I need help! Hello America!

[wwpete52]

I own a .45 caliber H&R Springfield Stalker.  It is a sporterized 1863 Springfield musket.  I got it in a 4 rifle deal.  It is a very cool rifle but I cannot find any load info on it.  I called H&R and the only thing they could tell me was the rate of twist (1 in 48).  They couldn't even tell me what size nipple goes in it!  I would love to have an owners manual.  If anyone has one I sure would be thrilled to pay you for a photo-copy.  That's what this listing is about.  If you have any info on this rifle let me know. 
By the way, I am going to "customize" this piece.  I am going to cast a pewter nose cap for it (like a Springfield Trapdoor Officer's model) and thinking  about adding an under rib.  When I finish it is going to be one heck of a good looking rifle (I hope).

[Swampman]

A good starting load would be 45 grains of 3f.  It should shoot patched .440 round balls fine.  A Lee Real-Bullet should shoot fine too.

[PHATINJUN]

You should of kept the 440 mould you sold the other day. That bullet would work fine in your gun.
http://stores.ebay.com/Rediscovered-Shooting-Treasures/_i.html?rt=nc&_sid=5076801&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1513&_pgn=3
This guy may have your manual. Kurt

[wwpete52]

Thanks for the link. I checked with the fellow but he didn't have the manual.
I actually have another .440 rb mold.

[keith44]

Dixie Gun Works has an entire store section and seperate catalog for antique and odd rifles.  Contact them, they may have what you need

[wwpete52]

No, Dixie does not have it.  I guess I'll never find one.

[coyotejoe]

If finding the nipple size is the only snag, that should not be too difficult. It's most likely going to be either 1/4X28 or 5/16X24, could be an odd thread but I doubt it. Just go to the hardware store and get a few bolts in 1/4 and 5/16 size. Try to get both coarse and fine threads and I'll bet one will fit. You might also call Track of the Wolf, they're nice and knowledgeable folks and glad to help.

[keith44]

A word of caution on those nipple threads.  I have a pedersoli Pennsylvania flinter in .32 cal.  The vent threads are 5/16 with a 20 thread per inch pitch. No that is not a mis-print.  It is in the catalog listed exactly as  5/16 x 20.  I checked with a thread gauge and it is true.  So do not force a bolt into the hole.  If worse comes to worse have a GOOD gunsmith drill the threads out, and weld or solder a larger sleeve in place, then drill and tap for the threads you want.  Locally 1/4 x 28 is the most common.

[coyotejoe]

Good advise but the H&R was American made and I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that it's either 1/4X28 or 5/16X24.

[wwpete52]

The weird thing is that a CVA 6m X 1m nipple fits.  What's up with that?

[keith44]

fits tight and secure?  Go for it.  If there is any looseness, well you know the dangers

[DennyRoark]

An M6-1 is just a fuzz smaller than a 5/16-24.  It will screw in all the way, but will be just a little loose until it bottoms out.  A 5/16 will start, but only screw in a couple of threads.  Be careful!!