AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Black Powder Shooting => Topic started by: shifty on February 23, 2021, 12:08:22 AM

Title: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: shifty on February 23, 2021, 12:08:22 AM: Well I could not stand it any longer fired my little 22cal today. Wind was so gusty i could not keep the sights on target standing so i sat down and rested my elbows on my knees. I could only manage 2 shots at 25 yds they landed 15/16" between centers so i think i can get it to shoot ok. I was using a .216 di. 32 grn cupped base hollow point slug ,mink oil in the cupped base and 5grns of 3 F Goex . Now the testing begins for the right load.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Daryl on February 23, 2021, 12:11:57 AM: Is the bore .216"?
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: shifty on February 23, 2021, 01:41:24 AM: Quote from: Daryl on February 23, 2021, 12:11:57 AM
Is the bore .216"?
[/quote

Best i can measure it is .2155 .
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Skychief on February 23, 2021, 01:48:09 AM: How easily did it clean up?
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Fyrstyk on February 23, 2021, 01:54:39 AM: I just received my .22 BP rifle. I hope to shoot it tomorrow if the rain stops. I got some 30 grain bullets from North American Arms that are used in their little .22 BP gun to try, and some 30 grain air rifle slugs sized .230 to try. Will start with 5 grains of 4f and may work up to 10 grains depending on how it groups.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Daryl on February 23, 2021, 02:09:00 AM: These appear interesting, form the North American Arms web site.
No grease groove per-se' but the middle band for engraving should work.
I guess the cup base will hold lube.
.230" seems large.

(https://i.ibb.co/bbhqLg4/NA-Arms-22-bullets.webp) (https://imgbb.com/)
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: shifty on February 23, 2021, 02:20:13 AM: Quote from: Skychief on February 23, 2021, 01:48:09 AM
How easily did it clean up?

Real easy.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: shifty on February 23, 2021, 02:25:15 AM: Does anyone know where you can buy a small powder measure say o-40 grns capacity.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: shifty on February 23, 2021, 02:28:38 AM: I will try a over bore size felt wad between powder and bullet next.

Fyrstyk did you get my pm?
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Daryl on February 23, 2021, 02:32:02 AM: Quote from: shifty on February 23, 2021, 02:25:15 AM
Does anyone know where you can buy a small powder measure say o-40 grns capacity.

A lubed wad will assist in cleaner shooting.

right here.

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/85/1/MA-050
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: shifty on February 23, 2021, 02:38:41 AM: Thanks Daryl !
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Fyrstyk on February 23, 2021, 04:01:23 PM: Quote from: shifty on February 23, 2021, 02:25:15 AM

Does anyone know where you can buy a small powder measure say o-40 grns capacity.

The adjustable measures for BP pistols go from 5-50 grains. TOW and Dixie have them, maybe others too!
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Levy on February 23, 2021, 07:17:36 PM: You might try the .22 felt cleaner wads for air rifles in your rifle. James Levy
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Fyrstyk on February 23, 2021, 07:43:37 PM: That's a great idea, I will have to order some of them.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Daryl on February 23, 2021, 08:25:22 PM: Quote from: Levy on February 23, 2021, 07:17:36 PM
You might try the .22 felt cleaner wads for air rifles in your rifle. James Levy

Good idea, James. They may require an increase in powder charge, to ensure the bullet obturates into the lands.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: smokinbuck on February 25, 2021, 04:39:56 PM: Shifty
I use a .22 long rifle case with FFFg powder. Preset accurate in mine and will put a .22 lead pellet through a 3/4" board at about 30 feet, across the basement.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: shifty on February 25, 2021, 06:09:27 PM: Smokinbuck , Have you ever tried 4F powder?
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Fyrstyk on February 25, 2021, 08:02:01 PM: I shot my .22 caliber BP rifle yesterday to see what loads and bullets it likes. Tried the North American arms 30 grain bullets with 5 grains of 4f with mink oil lube in the bullet base cup. At 25 yards I got alittle over 1" from the bench using peep sights. I then tried 5 grains of 3f, grouping was slightly tighter, but about 1.5" lower.
Next I tried some 30 grain air rifle slugs from AVS. These are spitzer shaped with a pin hole hollow point and a cupped base that I filled with mink oil lube. 5 grains of 4f gave me 3/4" groups @ 25 yards. 5 grains of 3f also grouped well, but once again about 1.5" lower. There was a significant difference in the report of the two loads. $f had a good crack, whereas the 3f was quieter. More experimenting needed and maybe a higher powder charge? Clean-up was straight forward using the barrel in a coffee can of warm soapy water method, Dry patching, then a patch with Barricade. I did not have to swab between shots which sort of surprised me. The last bullet went down as easy as the first. Great fun!
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Levy on February 25, 2021, 09:22:34 PM: I have a 3/4" x 24" x .22 octagonal barrel That I've had so long I don't remember where it came from. Now I know what I'm going to do with it. I sure would like to see some pictures of you guys rifles. James Levy
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Daryl on February 25, 2021, 09:48:19 PM: Fyrstyk - you don't need warm water nor soap. Just plain water will clean it as well.
Many soaps have salts or mild acids & are simply not needed. Tepid water (room temp at the most)
will work just fine, as-will cold tap water.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Fyrstyk on February 26, 2021, 01:56:59 AM: Daryl-
I usually add a drop or two of Dawn dish washing soap to the warm tap water for cleaning.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Fyrstyk on February 26, 2021, 02:01:22 AM: Shifty-

