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The Campfire / The Reason for the Season !
« Last post by Puffer on Today at 02:40:28 PM » [ Invalid Attachment ]
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Recent Posts
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Accoutrements / Re: What went wrong with the balls?
« Last post by Bigsmoke on December 04, 2023, 08:28:17 PM »During the years that I shot a Brown Bess extensively, I only used wheel weight lead. I was casting in a .735" mould, so I had .015" of windage. They worked fine for all those years. On the rare occasion when I'd manage to recover one from game, there was no sign of expansion from impact etc. Great for moose and bison, but perhaps a little bit of overkill for jackrabbits.
Years ago, I sold two different 4 bore rifles to a fellow. When I asked if he was hunting in Africa, he said no, just deer. I guess there is no such thing as overkill.
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Accoutrements / Re: What went wrong with the balls?
« Last post by LongWalker on December 04, 2023, 08:12:58 PM »During the years that I shot a Brown Bess extensively, I only used wheel weight lead. I was casting in a .735" mould, so I had .015" of windage. They worked fine for all those years. On the rare occasion when I'd manage to recover one from game, there was no sign of expansion from impact etc. Great for moose and bison, but perhaps a little bit of overkill for jackrabbits.
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Accoutrements / Re: What went wrong with the balls?
« Last post by Smokey on December 04, 2023, 05:12:08 PM »I appreciate the suggestions and wisdom all of you have shared. Thank you.
Lead wasn't ideal, I guess.
I think these are destined to be melted down and turned into a batch of .590s for a .62 smoothie. Less risk of getting them stuck.
Lead wasn't ideal, I guess.
I think these are destined to be melted down and turned into a batch of .590s for a .62 smoothie. Less risk of getting them stuck.
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Accoutrements / Re: What went wrong with the balls?
« Last post by rollingb on December 04, 2023, 11:44:42 AM »I agree with Joe. It sounds like the lead is hard. Wheel weights, perhaps?
No. There are no wheel weights in the mix. Still might be that the lead is too hard. Threaded ball puller had a tough go digging into the ball.
Can you make a groove in a ball with your thumb nail? It's not a true scientific test for hardness but it's what I use.
There are actual hardness testers you can buy, but they'er a bit spendy.
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Accoutrements / Re: What went wrong with the balls?
« Last post by KDubs on December 04, 2023, 08:56:39 AM »Well something is up, that puller should screw in easily.
You cast these balls yourself ay. Hmmm.
Well you can always melt the hard ones down and make .526. those will load.
Kevin
You cast these balls yourself ay. Hmmm.
Well you can always melt the hard ones down and make .526. those will load.
Kevin
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Accoutrements / Re: What went wrong with the balls?
« Last post by Smokey on December 04, 2023, 08:23:05 AM »I agree with Joe. It sounds like the lead is hard. Wheel weights, perhaps?
No. There are no wheel weights in the mix. Still might be that the lead is too hard. Threaded ball puller had a tough go digging into the ball.
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Accoutrements / Re: What went wrong with the balls?
« Last post by Hank in WV on December 03, 2023, 06:10:17 PM »Hey Hank, I thought obturation took place when the powder in the breech ignited, and deformed the base of the round ball as it began it's journey of departure. How many new things am I permitted to learn in one day? I may be over the limit already.
Oops, looks like you're right according to wiki
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Flintlock Long Guns / Re: Options for a reliable, relatively inexpensive first flintlock
« Last post by Ohio Joe on December 03, 2023, 05:25:02 PM »I would suggest starting out on a Lyman Great Plains Flintlock Rifle... It's a good rifle and well worth the money spent.
I'd heard good things about Lyman black powder rifles, a pity they've been discontinued. If I can find a used one in good shape, that's something I will consider.
Look around the net, GB, and local pawn shops, should be able to find a Lyman at a decent price, and there is nothing wrong with their locks, no need to by a new L&R, I have had several Lyman GPR's over the last 35 years and have never had a lock problem. Actually I've never had a problem with a TC lock either.
I agree with Beaverman. I have never experienced any problem with the GPR's Flintlock. It answered the call every time I pulled the trigger.
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Accoutrements / How about those horns
« Last post by No Powder on December 03, 2023, 03:57:13 PM »This is a restart of an old thread started by Longwalker 8 months ago. I was so looking forward to stories and pictures of those horns. After I posted pictures of my ugly horn #2, the thread came to a screeching halt. I know there are more stories and photos out there . And even though I screwed up trying to start this again, Ohio Joe found it and made a contribution. Thanks Joe. So come on guys, stories and photos please..