need info on 44 cal kentucky rifle

[nekshot]

We acquired a 44 cal (shoots the same balls and patch 58 rem handgun uses) kentucky type side lock rifle years ago and I was cleaning it today and thought I might as well check the rate of twist. For some odd reason I always thought it was 1 in 60 inch twist but it is 1 in 38. Other than round balls is that twist capable of a slug type boolit?

[mooman76]

Yes, that's a good twist for conicals.

[johnson1942]

yes it can shoot a bullet from 200 to 250 grain very accurate with that twist.

[nekshot]

That makes me a happy camper because this is a nice little gun with a long barrel. I am gonna try paper patching some slugs around those weights. I should be able to get close to 44 magnum performance!

[johnson1942]

thats correct, about 1500 to 1600 ft per second. reduce the bullets diam by a push through reduceing die by 8 thousands below the top of the lands bore size. two wraps of number nine paper or one wrap of 18 pound paper. no lube. wad between powder and bullet. should shoot like a house afire accurately.