First shot keyhole...bill large 55 springfield barrell..

**MikeArthur** · 09-27-2009

after 1st shot, great accuracy

use new style minie sized to 577 (578 will just fit before 1st shot))

44 grains 3f... different lubes have not helped

also noticed nipple suction is weak until after 1st shot

have tried 1st shot sized to 578 with 2 more grains of powder...didn't help

thoughts, other than shooting wife to foul gun

mike arthur

hart's battery, csa

843 412-1992

**RaiderANV** · 09-28-2009

Errrrr,,,,,,leave it dirty from individuals?

I bet it has a fake MAYNARD primer system. :shock:

You don't have :arrow: starr parked next to it in the safe do ya?

Green

**Charlie Hahn** · 09-28-2009

Hi Mike,

A little more information if you please.

I assume this is an 8 + 8 lands and grooves with the lands narrower than the grooves?

How sharp are the edges?

How many rounds fired?

Do you use a ramrod with a bulge?

As these barrels wear they tend to get some uneven wear at the mussel. A bulged ramrod, or worse a brass ramrod speeds this up. From your natural loading position in the area near your body you might see the lands worn. On a clean barrel this allows an uneven gas leak that tips the bullet on exit. It might be time for a reduction in barrel length if this condition is present to fresh up the mussel.

I would guess that if you did a three shot test say three times from a clean gun each time you should see first shot bad, second better and third predictable. Our friend the fouling helps to equal out the escaping gases, but you should still see general grouping drifting a little if the mussel is worn even after your fouling shots.

If you would like I could take a look at my booth, Ball Accuracy at the Fort.

Charlie Hahn

**MikeArthur** · 09-28-2009

mike

**David Altman, 10980** · 10-08-2009

Ram the first ball hard with the rod. I mean hard 2 or 3 times. It will spread the skirt and seal the round to the barrel.

**MikeArthur** · 10-09-2009

mike

**CMHouchins** · 10-09-2009

Anyone have any idea of what kind of twist the LArge barrels have (8groove/8 land)? What is your rpefereance of minie/mould? Thanks, Craig

**John Holland** · 10-09-2009

Twist - 1x48.

JDH

**CMHouchins** · 10-09-2009

Thanks :wink:

**macvcallsign** · 10-09-2009

I have been shooting Bill Large barrels for most of my 38 yrs skirmishing. Have over a dozen guns with them on and they all shoot great. Bill told me when I got my 1st bbl to shoot it dirty..I just run a couple of spit patches down it after individuals and between relays. Just remember to clean it good after the skirmish to make sure the patent breech is clean. Have never had a problem keyholing. Maybe the barrel needs a new Crown job? Bill usually made his barrels a little longer(1/4") to allow for wear and can be crowned with out a problem.
His rifle bbls were usually 1 in 48 twist and the musket barrels were 1 in 60 twist. Although, he would make just about anything that a customer wanted.

Try a lighter bullet and powder charge also. Most of my Large guns shoot best with a semi-wadcutter and about 34 to 38 grs of 3f. Bill usually made to size Skirmish barrels, .575 and .577. The .575 he called his target barrel and that is the one he made for me for my 1st one, a '53 pattern Enfield. I shot it with a .575 thick skirted Lyman 575494 and 30 grs of 3f! Performed flawlessly except when my hangover got in the way!!
:lol:

Good luck and I am sure you will solve the problem.

Dennis Schuler (Brad's Dad)
4th Kentucky Cavalry, CSA
1561V