A used Seneca in good condition is costing between $300 and $400. They are expensive, because there simply are not many around for sale. They have always had a fine reputation for accuracy, and those owners who bothered to learn to load and shoot them are reluctant to let them get out of the family.
Typical Rate of Twist for the .36 is 1:48", and is designed to shoot RB. T/C also made its Maxiball in that caliber, and some members here report good accuracy with that bullet. 30-40 grains of FFFg Goex is the typical range of loads used in the Seneca, but you will find people reducing the load to 20 grains for taking squirrels, and people increasing the powder charge to up to 50 grains when hunting large varmints, at longer ranges, like Coyote.
The .36 is known for its fine accuracy, and lack of recoil. The small powder charge and small ball of about 65 grains allows the shooter to do a lot of Plinking all day long, for very little cost, compared to using larger caliber rifles.
In any recession, everyone tightens up on the budget and spending, even those who still have jobs. A .36 caliber RB, cast will give you 107 balls per pound. At $1.00 per pound for Purchased lead, that is $.01 per ball. Not bad.
Powder, at a discount price of $14.00 per lb. will give you 230 shots per pound, or about $.06 per shot.
The most expensive item these days may be the percussion caps, with prices hitting the roof. At $16.00 per thousand( if you are lucky-I saw some priced at $35.00 per thousand at a gun show a few months ago) each cap costs you $.016.
If you have a flintlock, flints are running about $1.00 each. In a well tuned lock you should be able to expect to get 80-120 shots per flint. That would give you an average cost of $.01 per shot.
Compare that total cost per shot, to the cost for fixed ammo- $1.00+ per rd. for most centerfire cartridges, and you understand why its hard to pry Seneca Rifles from the hands of current owners.
Good luck. :surrender: :hmm: :thumbsup:
