36 Caliber Rifle
 

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.

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...

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

.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.

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