RP in PH Muskatoon?

[LIMPINGJ]

I have seen post on ML sites about shooting RB in these, but no mention of what diameter ball they are shooting. Is anyone shooting a RP in theirs and what diameter ball works for you. I just got one and do not have have a Minnie mold but was hoping I might have a suitable RB mold till I can order a Minnie.

[45-70 Ranger]

I'm assuming this is a Parker Hale .577" reproduction? If so, I'd start with a ball .010" under the bore diameter. This, with a stout patch should do the trick. A .570" "MIGHT" work, but the patch thickness would have to be thin but pretty strong.

Hope this helps.

Wade

[Omnivore]

Yes. Different shooters and different guns seem to like different fits. I use a .495" ball with .015 patch in a "50 cal" bore that measures .503" (the groove diameter is about .526"). That's a super tight fit. Most would use a ball around 10 thousandths under the bore diameter and a 15 thou or so patch. If I use a smaller .490" ball in a .503" bore (thirteen thousandths difference) I need the heavier "pillow ticking" patch. That works fine too. With a little bit of experimenting you'll find a decent load in short order.

[KCSO]

Depending on patch thickness .562 to .570 will work. I like a thicker patch and a 562.

[Mk42gunner]

I shot a few .562 diameter balls with mine. I don't remember the patch thickness.

Robert

[DIRT Farmer]

To learn what works your local dealer can get a box of Hornady .570s in and you can try different patches. 50 to 70 grains of ffg should be a plesant load without much fouling. You might want a range rod as the "issue" rod lacks gripping surface. I have had several over the years and while the Minies need to fit, round balls will give easier quick results. There are several here who have shot Minies in matches with good results who can advise you when you want to try them.

[NickSS]

I and my son both have PH Musketoons that we shoot RB in. I have used both .562 and .570 balls with good results with both of them. I mostly use the .562 balls as they are easier to load. For them I use a patch of pillow ticking that is about .015 thick. When using the 570 diameter I use a patch made from cotton bed sheets that are about .009" thick. I like the thicker patch and smaller ball. Both shoot about the same and will reliably shoot into less that 4 inches at 100 yards with my old eyes that's good shooting.

[LIMPINGJ]

Thanks for the replies on the size ball to try. To get good fit with the Minnie how do check the diameter of your bore diameter, which I think is the diameter you need to size just under?

[59sharps]

Thanks for the replies on the size ball to try. To get good fit with the Minnie how do check the diameter of your bore diameter, which I think is the diameter you need to size just under?
either a plug gage or use a over sized minnie start it in leave enough sticking out that you can get pliers on it twist 1/4 turn remove and mice it do it w / 3 minnies to check reading.