.36 caliber

[Colterkid]

What is the best starting point with FFF powder on a .36 caliber ML w/ a 1:48 twist?
Thanks

 

[Hermit Tim]

I always start with 20 grains. My current .36 (CVA Squirrel Rifle) really likes 25-30. What kind of rifle is it?

 

[Jim K]

My kibler smr .36 likes 30 gns.

 

[Colterkid]

I always start with 20 grains. My current .36 (CVA Squirrel Rifle) really likes 25-30. What kind of rifle is it?

Pedersoli Frontier

 

[nkbj]

The breech plug channel or the location of the side drum may dictate your minimum charges.

 

[Hermit Tim]

Pedersoli Frontier

Probably gonna end up around 30. I'd try that if I were you.

 

[Colterkid]

Pedersoli Frontier

Thanks Hermit Tim. I'll start with 25 then. Ist time ownership. This will get me started.
Appreciate it.

 

[Colterkid]

The breech plug channel or the location of the side drum may dictate your minimum charges.

I didn't know that. I'll check it out.
Thanks

 

[Colterkid]

Thanks Hermit Tim. I'll start with 25 then. Ist time ownership. This will get me started.
Appreciate it.

What would be the maximum charge?

 

[Hermit Tim]

What would be the maximum charge?

I only use mine for treerat so 30-35 is as far as I go. Could probably go to 50 or so. I'm sure someone will drop in and answer that one.

 

[Colterkid]

Mine would be for tree rats too.

 

[Colterkid]

I always start with 20 grains. My current .36 (CVA Squirrel Rifle) really likes 25-30. What kind of rifle is it?

Pedersoli

 

[Hermit Tim]

It don't take much to send that little ball at squirrel killing ranges. Starting at 25 is a good way to go. Your particular rifle might like a specific load so, with a little testing, she'll tell you what she likes.

 

[Des52]

Mine likes a .345 ball and 20 grs. of 3F.

 

[smoothshooter]

What would be the maximum charge?

When I had a .36 flintlock years ago I got great results with anything from 25 to 60 grains with a .350 “ patched ball. Finally settled on 40 grains as an everyday load for rabbits to groundhogs.
These are not smokeless powder cartridge guns, so if you load way more powder than needed or is practical, no harm is done to the gun.
1 1/2” 3-shot groups from a rest on a windless day were possible at times, but not common.
2 1/2” groups were more likely when I was having a good day.

 

[Hermit Tim]

Thanks Hermit Tim. I'll start with 25 then. Ist time ownership. This will get me started.
Appreciate it.

You are welcome. That's what we're here for. Let us know how it works out. And we expect gun/squirrel pics.

 

[TransYank]

My Hawken style Investarms 36 really likes 30gr BP 3f .035 RB. .015 lubed patch. Peep sight will shoot 1 ragged hole at 50 yards.

 

[DementedMindOfJac]

Pedersoli Frontier

With RB, you'd be fine with ~20gr. Them intermediate rate of twist barrels really open your groups with heavier charges, IMHO. Increase your load gradual like, till your groups start to open up then back off a scoach.
I used to have one of those Frontiers in .50. It was part of a consignment for Cabelas that features the DeLuxe curly maple stock without all the brass. I liked it so good that I kept the stock, ferrules, and trigger. Replaced the barrel with a .45 Rice and the lock with a L&R Ketland.

From my experience with the Frontier, I might advise you to order spare ferrule screws. DO IT RITE MEOW! That's how the barrel is mounted, and Elisa over at Pedersoli will make sure you don't get 'em afore the seasons change.

 

[Colterkid]

My Hawken style Investarms 36 really likes 30gr BP 3f .035 RB. .015 lubed patch. Peep sight will shoot 1 ragged hole at 50 yards.

Thanks Transyank,
I was going to try the .350 diameter balls. I have some .010 natural linen from Townsends soaked with my own rendered down sheep fat (Tallow) that works on my .50 caliber.
I may go up to .015 and try that.
Appreciate the help.
Aj

 

[Hermit Tim]

Transyank: Is your Hawken originally a .36 or did you rebarrel it? Just wondering because I do enjoy Invetarm rifles but didn't know they ever made a .36. if that is a factory gun I will add that to the wish list.