Relining an old muzzleloader barrel
A few years back, my dad picked up an original 1803 Harper's Ferry barrel for $40 in reasonably nice shape. The only problem, someone has apparently bored it out from the original caliber (.54? .58? I forget. :-\) to .64. A few questions.
Anyone have the history of the gun?
Was it originally rifled? I know it was a very early gun but seem to remember something about his.
Dad would like to make a workign replica, using some original parts. He has already proof fired the barrel as is and it held up fine. He would make a musket of it as is, but would prefer the original caliber. It would also make me feel better with even a thin tube of modern steel running down it. It isn't something we would shoot often but would be nice to be able to.
So how much do barrel liners cost and what is involved in installation?
Finally if all of this fails, anyone know of a place that stocks moulds or balls in .643" diameter?
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf
Anyone have the history of the gun?
Was it originally rifled? I know it was a very early gun but seem to remember something about his.
Dad would like to make a workign replica, using some original parts. He has already proof fired the barrel as is and it held up fine. He would make a musket of it as is, but would prefer the original caliber. It would also make me feel better with even a thin tube of modern steel running down it. It isn't something we would shoot often but would be nice to be able to.
So how much do barrel liners cost and what is involved in installation?
Finally if all of this fails, anyone know of a place that stocks moulds or balls in .643" diameter?
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf
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Wouldn't it maybe be more feasible to buy a replacement barrel for it? I looked into sleeving my trusty ol' CVA mountain rifle and even though the guns run $300 up I couldn't hardly find a 'smith that would touch it to sleeve the barrel, they all said it'd be cheaper to buy a new one (even though they didn't make them new at that time). *sorry, I think that sounds as clear as mud*
I know there's a few places that sell .72 caliber projectiles and moulds (for the currently produced Kodiac double rifle). I don't know about .64 though...0 -
This guy had molds and bullets for just about anything!
http://bluegrouseblackpowder.intranets.com/login.asp?link=
Colin B. Fowler0 -
Caliber .54
Suggest you check out this site as they have some good info on the 1803 and they sell both finished rifles and muskets as well as kits, plus they make parts, and they have a couple nice photos too.
www.therifleshoppe.com
If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!0 -
Jon, there is a fellow in the UK who will make any size mould for you, even makes conical moulds. He makes them out of brass and they will fit on a Lyman handle. He is quite reasonable and FAST! Turn-around time from the time you order until you get the mould is usually less than 10-12 days. His website is www.jt-bullet-moulds.co.uk/ email is jeff@jt-bullet-moulds.co.uk. I personally have 3 of his moulds and am well pleased with them. Also, he takes a personal check mailed to a California address so no banking/payment hassle. Emery
"Well done is better than well said"
Ben Franklin0 -
Jon, I guess I need to retract part of my previous statement; Jeff does NOT make the conical bullets, only round ball moulds. Emery
"Well done is better than well said"
Ben Franklin0 -
Jon
If you want it relined, or just to know if it can be done safely, contact Al Seigrist. He's one of the VERY few that does reboring & re-rifling in the country. Just a small shop that does excelant work.
Seigrist Run & Machine Shop
8752 Turtle Rd
Whittemore, MI 48770
(989) 873-3929
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
Tailgunner, does Mr. Seigrist do cartridge barrels? Chambering work? I see you are located in the same town so am assuming you know him and/or his work. Emery
"Well done is better than well said"
Ben Franklin0 -
He (Al) does all types of work. Re-lining should only be done on "low pressure" barrels only, for safety reasons.
My main gunsmith is Bruce at Flint & Frizzen down in Clarkston, MI (I lived there until a few years ago, and have been happily dealing with Bruce for over 35yrs). They know, and respect, each others workmanship (which says a lot for both of them).
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0
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