Small caliber muzzleloading rifles

[harry mac]

Be aware there are 2 versions of 8mm Mauser. The one you are describing is the old version with a .311 bore and .318 groove diameters. The more modern and more common version, and the one you're most likely to get in a take off barrel is .318 bore, and .323 groove. The twist sounds too fast for black powder and lead.
IIRC Kranks used to sell a muzzle loader called a "Squirrel Rifle" that was .32 calibre, so the bore size should be at least workable.

[tacfoley]

Be aware there are 2 versions of 8mm Mauser. The one you are describing is the old version with a .311 bore and .318 groove diameters. The more modern and more common version, and the one you're most likely to get in a take off barrel is .318 bore, and .323 groove. The twist sounds too fast for black powder and lead.
IIRC Kranks used to sell a muzzle loader called a "Squirrel Rifle" that was .32 calibre, so the bore size should be at least workable.

Yes, .32cal is the smallest muzzleloading rifle calibre, purely for reasons of the rapid fouling of such a small-diameter hole of great length.

Any modern rifling intended for a nitro-propelled BULLET will be waaaay too fast for a small patched ball, which is typically at least 1:48 right out to 1:72.

tac

[JiriK]

Ok, thanks for your responses.

This is just theoretical discussion now, as the MLAIC rulebook says that gun caliber, no. of grooves etc. must be close to original. I doubt these guns were ever made with .32 cal barrels.

[tacfoley]

Ok, thanks for your responses.

This is just theoretical discussion now, as the MLAIC rulebook says that gun caliber, no. of grooves etc. must be close to original. I doubt these guns were ever made with .32 cal barrels.

http://www.guns.com/review/why-muzzl...irrel-hunting/

This will tell you all you ever want to know about the smallest practical muzzleloading rifle calibre.

tac

[RichardH]

http://www.guns.com/review/why-muzzl...irrel-hunting/

This will tell you all you ever want to know about the smallest practical muzzleloading rifle calibre.

tac

Damn you Tac now thats something else I need