Enfield sight help

Status
Not open for further replies.

Sburk1993

Member
Joined
Dec 23, 2021
Messages
72
Location
North east missouri
So I picked up an 1863 two band Enfield rifle. I plan on shooting it and I'm curious on how the sites work. It has the flip up ladder sight. And then it has a notch in the front that's on the ladder in a notch in the back and there is numbers on the side 1 to 4. Right now the latter rest just above the two on the side and I cannot see the rear notch of the site. I can only see through the front one but I feel if I lowered it I would be able to see through the back. is the back site supposed to be for 50 yards and then you adjust the screw and make the rest of it come up or how does it work. I would like it to be good at 100 I'm not looking to win any competitions. I just like to be able to put three on a paper plate at 100 if my eyes can do it. Thanks for all the help.

Also side question. I have some .578 mini balls made and I believe I read somewhere that the standard load was 60 g of black powder. I only have pyrodex RS. what would the equivalent roughly be I believe I read somewhere that you're supposed to reduce with substitutes.
 

Attachments

  • PXL_20221102_233250157.jpg
    PXL_20221102_233250157.jpg
    102.8 KB · Views: 25
  • PXL_20221102_233242420.jpg
    PXL_20221102_233242420.jpg
    104.8 KB · Views: 24
  • PXL_20221102_233234323.jpg
    PXL_20221102_233234323.jpg
    107 KB · Views: 22
Your sight elevator is missing. The sights range from 100-400 yards flat. With it raised they go from 500-800 yards. Pyrodex is a straight across sub by volume.
 
S&S also has parts.

You didn't mention who made your Enfield. Depending on what the barrel actually measures, .578 may be too small. Also factoring into that is lube. Beeswax/(crisco,lard,tallow) works best. Don't get hung up on the "60g military" load. I shoot 42g 3f Swiss in competition.

But what do I know about muskets...
index.php
 
S&S also has parts.

You didn't mention who made your Enfield. Depending on what the barrel actually measures, .578 may be too small. Also factoring into that is lube. Beeswax/(crisco,lard,tallow) works best. Don't get hung up on the "60g military" load. I shoot 42g 3f Swiss in competition.

But what do I know about muskets...
index.php

It is an original Enfield and that's just what I heard for a charge. I haven't got the mic out yet but was claimed to be a .577
 
..578 will be too big. You need a .576. The original service charge is 60 grains.

Not so fast, I've seen originals with barrels measuring .579 to .581. It depends on the wear and who made it. If you want anything resembling accuracy, measure the bore before buying any bullets.
 
..578 will be too big. You need a .576. The original service charge is 60 grains.

I tried one of my minies last night and it did fit in the muzzle I only put it in a little so not for sure yet. my caps will be here tomorrow so I'll maybe make it to the range tomorrow night and let you know. Is pyrodex hotter then black? I know 777 is but I've never heard anyone say pyrodex is or isn't.
 
I tried one of my minies last night and it did fit in the muzzle I only put it in a little so not for sure yet. my caps will be here tomorrow so I'll maybe make it to the range tomorrow night and let you know. Is pyrodex hotter then black? I know 777 is but I've never heard anyone say pyrodex is or isn't.

Pyrodex is supposed to be a volume-for-volume equivalent replacement for black powder. Haven't used any of it myself in over 45 years however. Please, do clean your Enfield promptly and well after shooting Pyrodex. In my limited experience with it, the fouling was VERY corrosive. As always, YMMV.
 
Pyrodex is a straight across equivalent measured by volume. Pyrodex has an undeserved reputation for corrosion. I don't see where it's any worse than real black.
 
Pyrodex is a straight across equivalent measured by volume. Pyrodex has an undeserved reputation for corrosion. I don't see where it's any worse than real black.

Don't hate me but I've never shot true black. I've never seen it in the stores around me just substitutes. That and I can't bring my self to pay hazmat fees. Ive noticed a lot of people say it is super corrosive but I've shot in the morning hunting and cleaned that night and never had rust problems.

I want to thank you hawg. You have shared more information in the BP world then anyone I know.
 
Pyrodex is about equal in strength to Swiss. I live in the humid south and rarely clean the same day I shoot. It's generally 1-2 days. I have gone as long as 9 days with no rust. HYMMV. Most people that claim it's super corrosive have never used it.
 
Sorry, but I would NEVER, EVER shoot Pdex in an original. Hawg says he hasn't seen any issues with it but I certainly have and in every case but one, it wasn't though owner neglect. Pdex fouling is abrasive compared to real black. Steel used in original muskets is not the same as today.
 
I've shot a lot of Pyrodex as well, seen no corrosion problems either. I forgot to clean my rolling block when I was in Montana for several weeks after shooting Pyrodex through it, no problems, so I guess Hawg and I are exceptions to the rule of highly corrosive Pyrodex eating your gun for lunch if you don't clean it 5 minutes after shooting.
 
Ok. Shoot Pdex. Don't come here about rust or rifling issues. You've been warned.
 
So you're saying Pyrodex isn't accurate? My Enfield will tear hell out of a five gallon bucket with a service charge at 300 yards with Pyrodex or Swiss.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top