Originally Posted by
Southron Sr.
The Enfield Naval Rifles and P-60 Army Rifles (both used identical barrels) with the 5 Land and Groove Barrel and with the "magic" 1 in 48" twist are the most accurate of ALL the 57/58 Caliber muzzleloaders of the Civil War period.
British NRA matches of the late 1850's and early 1860's allowed both active duty British soldiers and members of the British militia to compete in target matches. Any competitor that used either an Enfield Naval Rifle or P-60 AUTOMATICALLY had 10% of their final score deducted so as to create a "Level Playing Field" with those competitors that used regular P-53 "3 band" Enfields.
Confederate Sharpshooters were issued Enfield Naval Rifles and P-60 Army Rifles (when available) along with British made, paper patched ammunition. These rifles proved accurate out to 800-900 yards.
I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THE IRONY THAT THE N-SSA, A TARGET SHOOTING ORGANIZATION, HAS BANNED THE USE OF PAPER PATCHED MINIE BALLS [THE MOST ACCURATE OF ALL .577/58 PROJECTILES] BECAUSE OF PREJUDICE!!!
The Lyman Parker Hale Mould sold by Dixie Gun Works is an excellent mould for the replica Parker-Hale Naval Rifles. Best of all, it is "N-SSA Legal" as long as you don't paper patch the projectile.
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