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54 cal flintlock smoothbore pistol

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jtkerk

40 Cal
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Going to be building a 54 cal smoothbore flintlock pistol does anyone have any info on loads, powder, patches, etc? Never shot one I am excited to build shoot and hopefully take a deer with
 
What length of barrel? I'm far from an expert, but I'd start at 20 to 25 grains. I use 25grns in my .50 Queen Anne, and that's not stout, but it makes it move.
 
Typically, folks say 2F for anything over .45cal. But I've used both 2F and 3F. There's no problem with either, but 3F will be a little, and i mean little, more powerful at the same volume.

I couldn't tell you how many loads of 30grns of 3F in my .62cal smoothbore pistol.
 

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Wow they’re nice. Can’t wait to build and shoot. What patch thickness u use?
 
Also what’s typical accuracy can I expect and at what range? I can assume never shooting one keeping shots on deer at 20 yds?
 
The smoothbores aren't as finicky when it comes to patches, but I think mine are .010.

I can't speak to what sort of accuracy and range you can expect out of yours; I don't know what you have, and I'm far from an expert. I can tell you that those three of mine are close range weapons. I wouldn't think of using these for hunting. Notice that the Queen Anne and the Heavy Dragoon don't even have a rudimentary sight.

ETA: I failed to mention that the two smaller are rifled. Only the Heavy Dragoon is a smoothbore.
 
I use 45 and 50gr of 3f in my .54 smoothie with .533 ball and thick pillow ticking. Recoil and blast is not too bad but accuracy is poor past 15rds.
 
I know everyone may have different views, and im not expert by far, but first time shooting go light on the BP like around 20 grains to feel the gun's reaction. I own an original 1854 Aston Johnson .54 caliber smooth bore . It has an 8" barrel. Did research on it for loads, after a extensve inspection of the barrel and pistol itself (safety always comes first) I shoot it with 35 grains of 2F, using a .520 ball with a .010 lubed patch. I probably can go up to around .40-.45 grains but refrain cause of the age of the handgun. I have no issues at all shooting, not much of a kick either. At around 20 yards or so it hits the target pretty much spot on, not much accurate after that. But close range its spot on. I'm not a hunter, but I would make sure of it accuracy, as you want a kill shot not a wounded deer running off. Best of luck with yours. I do love mine though its not a flintlock, its fun to shoot.

Video of my son trying it for his first time. Little bit of a cringe he forgot to wear ear plugs. I'm half deaf anyway from all those 1970's rock concerts so it doesn't phase me when shooting BP firearms lololol
 

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For these larger (.54+) smooth bore pistols, many find a good load to be between about 30-35 grains of either 2F or 3F. For a smooth bore you will want to go with a ball 2-3 calibers smaller than nominal bore size. 10-thousands patching should work good. These pistols are not much accurate past about 15 yards. But that is all they were made for anyway. A short range weapon.

Rick
 
Don't be afraid to play with a buck and ball load. I've had fun loading about 8 or 10 .25 balls for a "buckshot" load.
 
I use 30 grains of 3F black in a 54 Kentucky rifled pistol. With a 535 ball and a 0.010 patch. Olive oil lube. It's tight loading but works well.
What kind of distance to shoot accurately enough 15,20,25 yds
 
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