Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Muzzleloaders Unknown rifle maker

I have a .40 cal flintlock rifle that I picked up last year at a show. It is marked on the top of the barrel and the lock with the initials G T H (in cursive). I would guess the rifle to be 20 or 30 years old. Does anyone know this maker?

Second question, I have been shooting it and would like opinions on what the maximum useful velocity that a .40 cal round ball should be loaded to. I intend to hunt coyotes and fox with it so I am trying to work-up a load that is accurate and effective.

with a .40 you'd probably find an accurate load in the 40 to 60 grain area.

It's entirely possible that G T H are the initials of the original OWNER, not the builder. As such, you would be back to square one. It's conceivable that a name could be written or scribed inside the patch box, or on the bottom barrel flat.

The only 40 caliber rifles I have run onto came from Dixie gun works either finished or as a kit.

Most likley GTH bought himself a kit and built the rifle..JMO

Are there any proof marks on the barrel? Probably on the underside if so.

The only marks on the barrel are " XX GR Douglas 40 Cal ". The lock has SPAIN stamped on the inside of the side plate. You guys are probably right about it being a kit. I would say that the person who put it together did a better than average job. The fit and finish are pretty good and it has a nicely figured maple stock. The rifle shoots very accurately by the way.