So I just finished this pint sized kentucky rifle for my son. Now the question is what is the appropriate charge? The caliber is .45, length 23", slow twist. I am going to shoot a .440 round ball. The CVA manual calls for 50-80 grains FFG in the Kentucky rifle, and 20-40 FFFG in the kentucky pistol. What would be appropriate for this?
Not-so-long rifle
- Thread starter gb0399
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Dog Soldier
member
The hunters of the past used imagination. They would hold the ball in a slightly cupped hand, They would then cover the ball with powder. It works out closely to one grain per, caliber. So 40 grs. should provide a safe load. 
BullRunBear
Member
Depends on the purpose and range. If it is strictly for paper punching within 50 yards, you could start as low as 30 grains of FFFg and work up from there. We did that while teaching my best friend's little boys, ages 6 and 8, to shoot our full size MLs from a rest. 25 to 30 grains of FFFg was surprisingly accurate at 40 yards, enough to keep the kids happy.
I really like that little rifle. Please let us know how your son likes it.
Jeff
I really like that little rifle. Please let us know how your son likes it.
Jeff
badkarmamib
Member
That is awesome! Really like the idea to introduce younger people to the sport.
Acorn Mush
Member
You did a beautiful job and I really like the color of the finish.
I did the same thing with a CVA Kentucky almost 30 years ago except I cut the barrel down to 24" and installed the later-model CVA lock with a bridle over the tumbler. Used 30 grains of 3f, .440 cast ball and .015 patch. Made a nice-sized trainer rifle for kids due to the slim buttstock and slender barrel. I just wished I had the skill to shorten the length of pull by 1-1/2" or so to better accommodate youngsters with shorter arms.
Hope you have many happy times with yours.
I did the same thing with a CVA Kentucky almost 30 years ago except I cut the barrel down to 24" and installed the later-model CVA lock with a bridle over the tumbler. Used 30 grains of 3f, .440 cast ball and .015 patch. Made a nice-sized trainer rifle for kids due to the slim buttstock and slender barrel. I just wished I had the skill to shorten the length of pull by 1-1/2" or so to better accommodate youngsters with shorter arms.
Hope you have many happy times with yours.
WestKentucky
Member
My TC percussion Hawken .45 does really well with 75 grains or less with a conical, 60 grains or less PRB. It is a 28" I would think it to be really close to that as a max load...maybe 5 grains lower due to the shorter barrel.
Another good thing I have seen is that mine shoots 30gr powder with PRB and has recoil similar to a 22 mag. Certainly light enough for a youngster. My nephew loved it when he was 8.
Another good thing I have seen is that mine shoots 30gr powder with PRB and has recoil similar to a 22 mag. Certainly light enough for a youngster. My nephew loved it when he was 8.
range report:
I managed to get out and shoot this little guy over the holiday. This was primarily just a function test. I used 30 and then 40 grains of FFF BP with a patched 440 round ball. The rifle functioned very well. Next time out I will refine the load for recoil and accuracy.
I managed to get out and shoot this little guy over the holiday. This was primarily just a function test. I used 30 and then 40 grains of FFF BP with a patched 440 round ball. The rifle functioned very well. Next time out I will refine the load for recoil and accuracy.
Prairie Dawg
Member
Here is the T/C Cherokee (24") and Seneca (27") data
These barrels are 13/16", so this data should work for your gun.
--Dawg
These barrels are 13/16", so this data should work for your gun.
--Dawg
rdstrain49
Member
The hunters of the past used imagination. They would hold the ball in a slightly cupped hand, They would then cover the ball with powder. It works out closely to one grain per, caliber. So 40 grs. should provide a safe load.
I have slightly small hands and that method consistently gives me 52 grains of 3f. That's the way I started before there were store bought powder measures readily available, still use that method occasionally today.
Armored farmer
Member
55gr 3f
.015 pocket drill patch lubed with mink oil
.440 cast ball
My standard load in my .45 flintlock
It shoots impressively clean too. I can fire a dozen shots without wiping.
.015 pocket drill patch lubed with mink oil
.440 cast ball
My standard load in my .45 flintlock
It shoots impressively clean too. I can fire a dozen shots without wiping.
entropy
Member
NIce job on the rifle for your son! I started my son out with 30 grains FFG and a round ball from my Traditions Hawken when he was 10. He's 23 now, and shoots 100 gr pelleted 777 and 385 gr. Hornady conicals from his CVA Wolf.
midland man
Member
i just bought a can of mink oil from tractor supply in the boot/shoe section so I was wondering how the mink oil works for you as I am fixin to try it out in my 45c rifle?
Armored farmer
Member
Yes it works very well. Rifle patches and boots!i just bought a can of mink oil from tractor supply in the boot/shoe section so I was wondering how the mink oil works for you as I am fixin to try it out in my 45c rifle?
I like to warm it in the micro or on top of the wood stove. Pour over 2 dozen patches until they are nearly saturated. Add more oil, or patches until they are damp, but not 'wet'.
~whoa~....what do you mean by 45c.??
I presume you mean .45 caplock.?
midland man
Member
45 caliber flintlock I finished this kit by traditions last spring its a Kentucky rifle I love shooting this thing and now hooked on flintlock guns!!
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