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Post by davet on Feb 7, 2018 11:25:46 GMT -5
A few years back I built a flintlock pistol in 50 caliber. It's a decent looking pistol and it's accuracy is very good for an at most, 50 yard whitetail shot. I built the pistol in 50 caliber as that's what my T\C Hawken's caliber is.
So, a few years ago I was going to build another rifle. A Lehman style and I was going to go with 50 caliber just to keep things simple. I purchased all of the components....except the barrel.
So, I'm now working on and off on the components for the build. But to really "launch" into the project, I need to buy the barrel and tang. Now I'm considering if I should go bigger on the caliber. The barrel cost is the same.....so that's no big deal. The ball starter and powder measures are essentially the same. So......maybe a 54 caliber? Maybe 58 caliber?
Any thoughts or input on this? I dunno what caliber you flinter's shoot, but I've shot 50 my whole life.
Thanks for any input!
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Post by dougell on Feb 7, 2018 16:55:06 GMT -5
People will tell you to go bigger but it makes no difference in terminal performance.The only true benefit of going to a bigger bore is a lighter barrel.
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Post by good ole boy on Feb 7, 2018 18:43:24 GMT -5
Zimm posted one time on ballistics at different ranges and calibers.If memory serves.54 was the most efficient at a given range.What make or parts did you use on your pistol kit?
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Post by Loggy on Feb 7, 2018 19:08:42 GMT -5
Dave....when I got my Brad Emig custom PA Mountain Rifle built I had a choice between a 50 or 54. I researched the 54 as I only owned 50's before plus discussed with with Brad. Didn't take too long to conclude that the 54 was superior as far as ballistics and knockdown power. The cost between the 2 were the same. My guess you will reach the same conclusion.
Good luck in your build project!
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Post by bushmaster on Feb 7, 2018 19:24:20 GMT -5
I've got a Lyman Great Plain Percussion Pistol in 54 cal. It shoots pretty good. I've also got a CVA Mountain Rifle in 58 cal. It shoots pretty good.
I hope this helps! LOL
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Post by davet on Feb 7, 2018 20:19:25 GMT -5
A lighter barrel is always good!! I'm not sure if I will go with a 36" length or a 42" length. I'll have to check the weight of a 54 cal in the 42" vs a 50 cal in a 36" length.
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Post by good ole boy on Feb 7, 2018 21:36:32 GMT -5
I have two TC Hawkins.One is a .45 and the other is a .50.The .45 is noticeably heavier.Alot more steel to lug around.
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Post by Loggy on Feb 8, 2018 7:16:41 GMT -5
Dave...a lil more info on my 54 caliber Pa Mountain Rifle's barrel. It has a 38" Colerain barrel made right here in Spruce Creek, PA.
Length is 38″ and is a tapered and flared(swamped) barrel with rifling depth .016” per side with 6 grooves. Colerain barrels have cut round bottom ( radius groove) rifling. This is an old form of rifling that because of the lack of corners in the grooves is much easier to clean, and also allows the patch to better seal.
Don't know the exact weight but it actually seems lighter than many out of the box 50 caliber flinters I've owned. Extremely well balanced and a tack driver.
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Post by davet on Feb 8, 2018 8:43:49 GMT -5
Yes. The "Swamped" barrels are made to reduce weight on those long barreled M\L's. However, I purchased a stock that had the barrel channel and the ramrod channel pre-inleted. I have to inlet the lock. So, my stock is semi-ready for an 15\16th width barrel.
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Post by Loggy on Feb 8, 2018 15:25:15 GMT -5
Yeah....a swamped barrel ain't an option for ya.
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Post by zimmerstutzen on Feb 11, 2018 19:01:34 GMT -5
I don't think you will find a 58 in a 15/16 barrel.
I studied the old Lyman black powder handbook and came to the conclusion a 54 was superior over a 50 or 58 for several reasons. Barrel weight, powder charge efficiency, wind resistance and energy retention. For round ball, it was the winner, considering all those factors.
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bunky
New Member
Posts: 14
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Post by bunky on Mar 12, 2018 18:32:14 GMT -5
I don't think you will find a 58 in a 15/16 barrel. I studied the old Lyman black powder handbook and came to the conclusion a 54 was superior over a 50 or 58 for several reasons. Barrel weight, powder charge efficiency, wind resistance and energy retention. For round ball, it was the winner, considering all those factors. ILL SECOND THAT
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Post by dek on Mar 15, 2018 23:31:40 GMT -5
I am a big fan of .54cal, it has the best of both worlds. Hard hitting and flatter shooting than a punkin' baller.
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