Finally picked up a smoothbore!

[Maillemaker]

Hi all!

Well, I finally picked up a second-hand Armisport 1842. Barrel has been bedded.

From searching the forums, it looks like 45-55 grains of 3F, or 52-64 grains of 2F is a good place to start.

What do you think?

Also, I have a large commercial rotary tumbler. The drum is about the size of a 5-gallon bucket. I was thinking about making an sub-drum out of some 4" PVC tubing that I could put the balls in, and then let them roll inside the tumbler. For those of you who roll your balls, how long do you usually roll them for? Until you smile? :)

Steve

[Jim Barber]

Steve,

I put mine in a small metal coffee can, drizzle a very light glob of Alox (warmed slightly in the microwave so it pours easier) on top, slap the lid on and shake until my arms are tired. I peek in and if the sprues are mashed into nothingness, they're done. If I can still see sprues, I keep on dimplin'!

Cheers
Jim

[Maillemaker]

I'm trying to avoid the whole tired arms thing. :)

I think I will make a small canister using PVC and toss the balls in and let them tumble inside the main drum for 10 minutes or so and see what they look like.

Steve