1803 Harpers Ferry rifle

[Notchy Bob]

That's a terrific score, @Dave Fox ! Good for you, buddy! The rifle looks happy in its new home.

Loading cream of wheat between the powder and ball used to be pretty common. Then I started hearing about using cornmeal or grits for this purpose. I believe Walter Cline used wads punched from an old felt hat.

I was having a problem with burnt patches in a .54 caliber GRRW barrel. I got some dry wool felt wads from RMC/Ox Yoke, saturated them with Old Zip Patch Grease (80% mutton tallow, 20% beeswax), and started loading one of these over the powder. That ended the burnt patch problem, and the extra lube keeps fouling soft, allowing less frequent wiping.

However, if you're happy with cream of wheat, there's no reason not to use it. You're getting good results.

Thanks for showing that rifle!

Notchy Bob

 

[brazosland]

A tad of M.1803 eyewash. Track of the Wolf replica worm, ball-puller and screw driver fit snugly in the patchbox.

Oh no you didn’t…and I was gonna buy the wife flowers tonight…

 

[rickystl]

Great find. I too attended the Show this year. Must have missed that one. Congratulations. There's always that little something extra shooting an original.

Rick

 

[BadDaditood]

For anyone interested In Harpers Ferry models, here’s a must read by Jess at the Rifle Shoppe:
http://therifleshoppe.com/catalog_pages/us_arms/(500)_History_Facts_Description.htmI chose an 1803 parts set a couple years ago, it’s no beginners’ “kit” but it came out great.
Been thinking about getting another parts set along with a pistol… because… why not?!?