Thompson ctr.36 cal seneca.

[koehn,jim]

I was wondering if this would be a good rifle to pick up. It has a reproduction scope on it, looks like it would be fun.

[C. Latch]

Not sure about the scope, but, yes, if I ever saw a Seneca in good shape at any sort of decent price, I would bring it home with me, and do it quickly before someone else saw it.

[BrianL]

Seneca's command premium prices in all three calibers, 32, 36, & 45 with the smaller bores being more sought after. I have two of them and use them. A very nice light rifle basically a mini-tc hawken.

[johnson1942]

yes, yes, yes.

[koehn,jim]

Thank you for confirming my thoughts, I bought the rifle today without the scope, it was the real old type that ran the length of the barrel. Now to get some supplies and shoot it.

[swamp]

I have a Seneca in 36 and also a barrell & ramrod in 32 I aquired from a forum member, both a lot of fun. Also easy on the lead and powder supply.

If you need some RBs or Maxis let me know. I cast both and should have enough on hand to get you started.

Alot of fun in a small package.

swamp

[BrianL]

In a pinch, Hornady makes a .350 buckshoot in 5 lb boxes that shoot very well. The grandkids go through ball faster than I can cast them.

[koehn,jim]

This may be a silly question but how do I measure for the correct size ball for a black powder rifle. The usual method of slugging the bore will not work will it. thanks in advance

[BrianL]

You do not need to slug the bore. The balls are undersized, probably .350 for the 36 cal, and the difference is made up with patching. Kind of like paper patching......er..sort of. The patches fill the grooves for the gas seal.

Usually between .010 and .020" of a tightly woven cotton. I would start with store bought or pillow ticking from a fabric store. You want them to be snug and you have to lubricate the patches. Some use spit, others use olive oil, etc.

Be sure that you know how to properly clean it, preferably before shooting it. Leaving it fouled for even a short time can ruin your bore.

[koehn,jim]

How do I determine the correct size cap to use does it use a 10 or 11 and is one brand better than another. thanks.

[swamp]

I use CCI #10s. They work well on all of my muzzle stuffers.
swamp

[BrianL]

I believe that all of the TC's were designed for #11's but it is a matter of fit. If you use a #10 and it is too tight, it may not seat fully and can misfire and take two strikes, the first to seat it the second to ignite.
By the way, TC has a pretty good manual at their site for free download that will list loads for both maxiballs and roundball.

[C. Latch]

The nipples were designed for #11s but the truth is that sometimes you'll only be able to find #10s and usually they'll fit and work just fine.

[BrianL]

And if all you can find is #10's, you can turn or sand down the nipple a bit if they are too tight, causing misfires. Some of the Italian rifles have given me fits with the #11's being too tight.

[Dixiejack]

The Seneca was one of the best looking and most balanced BP rifles that TC ever made. I always wanted them to offer one in a LH version or to leave off the stock hardware.

If the scope ran from the breech to muzzle, you should have bought it, too.

[shdwlkr]

I have one with a scope on it and it is fun to shoot. best I ever did was 300 yards at a clay pigeon and hit it. Wind was non existence and I am not sure it would work to hunt that far with it but when the target can't move it is a real challenge and fun to do.

[Dixiejack]

http://hunting.about.com/od/blackpowder/a/tcrifleloads.htm

Her is a website for TC Hawkin, Renegade, and Seneca.