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I am very seriously contemplating having a James River Basin style “early Virginia” rifle built. 42-44” swamped barrel, but I’m stuck on caliber. Looking for advice and thoughts on .54, .58, and possibly .62 for that style rifle.Thanks!
Quote from: Forager on November 20, 2019, 09:13:43 AMI am very seriously contemplating having a James River Basin style “early Virginia” rifle built. 42-44” swamped barrel, but I’m stuck on caliber. Looking for advice and thoughts on .54, .58, and possibly .62 for that style rifle.Thanks!bore choice depends on the primary use of the firearm. if hunting, what kinda game? if not, a .54 flinter is one of the finest and yet will still kill most any north American game.if yer a bit handy, also consider a Jim Kibler Colonial flint rifle kit.
Thank y’all!I should have clarified (and will edit to do so). Intended use is hunting. Deer, black bear, and maybe if I’m lucky elk.
Quote from: Forager on November 20, 2019, 01:45:01 PMThank y’all!I should have clarified (and will edit to do so). Intended use is hunting. Deer, black bear, and maybe if I’m lucky elk.you really want the .54 caliber.
If you are looking for recommendations I would say the .54 too.I have all the calibers mentioned and although they are each great in their own right, it's the .54 that's my go-to gun for all big game Hunting, including Elk.BTW: I was recently reading that Virginia has done absolute wonders with their Elk Herd.VA Conservation seems to have done all the right things to re-introduce a thriving Elk Population and many of us take our Hats off to those that do this kind of work and are successful at it....it's not an easy task!
I would get the .54 and never look back. I don't consider the .45 and .50 to be at all "boring". I've killed far too many deer with those two calibers, especially the .45, to ever consider them "not up to snuff". But from what you describe I doubt you can do better than a .54.
Quote from: Hanshi on November 20, 2019, 04:23:43 PMI would get the .54 and never look back. I don't consider the .45 and .50 to be at all "boring". I've killed far too many deer with those two calibers, especially the .45, to ever consider them "not up to snuff". But from what you describe I doubt you can do better than a .54.Oh, it’s not that the .45 or .50 cannot do it. They can. When bear are added in, I’m hedging my bets.