So I took the plunge, with a healthy push from a member here. His name rhymes with "Kaywoody" and I bought, after a short but fierce spat with the missus, a Pedersoli Hawkens Rocky Mountain rifle, slightly used.

I hope it looks like this: https://www.davide-pedersoli.com/sc...hawken-rocky-mountain-hawken-walnut.html



I will be ordering 54 cal round ball molds soon. But I want to know, can I shoot anything like a sugarloaf or minie ball through this? Does anyone have suggestions or experience with these? I want it to be more than just a Sunday afternoon at the range gun, but will settle for being the envy of my shooting buddies.

Thanks in advance, and a special thanks to the guy with the pipe who's name rhymes with "Kaywoody".

Tracy "Ranger" Green

1-65" twist is for round balls. A Buffalo Ball-et, basically a very short hollow-base bullet, might shoot okay, as that's what they were designed for, but they didn't in my Mortimer. Worth a try if you can find them.

It may be possible to buy an extra fast-twist barrel from Flintlocks Etc. or another distributer. Don't know if any fitting would be needed.

RG

A .530 round ball will serve you well! Do not underestimate it’s capabilities. Being your primary interest was a traditional style rifle, you are on the right path. Congrats! You will have hours of fun!!!

Bob’s right on the .530 round ball. I’ve killed a lot of deer and hogs at the Ranch with my .54 Hawken and the Speer .530 round ball over 100 grains of real black powder. Loads of fun to shoot, and mine will put 3 round balls into a 1.5” group at 100 yards off of a sand bag.

Sure, there are all manner of better, more efficient projectiles out there. And then there are also better and more efficient firearms too!

When we talked a bit I got the impression you wanted a bit of the the feel of traditional shooting. Im somtimes accused of being a bit soft in the head by many, but I always was from the school of starting out simple and learn the ropes first. When I started in this game there was massive trial and error. I was licky enough to fall in with a group of curmudgeons ls who has been shooting and building these things for a while. Some from the ‘30’s. Not to say they knew it all, but the were a learned group! ( Yes there were at least 3 original Hawken built guns floating around that group). Listened, learned and did a lot of experimenting. Had oodles of fun all along the way. Learned valuable lessons.

I realize lots of folks ain’t interested in that concept and that’s fine too! Back then there was basically one trail to follow. Nowadays there are several. And they all lead to the same basic goal!

Have a great journey. And do like your doing! Ask a bunch of questions! And as longbas its on the side of safety, don’t be afraid to try things.

Thanks you Gentlemen. Round ball it is.

Now is there a better patch material than others? Any favorites?

You went and done it now Ranger, don't think that's going to be your last one either, CONGRATS, pillow ticking from the fabric supply store is GTG for patch material, I lubed mine with olive oil.

A great subject for debate on this forum! Roflmao. Everybody has their own feel for this subject. Roflmao!

I prefer pillow/mattress ticking. Or some form of 100% durable, tight weave, cotton fabric. Depending on the ball diameter and rifleing depth, somewhere in the .015 to .020 range. Especially with heavier charges and heavier calibers. I’ve been the nerdy guy at the fabric store with caliper or micrometer more than once. Start with the thinner and watch your spent patches for burn out holes etc work your way to thick if needed. You develop a sixth sence when it comes to loading. Like thats too loose or tha sure is tight!!!. Spit lube ok at range. Been using my own mixture of beeswax and olive oil lube for hunting etc., since I run out of real bear oil. But I found a place that sells food grad bear oil and payday I’m ordering a jar!!

You guys are making me all nostalgic and stuff...

Jez tryin’ to get the warm and fuzzies goin’ on here, Smokey!

😝

Are you hunting the CO smokepole season this year? I got a bull tag.

No, can’t get back up til Second rifle. Still may drag a flinter along tho.

Managed a leftover cow tag in our unit while I was working up there.

Thinkin’ mebbe of packin’ either this;



Or mebbe this;



Just dunno yet.

(Sorry for hijack, Ranger!)

Not a hijack, Sir, but an entrance to more paths to follow. are those goats feet on the second bag?

Ranger,

It can't really be a hijack.


This is YOUR thread.

Deer

280 gr. Hornady swaged PRB shoot pretty good at 150 yards and quite well at even 200 yards!

.58 Caliber Dimick Rifle by Sharps Man, on Flickr

Four shots from 150 yards. Two shots to the right were after a wind pickup as I didn't hold off any because I wanted to see how much the drift would be! Not much!

Dimick Caplock Rifle by Sharps Man, on Flickr

Who built that Horace Dimick rifle, Sharpy? Good looking piece!!! Same fellow that built your Henry Leman?

Kaywoodie

Tom Watson over in Georgia! Rifle has a Getz barrel....one of the best! Choked muzzle and weighs in at a tat over 10#...which I like!

Nice St. Louis rifle!!!