Squirrel rifle?

[BrownBear]

Is your point of impact much different than full loads?

That's the neat part. In all the larger cals I use with reduced charges (50, 54, 58 and 62 cal) there's no change out to at least 25 yards, normal small game distances. Tend to hit lower as you get out past 35, but you'd expect that.

Just sight in your rifle with your normal heavy big game load, then swap to the lighter charge and try shooting it at 25 yards. You're likely to be amazed, especially with the accuracy. Really slow twist barrels don't seem to shoot as tight, but my 1:48's shoot light charges at least as well as heavies.

 

[Crewdawg445]

Use your .45, I have a .32 and it's to "squirrelly" IMO. .45 is perfect as it helps with your aim game.

Might I add, the .45 can also be used with reduced loads as with any caliber, worth trying!

 

[Spikebuck]

I need a rifle for squirrel and such.

I know you're asking about a rifle, and you've gotten a lot of good information. But have you considered a smoothie? You said in your post "...and such." Not sure what all you have in mind, but a smoothie would cover every "and such" there is! :thumbsup: From every kind of shot load to round balls...the smoothie would do it all. If you want the versatility of the smooth bore and feel of a rifle, a "smooth-rifle" would fill the bill perfectly.

A few years ago I bought a smooth rifle in "Early Virginia" style and it's definitely a favorite. I've taken many squirrel, rabbit, and three turkeys with it so far. I have a good round-ball load worked up, but so far haven't taken it deer hunting. If I could only have one gun, this one would be it!

Just something different to think about. :hmm:

 

[hanshi]

You said it! I owned and killed squirrels with a Crockett for nearly 14 years and only let it go when an opportunity to get a .32 in a flint longrifle. I fortunately own a .32 and a .36 and, IMHO, they rule for small game/plinking/and practice.

 

[mancill]

Ok so I am having trouble finding 36 cal production rifles. So what would be a good one?

 

[torn moc]

there is a .32 Pedersoli listed in the Classifieds....Flintlock & caplock !

 

[Critter Getter]

You might look at Pedersoli Frontier in a 36. Greg

 

[zimmerstutzen]

Dixie sold some. Don't know if they still do. As said above, there was a limited number of CVA 36's. Which I am sure come up for sale used once in a while.

The alternative is to have a barrel made up to fit a TC or Lyman gun. Or perhaps search for a Green Mtn drop in barrel.

Another alternative is to have an used/abused Armsport TC/ Lyman rifle reamed out and lined with a barrel liner.

 

[Grimord]

Pedersoli makes the frontier in .36 or you could look for the clones by Cabela's called the blue ridge. Dixie also carries some .36s. lastly you could try a Traditions Shenandoah in .36. These are the only production .36 rifles that I am aware of. I am sure there are others.