Rifle for prairie dogs and ground squirrels

[roscoe]

Is there a small caliber black powder rifle that can be used for prairie dogs and ground squirrels?

I would prefer a cartridge rifle.

[Snow ninja]

Pedersoli makes a .32 caliber percussion.

https://www.realtree.com/small-game-hunting/articles/small-game-hunting-with-muzzleloaders

[roscoe]

Pedersoli makes a .32 caliber percussion.

https://www.realtree.com/small-game-hunting/articles/small-game-hunting-with-muzzleloaders

Thanks for the information. I should have stated I prefer a cartridge rifle.

[NyFirefighter357]

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?92142-What-s-a-32-20-good-for

[sghart3578]

I have always wanted a Marlin 1894 in .25-20.

[Good Cheer]

Larger boolits work when you aim at the rock next to them.
[smilie=w:

[Kraschenbirn]

I've got Cimarron Low Wall in .32-20 (with Lee Shaver sights) that's easily good for 'minute of beer can' out to around 125-150 yds. Won't match my .243 (or even the .22 Hornet) but, at 50 yards or so using hollow-pointed 312008s, it nearly vaporizes brown rats.

Bill

[skeettx]

Ruger #3 in 30-40 Krag is black powder capable.

Should be good for 3 to 5 shots before it get fouled

Mike

p.s. maybe a single shot 30 caliber carbine loaded with black??

Why use black ?
If loading for a felon, the law has been changed and they can not have cartridges
of any kind, only muzzle loaders.

[dverna]

The .32/40 was one used a lot in the early days. It has a good reputation for accuracy.

[Chill Wills]

I would stay away from the 32-40 Ballard and BP loading. It is a very steep learning curve. Maybe even cure you from shooting BP completely.

[.22-10-45]

I have an original No.3 Ballard in .25-25 Stevens. Since this is a cast action, I am only using "real" black powder (Swiss 3FG). Bullets are 100gr. from original Ideal moulds, cast 20-1 lead-tin alloy & lubed with SPG. These are seated with only last band in case mouth..first band touching rifling. I use an original Ideal nickel plated #3 tong tool for bullet seating. Sights are vernier tang rear & windage adjustable globe front...taking Ballard sight inserts. Using blow tube, I can hold all shots in 1" at 50yds. By wiping with 1 barely damp patch run thru after each shot..match accuracy of 3/8" 5 shot groups are to be had. I at first dreaded shooting black in such a small bore..but clean up takes only 3 patches wet with Butch's Black Powder solvent. This is a really fun gun! when the dbl. set trigger is pulled, target is hid behind dense white smoke..and deep throated report all out of proportion to caliber echos down range...yet recoil is not much different than a .22 rimfire.

[Dave T]

I was going to suggest the 32-40 but someone else beat me to it. It was very popular in the day for it's accuracy, which would be desirable for varmit shooting.

dave

[beltfed]

How about try with the 22 WCF. The BP predecessor to the 22 hornet.
A Ruger No 3 Hornet I have would be one to try. With smokeless loads it
has in the past been deadly on PDs.
Indeed. Fouling control would be what its all about
beltfed/arnie

[Huvius]

I guess it would depend largely on what ranges you anticipate.
Many of the English Rook rifles would work - I shoot 360 No.5 with black and paper patched boolits and it is a ball.
A Martini Cadet in 310 or 32/20 may be worth looking into as well.

In new rifles, a Low Wall in 32/20 or 38WCF which I have could be an option.
100yd shots on prairie dogs or squirrels is doable with any of these.

[Nobade]

25-20 single shot. Not WCF repeater. Or if you want to go modern with brass you can buy, 25 Hornet.

[Owen49]

Personally, given those parameters, I'd opt for a long-barreled .25-20.

[country gent]

Do you want to use iron sights or a scope? A C Sharps Low wall or high wall on 32-40 or 38-55 should be useable

[MT Chambers]

I really like my Stevens 44 1/2 in 25/20 single shot, remember that any cast boolit varmint gun is gonna ricochet on every shot.

[rfd]

.32-20 cases are readily available for cheap while .32-40 aren't.

however, a henry s/s in .357mag should do quite well for bp loads and varmints. :)

[Boz330]

I would stay away from the 32-40 Ballard and BP loading. It is a very steep learning curve. Maybe even cure you from shooting BP completely.

I tried an 8X58R in a roller and the fouling was horrendous. A duplex load might be a possibility if you can live with that but the guy who recommended the 357 might be on the right track.

Bob