1980 Vintage 50 Cal Garrett Purdy Percussion Rifle

[Tom in Pittsburgh]

Couple of questions:


Anybody have one and can recommend loads?

Anybody have access to the article on these in the Feb 1980 American Rifleman?


TIA

Tom

[johnson1942]

can you tell us the specs on it. top of land diam. and depth of grooves. also twist of the rifleing. with that several shooters here can give you good advise.

[Tom in Pittsburgh]

Thanks for your note. This is a .50 caliber with .008" deep grooves. 48" twist.

I have all of the usual loads for similar rifles with maxies, Minies, and patched round balls. I also have another .50 caliber with a Green Mountain round-ball barrel.

I was just hoping that someone out there would have experience with this particular rifle. As you know, each rifle has its own likes and dislikes. I just though I might be able to get a leg up on my load development from someone who had already "been there, done that."

Thanks.

[johnson1942]

have no experience with your gun but with barrels cut like that. should shoot roundballs well with 70 grains of 2f black, all the other short real, maxis and that type should shoot well also. also this is what i would shoot in it for hunting, mmp sabot.50 cal made for a .451 or .452 240 grain or 250 grain pistol bullet. can even use 100 grains of 2f behind that. very accurate and fast and flat. at 30 to 50 yard matches use 50 to 70 grains of 2f black and a well patched roundball. have fun

[Tom in Pittsburgh]

Thanks for the advice -- will let you know how I make out.