mold size?

[mainiac]

alluding to another thread, im having a .40 flintlock built,and was wondering what you guys used for a ball, .390,or .395? Also whats your most accurate load? thanks,

[405]

Good question.
The temptation is to get started with lining up the mold so as to be ready when the gun is ready. It would be impossible to predict results with any particular barrel. Might be best to wait on the mold until the gun is ready. In the mean time you might get ahold of a small quantity of both 390s and 395s. When the gun is done test both size balls against your preferred techniques like: loose fit, tight fit, thin patching, thick patching, charge weights, etc. That would be the logical way... but hey, few of us are logical :mrgreen:

[mooman76]

Your best bet to know in advance is to ask the barrel manufacturer. They usually have a recomendation of what will fit best with there barrels. Other wise what 405 said. Personally I perfer to start with the smaller ball. It's easier to adjust for. You havemore options for thicker patches but you can only go so thin with a bigger ball. The bigger balls usually work better later on as you get some barrel wear.

[6pt-sika]

If I intended to cast for said rifle I would most likely get a box of .390 and a box of .395 balls and go from there !

Don't get me wrong I like to cast , but the thoughts of making roundballs 2 at a time is not a pleasent idea to me !

So with my own 36 , 45 , 50 and 54 I just buy balls in the box ;)

[Marvin S]

Just get one of each size in LEE MOLD, that's what I done. You may want some to load easy for just fartin around and some tight for target work. I use em both in my colrain bbls.

[masscaster]

Barrel first, balls and a few different patch thicknesses next, and the fun part, workin' up a good load!

[missionary5155]

Hello Masscaster... WElcome to the lead family !
I am over Danville way.. at least till January when I return to Peru SA.
They way Lincoln land is a go-en front stuffen may be all "they" think they will alow us before reality starts flying.

[JeffinNZ]

My Colerain barrels love .395 cast balls. I like to use a ball within 0.005 of bore.

[mainiac]

My Colerain barrels love .395 cast balls. I like to use a ball within 0.005 of bore.

Cant wait to try my new .40 colerain.........gonna have to wait till thankgivin time or so. SAD!SAD!