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RicG

32 Cal
Joined
Jan 15, 2020
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Looking to purchase my first percussion ML. I have always liked the look of Hawken's, but recently a .54 caliber Jaeger hunter (saw on DGW website) looks very interesting. I like the idea of shooting PRB's. This particular rifle has a listed twist of 1-24", 27 5/8" barrel and weighs in at 8 1/4 lbs. They recommend 95 gr of FFg., .530 round ball with a .015 patch. Does this sound doable? Am I getting into any trouble here? Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.
 
RicG...welcome to the forum.

Personally, I wonder about a 1-24 twist rate with a PRB, especially with a large load like 95 grains. I won't say it couldn't work, but it sounds to me like a combination, especially if the grooves are not very deep, that would have the ball skipping over the rifling and therefore not being very accurate at all.

While I haven't played with round balls in fast twist barrels, everything I've read here would indicate that usually a PRB in a shallow groove fast twist barrel requires a more mild powder charge so it's not propelled at a rate that has it skipping the rifling.

My advice: If you really want to shoot PRB, I would personally select something else that is built more appropriately for that purpose.
 
The 1:24 twist was designed for conicals, that particular rifle - designed for hollow base bullet so the skirt will engage the rifling.
You are unlikely to get positive results with roundball.
For round ball (my prefered projectile) look for slow twists, the bigger the ball, the slower it needs to be.
Deeper rifling and thicker patches seem to make the best accuracy.
 
Thanks all. I was kind of worried about the fast twist. Guess I will just keep researching before I jump!
 
I have read that some shooters have had good luck shooting a patched roundball in these Pedersoli Jaegers even with their fast twist.

I haven't seen the data for them but it is possible they have fairly deep rifling grooves. If they do, they will shoot patched balls fine.

People seem to forget, the original Jaegers usually had a twist of one turn in the length of the barrel. That makes for something like a 1:24 twist and they worked just fine with patched balls back in the day. Of course, they had deep rifling grooves.
 
Been looking on the TVM website. I'm kind of liking the Leman. Maybe I'll have them build me one. Any comments regarding their stuff?
 
Just as regarding Lemans in general, it's a good idea to consider fit before ordering. The Lemans were rather small and not a good fit to many larger stature people of present day. I shouldered a perfect replica from Jack Brooks' table at a gun show and found it was a poor fit to someone my size. OTOH, I have a friend who is sorta small and his Brooks Leman is a good fit.

Also, the TVM Lemans may not be sized the same as the originals.
 
Just as regarding Lemans in general, it's a good idea to consider fit before ordering. The Lemans were rather small and not a good fit to many larger stature people of present day. I shouldered a perfect replica from Jack Brooks' table at a gun show and found it was a poor fit to someone my size. OTOH, I have a friend who is sorta small and his Brooks Leman is a good fit.

Also, the TVM Lemans may not be sized the same as the originals.

Your post interests me. I am 66.5" tall and 140lbs. I don't shoot now, because of ataxia, but I had an early Lancaster built for me a few years ago and it was/is "too much rifle" for me. With the butt on the ground, the muzzle reaches my nose. I wonder how often folks find themselves with more gun than they really want?
 
Do yourself a favor and pick up a T/C Hawken or Renegade in good shape. Great starter gun, not expensive, and they are built too last.
Everybody here will tell you that there is no more factory warranty, and that's true, but when T/C built them, they gave them a lifetime warranty.Do you think they would have done that if they expected problems?
The percussion T /C rifles are bulletproof. Great place to start. Good luck.
 

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Do yourself a favor and pick up a T/C Hawken or Renegade in good shape. Great starter gun, not expensive, and they are built too last.
Everybody here will tell you that there is no more factory warranty, and that's true, but when T/C built them, they gave them a lifetime warranty.Do you think they would have done that if they expected problems?
The percussion T /C rifles are bulletproof. Great place to start. Good luck.

I have owned three TC "Hawkens" and two CVA Hawkens. My post was in respect to longrifles/stature, if you're addressing my post.
 
No problem Baxter, I just am trying to help out a newby. Lots of really wonderful rifles out there. But T/C riflles are readily available, and inexpensive .
I wish I could afford a $2000. rifle, but with two grandsons to teach and spoil, American made T/C 's will be my best investment. They made great, but not pretty, hunting rifles.
To each his own.
 
I've been in touch with John Bergmann regarding a build. He seems very nice and has quickly answered all of my questions. I may go that route.

I'm not thrilled with TC Hawken / Renegade guns... especially with no warranty support. I would hate to buy someone else's problems that can't be easily rectified.

We will see... what we will see. Thanks everybody for responding.
 
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