36 Caliber Rifle

[HEAD0001]

Well I never had a 36 caliber rifle. I ran across a nice(Plain Jane) used 36 caliber rifle with a LH Percussion lock. It looks like a pretty decent rifle, so I bought it. I think I got a good price on the rifle, but I really do not know for sure. I think it would cost around $1500 to have one built just like it, but I do not know that for sure, but it was a price that I was quoted. Here are some pictures of the rifle.

http://www.claysmithguns.com/lefthand_perc.htm

I have never shot a 36 caliber rifle. Mr . Smith said it has a 1in48 twist-so I am assuming that would make a good round ball barrel. He said it was deep cut rifling.

SO what kind of load shoot I shoot in this puppy. I will definitely be shooting Black Powder only. Either 2F or 3F. So which one do I want?? What size ball?? And Patch?? OK guys come on through, I am depending on ya. Tom.

[nchawkeye]

I'd say, $1,500 is a bit high to have that one made, maybe closer to $1,000...

In my .40, I shoot .390 balls, a .018 pillow ticking patch and my squirrel load is 25grs of FFF Goex...I used to use 35-40 grs but that makes a mess of the squirrel head and I filed the front sight down to shoot dead on with 25 grs...My max charge has been 70grs...

For a .36 caliber, I'd shoot a .350 ball, .018 ticking and 20-40 grs of FFF powder, depending on what you are shooting...If you are trying longer range groundhogs or coyotes you might want to go up to 50grs...Some will suggest a .355 ball but a very tight fit on these smaller calibers just isn't needed...

Size of patch won't matter as I cut at the muzzle with a sharp knife or at the loading block with scissors...

btw...The 1-48 rifling is proper for .36-.40 calibers and balls...These smaller calibers are a hoot to shoot and by making your own balls and keeping the charges down they are very cheap to shoot as well...Basically they are the .22 mags of muzzleloaders...

[Johnmorris]

You can even buy sabot to shoot 32 cal in a 36 bore

[cayugad]

.36 caliber use only 3f powder. The problem with the smaller bore is they foul faster, so you want a good fast burning powder. That is a nice looking rifle, without a doubt. As for loads, I have no idea but I would start at about 30 grains and try that.

[lemoyne]

A Good rule of thumb is 1/2 the ball weight use FFF or pistol grade powder.