1855 3 band woes

[Michael T.]

Maybe just me and anything 1855... couldn't find right bullet or powder load for a 3 band model 1 from Dixie gun works.
1 in 48 twist.
Anyone find the same problem? Suggestions are appreciated. Mike

[Lou Lou Lou]

Sorry to hear this. BTW what maker?
1st basic question. Did you size the bore? Absolute necessity.
what mold, sized bullet , thin or thick skirt? and powder charges did you try?
which lube? Some are sworn by, others are sworn at?

[PapaRob]

Michael that is kind of a fast twist rate for a 3 bander IMHO. How many grooves?

[Maillemaker]

I agree with Rob. 3-banders normally have a 1:72 or thereabouts. The P58 has a 1:48 twist.

I have found that the faster twist likes a big old bullet. My P58 did well with the RCBS 500M and 60 grains of 2F powder. I don't shoot it much because I have other guns that shoot just as good with less lead and powder.

I tried the RCBS Hodgdon and the Moose Wilkinson in my Pedersoli P58 and got keyholes. I have a teammate that uses a Parker Hale P58 with the Moose Wilkinson and it does ok for him. First shot is not good though.

Steve

[PapaRob]

Michael get yourself a big fat@ssed Old Style Minie and size it 1:1000ths under the bore and dial in your powder charge from there and the groups from your 1855 should tighten up a bunch.

[Michael T.]

I agree with Rob. 3-banders normally have a 1:72 or thereabouts. The P58 has a 1:48 twist.

I have found that the faster twist likes a big old bullet. My P58 did well with the RCBS 500M and 60 grains of 2F powder. I don't shoot it much because I have other guns that shoot just as good with less lead and powder.

I tried the RCBS Hodgdon and the Moose Wilkinson in my Pedersoli P58 and got keyholes. I have a teammate that uses a Parker Hale P58 with the Moose Wilkinson and it does ok for him. First shot is not good though.

Steve

To all thanks, it is a Chiappa Arms. 3 lands and grooves. I have tried 4 different bullets ,all over 400 gr., used 41- 49 gr. of Sheutezen 3F in 1 gr. increments.
A Hodgon style, original style with 3 lube grooves a similar to that with 2 lube grooves and a plains bullet that looks like a trash can
use MCM lube

[Carolina Reb]

Since this is a repro, have you checked the barrel bedding? Most repros are pretty badly bedded. The tang and breech needs to be solidly supported by the stock. First test, remove the bands and tighten the tang screw. If the muzzle lifts out of the stock you have a bedding problem.

My 1 in 48 Enfield rifle shoots 40 gr. Swiss 3F and the Hodgden N-SSA bullet very well. Might be worth a try.

[Michael T.]

Michael get yourself a big fat@ssed Old Style Minie and size it 1:1000ths under the bore and dial in your powder charge from there and the groups from your 1855 should tighten up a bunch.

I have tried one, still trying.

[Hal]

But is it sized .001" under bore diameter?

[Wayne Shaw, 1985V]

Before you get all wound up. What pin gauge just fits down the bore? If you didn't measure, DO THAT 1st. .002 Max under bore. Most machine shops have a set and will save you hours of work.
Wayne Shaw 1985V Harlan's light Cav 223CV Past National IG, member SAC