Parker hale 1861 Enfield

[mausernut]

Picked up a Parker Hale 1861 Enfield that has never been fired. That will change however. From what I can find out they were designed for conical bullets. All I have and all the guy I got it from had are balls to shoot from it. Would like to know how it will do with those. Will be ordering some bullets shortly to use until I can get a mould. Would like to shoot it as soon as I get some time, but wondering if I should wait for the conical bullets to arrive.
Thank you.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Your rifle will do fine with round ball. Use a 0.570" or 0.562" with 0.015" cotton patching. Lubricate the patch with a mix of water soluble oil and water. Probably 1 part oil, 6 or 7 parts of water and if so inclined 1/2 part of dish soap.

You rifle was designed to shoot a Minié ball (cylindrical bullet with a hollow base) pushed by 60 to 65 grains of 2fg powder.

 

[springfield art]

Picked up a Parker Hale 1861 Enfield that has never been fired. That will change however. From what I can find out they were designed for conical bullets. All I have and all the guy I got it from had are balls to shoot from it. Would like to know how it will do with those. Will be ordering some bullets shortly to use until I can get a mould. Would like to shoot it as soon as I get some time, but wondering if I should wait for the conical bullets to arrive.
Thank you.

I had one of the P-H 1970's 2-band muskets, traded off back in the day. Saw one recently at auction, but couldn't get to it. They are nicely made, English mfg. Nice find! Good luck!

 

[ord sgt]

I had both the three band and the Enfield musketoon. Sold the three band but kept the carbine. I use a 500 grain minie backed by 44 grains FFFg. That load is bad medicine for tiles and clay birds at 50 and 100 yards.

 

[mausernut]

I’m hoping to use it deer hunting this fall. Got some pictures done.

 

[Whitworth]

Nice looking rifle, I like mine. Just don't screw up while talking and double Minie it like it did once. Recoil was rather stout to say the least

 

[mausernut]

Will definitely try not to do that

 

[rickystl]

Nice looking rifle, I like mine. Just don't screw up while talking and double Minie it like it did once. Recoil was rather stout to say the least

I did the same thing once. LOL But I had a complete double load !!! Fortunately, I realized that before shooting. I pulled both loads and started over.

Rick

 

[loud-n-boomer]

I have one of the Parker Hale English-made 1970s two band rifles and it will put round balls into one ragged hole at 50 yards from a rest. I am using 60 grains of Goex FFG, a .570 roundball, .015 patches, and I lubricate with Ox-Yoke Wonder Lube.