Author Topic: conical performance? (Read 657 times)

El Lobo · « **on:** January 28, 2006, 04:51:29 AM »

Hey Guys,

I've been shooting .45 cal round ball in percussion for a number of years. Recently, I've become interested in an underhammer rifle that would also be in .45 caliber with a 30 inch barrel. My question is what kind of ballistic performance could I expect with a conical in this caliber? I'm not sure if an underhammer is considered in-line or traditional.....thought I'd ask!

Busta · « **Reply #1 on:** January 28, 2006, 06:53:06 AM »

First thing, Welcome to Graybeards!

The .45 is an excellent caliber for conicals if the twist is right, bore land to land and groove to groove dimentions are good and uniform the length of the barrel.

I have a White in .451 caliber with a 1-20 twist, .451 land to land, .458 groove to groove with rifling depth of .0035 that will shoot bore sized (.450-.451) conicals that weigh 460 grains under MOA all day long without swabbing between shots. You will have to match your conicals to you twist rate, the faster the twist the heavier the bullet. If your twist is in the 1-48 or slower arena, you will have to use shorter/lighter conicals.

The underhammers have intrigued me for some time, I just haven't took the plunge yet. Let us know the twist rate and bore dimensions (rifling depth) and we can better answer your questions. Slip fit conicals tend to like the shallower rifling in the .0035 - .0045 area for full obturation and accuracy.

El Lobo · « **Reply #2 on:** January 28, 2006, 08:53:48 AM »

Busta,

Thanks for the welcome!!

I'm able to dictate the twist and depth of rifling at the time the rifle is built, my need at this point is to determine whether the .45 cal is sufficient. The riflesmith can also provide .50, .54, .58, and .62 caliber barrels. Imagine a 900 grain conical in .62 cal!!!!!

This will be a hunting rifle for deer, hogs, blackbear, and an elk or two. A quick easy reload would certainly be valuable. Your accuracy sounds excellent, and would certainly be more than needed. It's always fun to show off a target with one ragged hole!

Busta · « **Reply #3 on:** January 28, 2006, 10:49:44 AM »

The .45 is up to the task, but unfortunately States like Colorado and others require a .50 or bigger for Elk sized game. :cry: So if you plan on Elk in Colorado then you will need a .50 or bigger to be legal. You can hunt deer with a .40 though.

The .50's work good with a 1-24 to 1-28 twist on the 430-495 grain conicals. The .0035-.0045 rifling depth is also a good choice.

I also have a NEF Huntsman .50 cal with .0045" rifling that will shoot 430 and 460 grain conicals under MOA with scope and 1-1/2" to 2" with a peep sight. I used that one on the little 5x5 in my avatar last September.

I know a guy from a forum that builds his own underhammers, very talented fellow and he lives in MI. I'll try to PM you with some info, he may be able to help you out. What powder do you plan on using?

El Lobo · « **Reply #4 on:** January 29, 2006, 03:44:47 AM »

Busta,

A few years back I bought two H&A underhammer boot pistols in .45 cal, and at that time also bought five one pound cans of CIL FFFg blackpowder. This is what I've been shooting. I also have a Huntsman in .45 cal, although I believe it was made before NEF purchased the company.......bought about 1980 ..... there about.

I do know there are several more blackpowder brands available these days, and that they give differing performances.....also the b-p substitutes!!

So many toys..... so little time!!!

Skillet · « **Reply #5 on:** January 30, 2006, 09:05:03 AM »

Mine is a CVA kit gun and I load it with the TC maxi (245 gn) over 66 gns of pyro P and get 1585 fps clocked about 12' from the muzzle.

Has accounted for 4 whitetails, 3 mulies, two hogs, two turkey and a javelina.

Hope that helps some.

Skillet