cap lock 36 ML

[NSP64]

found one that has a 50 cal and 32 of 36 cal (cant remember which) extra barrel. I think both barrels were 1-48 twist. Anyone shoot a small bore ML? I have 50 cal ML's at home, so I would put the smaller barrel on and leave it. Might be a hoot for small game.

[mooman76]

I shoot a couple of little 32's. Fund and cheap to shoot. Kine of like the 22 of MLs. Still plenty of power for small game at short distance.

[Bullshop]

A 32 RB at about 40gn in a ML rifle is capable of about 2000 fps.
A 40gn bullet from a 22 wmr (22 mag) is capable of about 2000 fps from a sealed breach rifle.
For practical purposes at small game range say 50 yards they are about the same in power.
So the 32 ML is more a kin to the 22 mag than the 22 LR.

[Good Cheer]

Got a .36 flinter I really like. Got a cheap 50 that always goes bang that I wish was a 40.

[NSP64]

Speaking of flinters..... how hard would it be to switch it from caplock to flintlock?????
Could I just change out the side plate/hammer and change the nipple port to a frizzen pan?

[Good Cheer]

Depends a whole lot on the make and model.

[mooman76]

I've done it on a CVA and also switched another back. I just switched locks and installed a (the name excapes me for the moment) port, which I had to make because I couldn't find one the right thread. I am not an expert by far, just saying it can be done.

[Hanshi]

I have a .32 caplock and a .36 flinter; the .36 is my favorite. I use the same powder charge in both and the .36 ball is only some 20 grains heavier. Since I don't have to buy caps for the .36 it is cheaper to shoot. Both are delightful, super accurate and handy. But the .36 will do .22LR & magnum just fine and is easily able to get up to .22 Hornet territory. Of course the .40 rules the small bores but gives up a little on the low end for more umpf on the high end. Slightly less economical but only slightly.

[Geraldo]

If it's TC, you can switch locks easily, but the barrels are specifically flint or percussion. I've got a pile of both, and switch barrels and locks as needed.

I shot .36 almost exclusively for a number of years and it is fun and cheap to shoot.

[trooperdan]

I've never been a muzzle-loader but sure have been thinking lately how much fun a cap-lock .32 or
.36 must be! Maybe I'll check and see what Lyman has in their discounted specials today! :)

[northmn]

I ahve had a couple of small bores and now use a 25. The pure lead round ball is pretty nasty on small game. They are a lot of fun. Some people really like to drive them but they are basically good for their intended purpose. A 36 or 40 would be good for small game and the larger varmints up to coyotes. The 32 would also handle them up close but starts to lose things at longer ranges. All of them perform well at ranges I can hit small game with iron sights.

DP