Shiloh Rifle Forums

My 50-140 Farmer's twist rate is a slooow one turn in around 32", so I'd like to work up a BP Express load for 'er using a 380gr - 400gr cast bullet. To the point: I'd like to take up any excess case volume by stacking two 0.500" Circle Fly fiber wads, one atop the other over the column of Fg. That's a lot of pulpy real estate, so I am asking for your advice regarding any precautions you may offer toward preventing me from becoming a plume of red mist. (I know, rebarrel to xx/xx or whatever, but not right now, thanks)

one thing that comes to mind here is shooting dirty.
using lube wads normally wastes valuable powder space, but you have plenty of that.
exploring lube wads of many different characteristics could be an adventure.
grease of different kinds, felt, grease soaked felt, oil soaked felt, tallow soaked felt, and the list goes on.
using oil soaked felt wads, and neck tension, you could seat a bullet to just touch the wad and yet not squeeze out the oil.
I have seen muzzle loader guys using 0.4" oiled wads.
a plain felt wad in front of a grease soaked wad might be worth trying.
keep safe,
bruce.

Thank you, friend. I plan to stack two 1/2" dry fiber wads over the powder column and beneath a well-greased g-g bullet. And, will most likely be wiping between shots. My greatest concern is for my safety and for those within sight by my using the economy of a 1" plug over the powder and between the bullet.

Your thoughts sort of follow the old carbine load in the 45-70 They used a thick wad to take up space. While youe case is bigger the concept should be the samee as long as you dont leave air space in the case between the projectiles ie wads and bullet.
I dont see a pressure issue as long as everything is snug

My thoughts, too, Dean. I'm just looking for some logical backup opinions. Thanks for providing yours.

Don't wimp out; fill the case with Fg and cram a short,wide bullet on top and jerk the trigger in anticipation of the delightful recoil experience. Life's too short for tall wads.

Smokin wrote:Don't wimp out; fill the case with Fg and cram a short,wide bullet on top and jerk the trigger in anticipation of the delightful recoil experience. Life's too short for tall wads.

Or, while I'm shooting, you could sing and play your signature "Lady of Spain" accordion solo to help divert the pain

Or you might have a barrel-liner made , and chambered for the mighty 22-15-60 Stevens, that way you could still use a BP charge (15.0 gr. of 2F) and a heavy for caliber 60 gr. cast slug. Although, cases may be difficult to come by, but a minor hurdle for a dedicated BP user like yourself !

Old jim

The problem with a light bullet and a full load is the bullet has a tendancy to strip. The rifling. At least what i saw. 450 gn gg bullet 156 gns of 1f however the load would shoot through both ears of a desert jackrabbit with only minor irratation to the jack

Right, therefore the 1" of wads to make 'er a not so full load.

I used to punch out 1/4" wads from bulletin board cork for a 120 I used to have. I used either 2 or 3 depending on the bullet. Also used 90-100 gr 1F for a good load.

Quit your sniveling, load 140 grains of 1Fg in that fencepost, and shoot it off your nuts.

Quit your sniveling, load 140 grains of 1Fg in that fencepost, and shoot it off your nuts.

buffalocannon wrote:Quit your sniveling, load 140 grains of 1Fg in that fencepost, and shoot it off your nuts.

Salty cashew pieces .... hmmm .... do you suppose .... NAH!!

Use the compression die and seat the bullet reeeaaal deep. Won't need much powder and no wads.