4 Bore Muzzleloder Question ??

lmucheer · 05-12-2005, 02:15 PM

Is this the appropriate forum for questions about Big Game Hunting in Africa with a 4 Bore? If not could someone direct me to the right place?
Thanks,
lmucheer

James B · 05-12-2005, 05:16 PM

The Accurate Reloading site has an African Hunting forum. AS do several other sites. I don't think there is here. Do you shoot the 4 bore Muzzle loader? If so whats your load. A friend of mine in the service had a 4 bore that he shot a few times when I was at their place. If I remember right(many years ago) he shot 300 Grains of Black powder with a 1500 grain RN conicle bullet. His Grandpa had used it in India.

charlie brown · 05-12-2005, 05:48 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: James B

If I remember right(many years ago) he shot 300 Grains of Black powder with a 1500 grain RN conicle bullet. His Grandpa had used it in India.

OUCH!!!

James B · 05-12-2005, 08:35 PM

The old eight bore had about 120 lb of recoil. About ten times that of the 30-06. the 4 bore would exceed that by a bunch even though the guns weighted 18-20 lbs. The 8 bore almost kncked me down and I weigh 260 lbs. To say the least it was more than I expected. It was a double rifle. My friends dad had a collection of Black powder rifles like I would never have dreamed existed. I was fasinated by the collection of original Sharps and H&H rifles he had.

lmucheer · 05-12-2005, 09:45 PM

Thanks, for the replys to my question . I'm sorry , I gave the wrong idea when I asked my question. it wasn't about reloads .But for the gentlemen that asked, I have been told that it takes a full load of Black Powder and 3.5 ozs. of shot. I have to tell you that am a Complete Beginner when it comes to firearms of any kind . So, if I ask a dumb question it's okay to laugh, I'm getting used to it. I guess I should give you some background information about what I'm trying to do.

About 25 years ago I inherited a Lewis & Tomes, 4 Bore, Double Barrel, Percussion, London Fine Twist, Muzzleloader.It has an inlayed stock and scroll work. It weighs 23 lbs, the barrels are 33 inches long and have 1 inch bores. It has Birmingham Proof Marks.After doing a lot of research I have been told by a couple of people that I belive to be experts that it's a mid 1800's Fowling Gun.

NOW, the Question, I was trying to ask is this. I have been reading a lot about hunters going on Big Game Hunts in Africa. It seems for a lot of them the 4 bore would be their gun of choice if they could find them. It seems they are very rare. Is it possible my gun is similar to what they are looking for. I have pictures but I need an e-mail address to send them to. If anyone is interested in seeing them let me know.

Please let me know if anyone knows anything about these guns.

Thanks,
lmucheer

Slamfire · 05-12-2005, 10:00 PM

At the Gutenberg project they have some of Sir Samuel Baker's books you can download. He is the guy who developed large bore black powder RIFLES for big game hunting. His largest rifle fired a half lb conical out of a 4 bore 36" barrel, the rifle weighed in excess of 24 lbs. He was of the opinion that a pair of 8 bore doubles would suffice for the really big stuff with 10 or 12 bores for smaller types. Great reading, about the development of hunting rifles.

handloader1 · 05-12-2005, 11:31 PM

www.octobercountry.com is the only one I know who sells or sold blackpowder big-bores from .62 cal. up to 4-bore. Maybe they can help you. Good luck.

ShatoDavis · 05-13-2005, 12:27 PM

I think you may be confused. I don't know of anyone who hunts the dark continent that would want to take an old 4 bore muzzle loader hunting. I'm sure quite a few of the would be interested in adding it to there collection as it is quite rare. If I were you I would have it appraised. Or you can sell it to me for a couple hundred. I think the confusion may arise from people using terms too loosely. Most dangerous game hunters that travel to the dark continent want something that shoots at least a 40 cal projectile ie 416 rem, 458 win, 460 weatherby, 458 lott, 470 nitro etc. they loosely refer to these as 4 bores.

lmucheer · 05-14-2005, 02:02 AM

Thanks, for the information. You are right I am confused. But your explanation makes perfect sense and more than likely explains it all. I would like to tell you how I got started with the whole Big Game Hunter theory.While doing a web search for 4 bore guns this story came up on the African Hunting Web Site. The title is Return of the 4 bore part one and part two by John Millar. If you have time please read this. I think you will understand after reading it as to why I'm confused . If you do read it let me know what you think.

Thanks Again,
lmucheer