Proofing B/P barrel advice...
got a .50 cal. barrel ready to mount on stock. Been advised to fire a normal load and a double load before mounting on stock. Have secured to board and gonna use a length of "chinese safety fuse to fire loads. QUESTION?? on the double load is that 65grs. of 2FFg. and patched ball and another same load on top of that OR 130grs. and patch ball?
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Charlie, I am not an expert on this but DO NOT stack two loads. To proof a gun, you would shoot a very strong single load. I would not attempt to tell you how strong a load. Hopefuly a real expert will answer up. Tom
Those who beat their swords into plowshares will plow for those who dont.0 -
Thanks tccox!![:)] 0 -
This is the way I proof BP barrels that I personally breach:
I drop a double charge of the largest powder charge I would ever consider loading (usually a hunting load). Then seat one patched ball on top of it. For example: on a 45 caliber barrel, the largest charge I would ever consider would be 110 grains of FFF. So, for proofing, I dropped a 220 grain charge of FFF, then seated a patched ball.
I have also proofed by putting one full charge of powder and then seated 2 patched balls, one on top of the other. But I prefer the other proofing method.
Like you, I tied the barrel to a board rather than take the chance on cracking the rifle's stock.
Once you get your load worked up for the rifle, be sure to mark your loading rods when the ball is seated on the charge. That way you can always refer to that mark to see if you have inadvertantly dropped too many charges.
Hope this helps,
Rafter-S
"What is truth? No wonder jesting Pilate turned away. The truth, it has a thousand faces -- show only one of them, and the whole truth flies away! But how to show the whole? That is the question."
--Thomas Wolfe, "You Can't Go Home Again" (1934)0 -
Helps a lot, Rafter-S, THX.[8D] 0 -
To proof a 50 cal barrel to ensure the breech plug will hold load with either 240 grains of FF or 200 grains of FFF powder and seat a 490 ball with a heavy greased patch. Then Set it off with cannon fuse or primer cord. This will test the breech. Even though you tie the barrel to a board, lay a mounted tire on top of the barrel and please ensure that the muzzle is pointed into a good earthen back stop. I have proofed barrels with the above powder charges as well as even heavier charges.
I am quoting Dixie Gun Works as to their method of proofing:
"Load the barrel with twice amount of BP and seat 2 patched balls into the barrel. Set the charge off with primer fuse", so by the catolog it states to load with the above grainage that I stated then use 2 patched balls! Main thig is safety in mind at all times whil proofing a barrel! Hope this helps.
God protect me from my friends, I can take care of my enemies...0 -
THX jjmitchell60. 0 -
Thanks powdersmoke. Have fired off normal load and a double load, NO sign of cracks, bulges and breech plug looks good around the threads.[:D]
"Well i'll be a suck egg mule"....Arthur Hunnicutt.0
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