1855 3 band woes

[Michael T.]

I purchased an 1855 3 band 2nd model from Dixie Gun Works....
Problem is I have tried several bullets and charges in it with poor results.577-213 577-611 Great plains semi wadcutter 36 grains of 3f to 41 grains of 3f
Benches well with the Great plains bullet.
Brad Schuler and I have put our heads together.
HELP
Mike Hall 12670

[Jim_Burgess_2078V]

Are you using soft lead bullets sized to within .002" of the bore diameter? That is essential. You might have to increase your powder charge for better results. I'm currently using 45.0 grains of FFFg (GOEX) with the Hodgdon bullet in my 2-band rifle. I previously used 46.0 grains of FFFg with a Rapine old style Minie in my Dixie M1861 Springfield. Your M1855 may need glass bedding if the wood to metal fit is sloppy. Keep experimenting with different bullets and loads. Persistence will eventually pay off.

Jim Burgess
15th CVI

[efritz]

Mike.
jim is correct in what he says. There?s a wealth of knowledge on this BB. You?ve only scratched the surface on what needs to be done. Keep on plugging away. There?s few short cuts. Even for the most knowledgeable. This is not a sport. It?s a science. I have fired over 50 ten shot targets to obtain the best load in several guns. Along the way you will gain much experience even in the things that don?t work. I can?t begin to explain here. If you wish to talk pm me with your phone #. We?ll chat.

regards
Eric Fritz

[Carolina Reb]

Drop a bore light down the barrel and have a look. I recently worked on an EOA Richmond that had reverse gain twist. That is, the twist went to zero at the muzzle! The rifling head must have been loose on the bar when they did that one. The only way to hit the broad side of a barn was to be standing in it when the musket went off. After a trip to Hoyt and glass bedding the breech and lock, which was loose in the stock, it's a tack driver.

[MR. GADGET]

Try more powder. Mine need 48 grn to 55 grn to shoot.

[Muley Gil]

Yes, I agree with the advice to increase the powder charge. The Zouave I had shot good with 45 grains of FFFg Goex, while my dad's identical Zouave shot best with 48 grains. My P-H 1858 shoots good with 45 grains of FFFg Goex.

[Rob FreemanWBR]

Ditto all - in your case, a great starting point =

PURE lead
RCBS Hogdgon
Sized w/in 1-2 thousands
FREASH lube
45g 3f Goex

Adjust/fine tune as needed!

[Michael T.]

Thanks for your input.
When weather permits I will try your suggestions.
Sadly no goex in my possession.
Maybe see it soon
Mike

[Carolina Reb]

If you are using Swiss 3F, try 42 grains with the Hodgden (aka N-SSA) bullet. I have had very good results with Len's Lube from MCM, or 90% bees wax melted together with 10% Olive Oil (proportions are not critical). If that doesn?t shoot you have three likely problems.



Poor stock to barrel bedding
Hard (not pure) lead. You should be able to squeeze the bullet skirt out of round easily with your fingers.
Bad nipple (aka cone). Replace with an Ampco bronze nipple.

[Michael T.]

Thanks for your input
A picture of the Hodgden bullet would be helpful

[Muley Gil]

Here you go:


Minie Ball Mould .580-416 Hodgdon | RCBS (https://www.rcbs.com/bullet-casting/moulds/minie-ball-mould-.580-416-hodgdon/16-82162.html)

[Michael T.]

Thank you Gil, I spoke with my S-I-L Brad Schuler, he has this bullet mold and I have fired it in my 1855.
I am going to try a higher powder charge to see if it helps.
What is the opinion on the Noe made mold?
I reviewed some of the previous posts and saw some comments but no facts or bragging rights.
Thanks all,
Mike

[Muley Gil]

I have read good reviews on the Noe mould, but haven't owned one.

IIRC, the Hodgdon Minie has a thicker skirt than most and needs a decent powder charge to expand. Many folks swear by this bullet. Haven't used it myself.

[Lou Lou Lou]

North East Trader sells a replacement base plug that gives a thin skirt

[gemmer]

If you are using Swiss 3F, try 42 grains with the Hodgden (aka N-SSA) bullet. I have had very good results with Len's Lube from MCM, or 90% bees wax melted together with 10% Olive Oil (proportions are not critical). If that doesn?t shoot you have three likely problems.



Poor stock to barrel bedding
Hard (not pure) lead. You should be able to squeeze the bullet skirt out of round easily with your fingers.
Bad nipple (aka cone). Replace with an Ampco bronze nipple.


I get great results with the same bullet, lube, (MCM or Len's) and powder(45 gr.). I switched from the Rapine semi wadcutter which also did well but the Hodgdon is superior.