Author Topic: Opinions needed..... (Read 782 times)

justannie2 · « **on:** October 16, 2005, 02:08:43 AM »

I bought a used Huntsman .50 caliber last year (used). Didn't examine the barrel as good as I should have. It's pitted up some from the previous owner not cleaning it. I'm thinking of getting a stainless steel barrel to replace this one. What's your opinion on the stainless barrels? Are they easier to clean? Do they hold up better?

Thanks for any help you can be!

Busta · « **Reply #1 on:** October 16, 2005, 05:58:44 AM »

Sorry to hear about your barrel. How bad is the pitting? If it is minor you may be able to still shoot it. Have you tried to shoot it?

I have a SS Huntsman and prefer it over all my other muzzleloaders. I have had it for 2-1/2 years and always clean it after shooting, never had a single problem with rust. A stainless barrel is not actually easier to clean, but it may be easier to see where you need to clean. Stainless Steel barrels DO rust, I have seen some Knights that were pitted badly. You still have to clean them thoroughly, but you may have a little more time before the corrosion starts. I clean them the same day I shoot them because I like my rifles.

justannie2 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 16, 2005, 06:06:53 AM »

The pitting isn't real major. And we are going to try fire lapping it out. But, just in case, I thought I'd get thoughts on the SS barrels. The shot groups leave something to be desired. Then again, I need to start working on the loads some more too. Could be I'll get it grouping better if I change the powder and bullet.

I cleaned the gun good when I'd fired it. I like my guns to last. I'm guessing whomever had it before just got it to extend their deer season and didn't like the cleaning they had to do :|

Odinbreaker · « **Reply #3 on:** October 16, 2005, 06:14:29 AM »

If the pitting does not effect accuracy I would not worry about. it it is just cosmetic in my mind. I have some old rifles with pitted barrels and they still
shoot acceptable groups.

justannie2 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 16, 2005, 07:53:13 AM »

Also I was wondering if a get a 44 mag barrel put on a Huntsman? Or do I need a rifle receiver?

jritter · « **Reply #5 on:** October 16, 2005, 03:02:37 PM »

Hi Annie.
Yes you need a SB2 rifle receiver for a 44mag barrel. The easiest way is to check the H&R website http://www.hr1871.com/ for more information. You can call customer service, or do a seach here on Greybeards to find all the information you need to know about your huntsman.
Joe

jbtazgrabber · « **Reply #6 on:** October 16, 2005, 07:21:35 PM »

you didnt say what load or bullets you were shoting?

?usally the huntsman will shoot about any thing good....i use 240 gr. xtp. in 44 cal with green sabot with 90 gr. rs pryo...loads easy and shoots good and kills bambi on the spot.......jb

mangulator · « **Reply #7 on:** October 17, 2005, 04:57:26 AM »

justannie2, I use a 250 grain Shock-wave Bullet with two pyrodex pellets and W-W 209 primers I have excellent accuracy. I would go ahead and shot your barrel that you have to check the accuracy. If, you have good accuracy keep it....

mangulator · « **Reply #8 on:** October 17, 2005, 04:59:36 AM »

justannie2, I use a 250 grain Shock-wave Bullet with two pyrodex pellets and W-W 209 primers I have excellent accuracy. I would go ahead and shoot your barrel that you have to check the accuracy. If, you have good accuracy keep it....

justannie2 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 18, 2005, 02:56:15 AM »

I'm not sure the grain of bullets I used. But I was finding the loose pyrodex to be a better powder. I'll check to see if I've got some of the bullets around that I've tried.....