Using that will subsequently measure the same amount of powder of the SAME granulation - the markings on your measure don't really mean DS - each granulation of powder will have a different volume vis-á-vis weight.

Wads are fine - I just don't use two - if that's what Rob does, that's dandy.

Your rifle is the military match rifle and your sights are correct for shooting up to 900 yards. However. IF you want more precision, Dr Rex Holbrooke makes a very fine set of tang sights graduated in minutes, as are the Soule sights of the same type.

This post might be of some use - it has pics, too -

http://forum.mlagb.com/YaBB.pl?num=1334878488

Figure on north of thousand dollars US or more for either type. especially those gorgeous South African-made units.

Pedersoli also supply sights like this, but I have not handled them sufficiently enough to do anything except to opine that quality-wise, they are not even in the same county, let alone the same room, as the aforementioned sights.

Another acquaintance of mine over on your side is a farmer in BC, and has recently gotten hold of HIS Pedersoli Whitworth. It might be a plan to make contact with him. Wojja think?

tac

PS - it really should go without stating the obvious, but I'll do it anyhow. Under no circumstances should ANY kind of smokeless propellant be used in this rifle.
 
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Just remembered the hangfires - large charge of Pyrodex can often do that with 'warm' caps. RWS caps are super-hot/intense and can be relied on to light up even this uncooperative stuff.

BTW, did I mention wiping the bore AFTER loading?

If not, remember to wipe the bore AFTER loading.

And after the shot, clean the bore like new before you start over.

tac
 
So....Researching the internet for the yield to weight ratio of BP and Pyrodex, I have found that the general consensus is that Pyrodex charges are meant to be measured by volume as opposed to weight as compared to black powder, meaning that black powder is heavier by volume. (I believe this is what tacfoley said earier)

The following are excerpts from other threads and forums...

If you must use Pyrodex measure it is by volume not weight! If you use the same charge by weight you are going to destroy your firearm. Pyrodex is lighter than Black, harder to ignite and does seem to wick moisture out of the air.

Pyrodex is designed and formulated to be a VOLUME FOR VOLUME substitute for BP. One cc of Pryrodex of the same granulation will provide the same performance (including pressure) as one cc of BP. BUT - the one cc of BP will weigh more than one cc of Pyrodex. If you do a weight-for weight substitution, you will run the pressures up a LOT with the Pyrodex load.


Re; the sights. I have a couple Pedersoli sights and they seem well made, but I have not seen many others to compare. The confusing part is to try to figure out the calibration. It's a far cry from the 1/8moa turrets on my Nightforce scope.

Just found a page on how the Pedersoli Soule sights are calibrated:
https://www.taylorsfirearms.com/media/site/soule_creedmore_sight_manual.pdf
 
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Jman91 said:
Hi, I have Parker Hale Whitworth 3 band rifle. I use the new mould from Pedersoli with pure lead and have had good results.

I bought my Whitworth used but new in box never fired and right on the first shot it started shredding the CCI 4 wing copper caps, no excessive gas or self cocking hammer though, has this been other peoples experience?

Where can one get RWS musket caps in Canada?
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WHat do you mean by "shredding"? were they blown to pieces? What was the powder load?
 
Pyrodex in general is about ten per cent more energetic than an equal weight. of the equivalent of BP. IOW, a 30gr load of 3Fg and a 27gr load of Pyrodex P can be expected to produce about the same velocity

If you are stuck with Pyrodex for your propellant, I'm hoping that it's RS grade.

As I noted before, the quality of the sights made by the late Rex Holbrook and currently by Montana Valley Arms are beyond question the equal of the old time makers - there are exceptionally fine instruments. Perhaps a squint at the MVA catalogue might induce you to look a mite harder at their products?

