32 or 36 cal rifle ??

You guys are GREAT ! So much wisdom and advice. I'm sure that which ever one I end up with, I'll be picking your brains again

Thanks
Bill

I saw that someone had offered yo a nice 36 Seneca from experience they are great to carry and shoot.

Bassdog1 said:

I saw that someone had offered yo a nice 36 Seneca from experience they are great to carry and shoot.

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Thank you for the info. I'm not familiar with the Seneca, so it's nice to hear from someone that is.

I love my Seneca .36 With 40 gr of 3fg and an Ox Yoke patched ball it is deadly accurate at 2t to 50 yds

Wizard I shoot Senecas and Cherokees almost exclusively if that gun is in good condition that is a fair price. The last one that I owned I shot 25 grains of powder with a .018 patch with either Hoppes BP Lube or Tow Mink Oil and at 30-35 yards which is what I consider Squirrel range I could shoot a quarter size group for about 10 rounds then just a quick spit patch and back to shooting.

Thanks to everyone for all of the post, information and advice.

Since I shoot leftie, I'm wondering if I should hold out for a leftie rifle, or find a kit and build one.

Wizzard1962 said:

Thinking of adding a 32 or 36 cal rifle for small game/varmint shooting. Looking for your wisdom of pro,s and con,s of each.

Also, what brand would you suggest will shoot well, but be easy on the wallet ( yep, wife keeps me on a budget)

I shoot leftie, but doesnt have to be a LH rifle.

I'm open to new, used or kit.

Looking forward to hearing what you have to say.

Thanks in advance
Bill

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My experience has been that the smaller the calibre of a muzzleloader, the more finicky the gun can be to wring out all the accuracy that the gun is capable of producing. To accurately shoot the squirrel calibres, your loading technique needs to be consistent. Consistency is key, same pressure when seating the ball, same amount of powder (it doesn’t take much variation to have a noticeable impact on the tiny lead pill that the .32 throws), same patch thickness, etc…

So as calibre increases,the amount of lead being used for a projectile increases…the more forgiving the gun will be towards variations in your loading technique. Fouling also tends to diminish as calibre increases. At .40 calibre, there is a nice boundary, where you can shoot smaller diameter projectiles (.375 and .380 calibre), using thicker patching…and have your squirrel rifle. And you can shoot larger caliber projectiles (.390 and .395 calibre) and be pretty effective on small to medium sized big game.

Pick one…and enjoy.

I was always told that a 36 bucks the wind better than a 32. It also has higher velocities and foot-pounds of energy. Being able to use buckshot for projectiles is a plus.

Walt

I have a 36 Cherokee, I have found it to be quite handy, 15 grains 3f is my small game charge and 40 grains is my large charge. Both are very accurate and fouling has not been an issue.

My lovely wife has offered to get me a kit so I can build one. I had a blast building my .50 long rifle, so really looking forward to doing it again.

I'll let y,all know what I get and will share pics of the build.

Have a great day
Bill

The most accurate factory rifle I've ever fired (any caliber) was the .32 Traditions Crockett. Fouling has never been an issue with them or the .36. Smaller balls are simply easier to seat as there is less lead to "squish" into the rifling and cause drag. A thick patch and a good lube is all one needs.

My last shooting session with the TC Cherokee in .32. Just pulled it out after many years sitting idle. Fine little rifles.

Christophero said:

My last shooting session with the TC Cherokee in .32. Just pulled it out after many years sitting idle. Fine little rifles.
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Good job! Thanks for sharing