In reverence to a #50 drill

[jwh1947]

I recently spoke of kicking dead horses.  Let's kick one that's still alive...the ole' touch-hole issue.  Much has been reported about touch holes, liners, ignition speed, ad infinitum.  All good...all fun.  Learned a lot, then, being a stubborn Dutchman, built my personal gun at Jacobsburg the way I always have.  I took a #50 drill bit, and put a hole right in front of the breech plug face, a little higher than bottom of the pan, as I figure that that is where the heat will be greatest.

Results:  2 sighters on April 30, 1 " apart off a sandbag, 60 meters, slight sight adjustment, #3 and 4 an X and a 10, 1" apart.  I account for the 1" as I am old, have bad eyesight and worse personal habits. 

On May 1 at Jacobsburg, with Ms. Vicki as witness, 6 shots offhand at a 5" block...  6 hits.  Ms. Vicki challenged me and made me sweat a bit.  She said, hit the crack in the wood.  I was 1/2 inch off offhand.  I can barely see beyond the front sight without Rakija.  Incidentally, my flint was horrible, sharded off 70% and still functioning. 

That makes 10 ignitions for 10.  10 for 10 hits.  Point is, if an old clown who shoots only for fun can do this, in a party atmosphere, convince me that I should waste time on a liner.  The trick is holding steadily, and if I can do it, so can you younger, more attuned guys.  I know, I know, spare me...I could increase to faster.  For me, at my age, 10 for 10 at my distances and needs, I'm satisfied.  I have other things more fun fine tuning. 

On way home, Fogelsville Hotel as usual.  Exceptionally raucous atmosphere that evening, even for Fogelsville.  Had to defend Ms. Vicki's honor and nearly ended up in the pokey.  Dang, I love retirement.  Wayne

[Acer Saccharum]

I used a 5/64 straight hole thru a .340 wall.

Fssssssssssssssssssss....still waiting....boom!

Yes, it works, but not very reliably. So I lined it.

Tom

[smylee grouch]

How thick was your barrel Wayne?   

[Cody Tetachuk]

Point is, if an old clown who shoots only for fun can do this, in a party atmosphere, convince me that I should waste time on a liner. 

IMO, you should NOT waste time on a liner. You seem to be happy with what you're useing and that's all that counts. It doesn't matter what others prefer or why. Stick with the straight #50 hole and enjoy.

[northmn]

If something works don't fix it.  A touch hole liners main advantage is in the countersink that permits a larger amount of powder to pile up against a thin wall.  Larry Pletcher did some tests on this issue as did Dan Dpharsis.  I have wondered if the countersink does not fill up with crud after a shot or two and turn into pretty much of a straight hole, but so far evidence indicates that liners like the White Lightening are quicker.  I have had a couple of experiences with liners where the larger bit did not follow the smaller bit when drilling for the liner and the hole in the liner got a little off from where I wanted it.  In one case it was too far forward and not centered to the pan.  Ignition was lousy.  When I made another liner and replaced it and drilled the hole where it belonged, it improved.  The originals did not have liners, but there is a lot of indication that they were not shot offhand like we do today.  Many builders swear by no liner and seem to have success.  A big advantage to liners is that if the touch hole starts to enlarge for whatever reason as in burnout or aggressive use of a pick, they can be replaced fairly easily.  If it works for you don't fix it.

DP
 

[jwh1947]

This is a standard Ed Rayl, straight .45, looks to be about .175" with my calipers.  Never used a Rayl barrel, but dropped it on the stone floor on day one, so I knew it would shoot straight.  I will use another Rayl barrel with enthusiasm...harder than what I am used to, but nice.  I will be going back to Jim Chambers locks as I have used 25 of them and never had a broken part or issue of concernwith any of them. 

Working on getting photos up for y'all.  Most of my life was spent without computers so we old timers have to work these things out.  Fortunately I have Ms. Vicki to do my thinking and my brother John who is digitally savvy.  Progress is about to be made. 

Well, being retired, I need to plan my day.  A bit rainy today around here, so off to the diner to hold court, then out to the range with this new little rifle.  They have a steel bear and deer at 100 yards.  I am going to shoot until I miss; told my wife to hold supper until I return.

 Also taking my 1928A1 Navy Thompson SMG and 1000 rounds of .45ACP out to the range.  I blow the dust out of the barrel about once per year.  20 boxes of .45 lasts about 45 minutes, most of the time spent in reloading the mags.  I assume that some of y'all are not allowed to have Tommy Guns due to oppressive state laws.  In PA, if we are relatively good boys, we can still have them.  Fortunately I bought a pallet of .45ACP prior to the latest price hike.  Ms. Vicki was afraid to shoot this one at first, then I assuaged her fears of recoil by shooting a burst with the butt plate on my chin.  No jest.  They are that heavy and it is just a pistol round, and most of my teeth are already gone.  Wayne 

[Daryl]

I agree with Cody - as a matter of fact, I think everyone should just use drilled holes, the smaller the better, except me of course.

If it's working for you, don't change.