You just beat me to the sight-setting data on Soule sights. :)

tac
 
Nice shooting box.
Did not have the time to make my own this winter but i managed to mount a highlux Malcom scope on my Parker hale early 70's Whitworth and cant wait to take it out this Spring.
I did have some issues with my platinum nipple not ignighting the powder charge but after enlarging the hole just a bit it became a non issue. I use RWS caps and 69 gr of Goex behind a paper patched cylindrical bullet casted from a buffalo arm mould. Still testing wether using lubricated or non lubricated cardboarb. The scope will make a huge difference since the original sights are too difficult to use for my 50...something y/o eyes.
To be followed.....
 
cuerno de chivo said:
Nice shooting box.
Did not have the time to make my own this winter but i managed to mount a highlux Malcom scope on my Parker hale early 70's Whitworth and cant wait to take it out this Spring.
I did have some issues with my platinum nipple not ignighting the powder charge but after enlarging the hole just a bit it became a non issue. I use RWS caps and 69 gr of Goex behind a paper patched cylindrical bullet casted from a buffalo arm mould. Still testing wether using lubricated or non lubricated cardboarb. The scope will make a huge difference since the original sights are too difficult to use for my 50...something y/o eyes.
To be followed.....
Click to expand...

Cuerno,
Thanks for the kind words. Please feel free to post some pix of your Whitty.

Also it's good to know about enlarging the hole in the nipple. The Pedersoli versions come from the factory with a platinum lined nipple too. how big did you make the flash hole?

A friend dropped by with a pound of Goex 2F today, so I will hopefully get out in the next couple days to try it out. I'm sure it will be better.

I cast some 475 gr bullets from the Lyman Parker Hale mold (p/n 547-121PH) this afternoon. It will be nice to see which ones work best.

On a positive note, I scored 27 pounds of newly cast bullets today for a buck a pound at the recycler. I'll take that deal all day every day.

Cheerz!
 
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Ya that's what I suspected, the rifle was supposed to have never been fired, but the nipple tells a different story or was defective from the factory.

What's recommended for nipples on Whitworths.

Does anyone know where I can get RWS musket caps.

Thanks
 
Jman91 said:
Ya that's what I suspected, the rifle was supposed to have never been fired, but the nipple tells a different story or was defective from the factory.

What's recommended for nipples on Whitworths.

Does anyone know where I can get RWS musket caps.

Thanks
Click to expand...

The musket nipple specs can depend on the manufacturer. Pedersoli is 8mm X 1.25. The Peter Dyson UK website has the PH ones listed.
 
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Jman91 said:
Ya that's what I suspected, the rifle was supposed to have never been fired, but the nipple tells a different story or was defective from the factory.

What's recommended for nipples on Whitworths.

Does anyone know where I can get RWS musket caps.

Thanks
Click to expand...

I know that the initial hit takes some swallowing, but the Dyson platinum-lined nipple is the way to go. We have people over here regularly shooting 90gr loads behind 500gr bullets for years without replacing it. Mine is almost twenty years old now and is still in fine fettle.

tac
 
So this evening I had an opportunity to try out the Goex FFG powder. The powder was first measured in a traditions powder measure (70 gr. by volume) and then weighed. The actual weight of a 70 gr. volume charge was 65gr. Subsequent charges were weighed to +/- >.1gr.
Charges were funneled into the barrel and the receiver was then given 2 palm taps on each side to disperse the powder into the bolster. A beer coaster wad was then seated on top of the powder followed by a 1/2" Lubed felt wad. The 535 gr. bullet was then seated on top of all of this.
Results were very good. I was trying to sort out some sighting issues at the same time, so after a few sighters, the rifle was hitting within a few inches (high) of point of aim. Perhaps another 10 or 15 gr. of powder would have the bullets impacting dead on. I'll try that later.
Anyways, the last two shots rang an 8 " gong at 110 yds, hitting high on the plate.

There is a fair bit of fire involved with these things!
20170420_220806_zpsy4y1oyyv.jpg
 
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I have a PH whitworth with Redriver sights on it. I am hopeing to get some quality time shooting it this summer. A buddy just had a mold made by Rick at KAL tools in Winnipeg and apparently it is amazing. It has the proper twist and a nice transition from the nose to the hxagonal sides. I believe it is a base pour so solid base and he can make it any diameter you want. I have a few molds to try for mine so will have fun experimenting with it.
 
rwnblack said:
I have a PH whitworth with Redriver sights on it. I am hopeing to get some quality time shooting it this summer. A buddy just had a mold made by Rick at KAL tools in Winnipeg and apparently it is amazing. It has the proper twist and a nice transition from the nose to the hxagonal sides. I believe it is a base pour so solid base and he can make it any diameter you want. I have a few molds to try for mine so will have fun experimenting with it.
Click to expand...

You have got my attention. It's a hexagonal bullet mold? Can you provide some contact info for Rick?

Feel free to provide some feedback /review of your molds?
 
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