What size ball for .69 caliber flintlock ?

Bulzeye · 06-14-2010, 08:56 PM

A friend of mine has a .69 cal flintlock pistol, and wants to make his own ammo.
He's looking for molds.
What size should he get?
He heard that something smaller like .64 or.62 would be a good way to go, but I don't know why.

Any ideas?

Thanks
Bulz

nchawkeye · 06-15-2010, 12:28 AM

Depends on the bore of that particular pistol, without miking, it's only a guess...There is no "standard" in muzzleloading...In other words, just because the manufacturer says it's .69 caliber, doesn't mean it is...

Is it rifled??? I would suspect not, which means a smaller ball...With most rifles you just drop down a caliber because the patching compresses into the rifling...With smoothbores you usually drop down 2 calibers...

So my best guess would be start with a .670 ball and adjust patching thickness as needed...

cayugad · 06-15-2010, 07:09 AM

In this smooth bore (as I am guessing) I would try a .680 and a real thin patch. If the patch does not work, then just powder, wad, ball, and wad. These were no long range thing and accuracy was a second guess at over 15-20 yards for the most part. That is a heck of a horse pistol. It should be fun to shoot. But I would also keep the powder charge low also.

Bulzeye · 06-18-2010, 06:28 AM

OK, so it IS typical practice to go with a smaller ball.
How about powder charge?
Is there more than one type of black powder to beconcerned with (like modern smokeless stuff) or is it all the same?

Where can I get loading info on what charge to start with?
I don't want to go too high and damage the gun or get hurt, or go too small and get the ball stuck.

lemoyne · 06-18-2010, 07:35 AM

If the bore is in good shape measure it and subtract 10 thousands and you have the ball size.
That type of pistol is usually shot with 35 to 50 gr of powder ,I would recommend black or pyrodex.
With the 10 T gap between the ball and barrel the commercial patching should work or pick up some ticking and rip it into strips, use the short peg on a good short starter to push it a quarter inch into the barrel and cut off with a patch knife or striat razor.
I would also recommend somepatch grease like olive oil or borebutter.
Do remember to scrub the gun with soap and hot water and dry and oil when done shooting.