.790" balls needed

[Leef]

I just bought a percussion rifle that has an .800" bore. It's rifled (I suppose that's the correct term, since the rifling has no twist). The rifle was made at Chatellerault arsenal in 1841 and is in excellent condition.

What's the best way to get the correct size balls (and Minies?). I suppose a good size would be ~790"? Will I have to have a mold made? Who does that?

What would be a good load for this rifle?

Anyone have any idea about the history or use of this gun?

[excess650]

NEI lists a .776" roundball as the closest they cut to your bore diameter. It likely will cast closer to .780" and that should be fine with a cotton duck cloth patch (.025")http://www.neihandtools.com/catalog.html

Straight rifling was used in shotguns to prevent the shot charge from spinning.

[Leef]

Thanx! I just ordered this round ball mold. I see that they also make molds for a .790" conical bullet. I may try this later.

I assumed this is a rifle, despite the straight "twist." Do you think it may have been made for a shotgun?

I think I've seen other guns (rifles?) that had straight rifling.