Hi all,
I have an 1853 British Enfield musket that we're looking to shoot live. When I tested the bullets in the barrel (the size is marked as being .577 Caliber, .560 Diameter, 536 gr. hollow base), we have a good 16th of an inch play in the barrel (unlike having that good snug fitting since no patch will be used as commonly associated with the mini balls). In other words, if we lower the musket - the bullet will slide right out.
However, a sutler noted that all of the info above is normal when I questioned this with the statement, "As for the live rounds the bullet should not fit snug in the barrel as after a few shots you will not be able to get them down the barrel. The British round(s) were designed to be able for the shooter to just drop them down the barrel even tho after two shots you will still need the ramrod." Just to double-check, does all of this info sound typical for those folks who have shot a musket live?
More than likely, I'll simply use .58 Cal. mini balls & lubricated patches instead. Anyhow, any pros, cons, tips, suggestions, input, etc. that could be shared?
Thanks for your time!
Aaron -
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