Belted Ball Flintlock?

[Loyalist Dave]

Good morning,
I saw this on a Facebook Page https://pre1900.blogspot.com/2017/11/a-b-smith-belted-ball-rifle.html?spref=fb . A flintlock, early 19th century, that used a belted ball a la the later caplock, British Brunswick Rifle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunswick_rifle . The Brunswick was a very large bore, but I think the flintlock civilian version noted above was smaller. I wonder if one had to use a wad to keep the gasses from passing around the ball, and if leading was a problem since the ball engaged the grooves (two) in the barrel? Caliber of the rifle in the article is not noted.

LD

 

[Panzerschwein]

I don't think the Brunswick used any patch.

From what I've read, the design wasn't so great, hence why it never caught on.

I know IMA had some Brunswicks for sale recently. I'll bet people have experimented with those curious Saturn shaped balls...

 

[entropy]

The Baker Rifle used a thin greased leather patch; I believe Cooldill is right, the Brunswick Rifle probably didn't. They probably did grease the ringed ball somewhat for ease of loading if nothing else.

 

[45 Dragoon]

I relined an original cone on one of Hovey Smith's Brunswick rifles while I had the Super Walker here. He is pretty knowledgeable about those weapons.

Mike

 

[4v50 Gary]

See above. No greased patch for the Brunswick.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I relined an original cone on one of Hovey Smith's Brunswick rifles while I had the Super Walker here. He is pretty knowledgeable about those weapons.

Mike

You mean Hovey "Ahhh! Haw haw!!" Smith?

Seriously, at least in his videos, that man makes some strange noises and ejaculations! Very knowledgeable though for sure. I like his work with the Traditions Crockett .32 muzzleloaders.