RE: Flintlocks
I happen to have a custom made Isaac Haines Pennsylvania Rifle. Actually, it is a reproduction of an Isaac Haines rifle, made by my Uncle. It sports a 38" Getz barrel with a 1:56" twist, swamped of course. Siler lock and double set triggers. It wieghs in at 7 1/2 pounds and is 54 caliber. It is truly an eye opener to shoot a quality flintlock. Prior to this rifle I had a T/C Hawken in 54 caliber. The custom rifle is much faster, lighter, accurate, and pleasant to shoot.
Some myths about flintlocks -
Use FFFF for priming. The truth is, FFF works better for hunting. The larger powder has less surface area than FFFF and thus gets wet slower. Also, FFF is a coated powder, FFFF is not.
Use FF for main charge. The truth is you CAN use FF, but why when FFF works just as well and you use less powder for the same amount of velocity? Thus, if you use FFF for both prime and main charge you carry only one powder horn.
1:48" twist is a compromise between bullets and balls. Truth is, 1:48" twist doesnt really work well for anything.
Round ball guns need 1:60, 66, or 72" twist. Truth is, they dont. My 1:56" twist shoots rings around my Uncle's 1:72" twist gun.
Round ball guns are only good for 100 yards or less. Utter hogwash. The limitation on a roundball gun is the reliability of the shooter to place the shot.