I did not get your PM. Please send again.

Below are some pictures of my .22 BP rifle. It has a .224 bore, so I am using .223 bullets for starters as I workout the best load and projectile.
(https://i.ibb.co/TLzzG29/IMG-0634.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SrqqgyF)

(https://i.ibb.co/pjBvJVy/IMG-0639.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MkxDMw6)

(https://i.ibb.co/sPx0LfB/IMG-0640.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QcS2sg5)
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: donal_h on February 26, 2021, 02:19:02 AM: I cannot express how neat I think these small caliber rifles are.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: shifty on February 26, 2021, 03:03:13 AM: Fyrstyk, New pm sent your way.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Daryl on February 26, 2021, 10:56:26 PM: A .22 calibre muzzleloading rifle, now that's pretty cool!
250 for $6.60 WOW - cheap.
https://www.pyramydair.com/s/p/Gamo_Round_22_Cal_15_43_Grains_Lead_Balls_250ct/610
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Fyrstyk on February 27, 2021, 01:50:51 AM: Daryl:
Those balls would require a patch in my rifle that is why I went with the conical type pellets as they are the right size and they are heavier. It is hard enough to get those little pills started down the bore, I wouldn't want to mess with a tiny ball and patch. My sausage fingers have enough problems handling the balls for my .32.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Daryl on February 27, 2021, 05:15:16 AM: Yes - of course they would need a patch. That is the whole idea. I understand about the small balls. The .32 cal. round balls in the winter time are horrid.
With a .22cal. ball you would need a very finely woven patch - maybe pocket drill would be best.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: shifty on March 02, 2021, 01:51:37 AM: Ok don't laugh at my picture i need a good cam. This is a 5 shot group as you can see in the notes don't count the one with the arrow pointing to it ,i fired it before i was ready. Feel like it will do better with some more testing, ordered some more test bullets the other day but for some reason they sent the size i already had guess some one made a mistake LOL.
(https://i.ibb.co/mNGqznf/22-ML-group.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9ZNTYxQ)

Remember don't laugh but there is 6 shots total there look close LOL.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: shifty on March 02, 2021, 02:31:14 AM: Maybe this picture is better.
(https://i.ibb.co/x2VFxKF/22-ML-group-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/L04NVDN)
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Fyrstyk on March 02, 2021, 02:35:25 AM: I'm waiting for better weather to try my .22 ML with the new sights I put on it. Too cold and windy to be testing a load and bullet.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: shifty on March 02, 2021, 02:56:22 AM: We got a break here today with the rain and wind.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Daryl on March 02, 2021, 05:30:09 AM: I personally would try something other than Crisco Oil or Crisco Shortening.
Something like Track's Mink Oil or Neetsfoot Oil.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: shifty on March 02, 2021, 12:25:50 PM: Daryl, Those are on the list i have both , also after those are tried i will up the charge to around 7.5 grns powder. Don't know if i should go above 7.5 grns though. How much 3F do you think would compare to 5grns 4F powder. These lubed wads really did help with loading but the right one is out there some where just have to find it. May even try some .062 wads these are .125.
Title: Re: First Shots 22 Cal ML
Post by: Daryl on March 02, 2021, 09:53:09 PM: I think you could go as high as a .22mag. case full of powder in 3F.
1/16" might be better - trying will tell everything. I would think 10gr. might be a top-end load.