Author Topic: My New .32 Squirreling Piece  (Read 2081 times)

Offline Panzerschwein

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My New .32 Squirreling Piece
« on: January 03, 2023, 05:30:53 AM »
Today I got in my brand new Traditions Crockett .32 caliber caplock squirrel rifle:



Not usually one for the production guns but I don’t own anything smaller than a .58 at present and didn’t want to drop a bunch of cash on a custom right after Christmas. Squirrel hunting is my new addiction and I wanted to still burn smoke while doing it.

Initial impressions are it’s a very good rifle for the inexpensive price tag. No it’s not fancy but it is shooting really well. Didn’t do great with 15 grains but bumped up to 20 and it put five balls in a quarter size group at 20 yards give or take. That’s just with the first range day. Sights are dead on. Was using Hornady .310s and pillow ticking lubed with Track of the Wolf mink oil cut at the muzzle.

Did have a little wood chip out behind the lock but shouldn’t hurt anything. Also raised a small piece up behind the lockplate but plan to repair with superglue. Other than that the triggers are solid, the sights are excellent, and initial accuracy is very impressive.

Can’t wait to get in the squirrel woods with it. Take care guys!

Offline WaterFowl

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Re: My New .32 Squirreling Piece
« Reply #1 on: January 03, 2023, 03:45:20 PM »
These are great guns to get kids shooting black powder..
bump your load to 30 gr 3f goex and it will shrink.
I have a T/C Cherokee. which i skinned added  a peep sight(old eyes)  and horn nose cap. Fun Fun.
the squirrels and rabbits really don't like it.
send your results if you bump up your load.
Hunt On!

Offline MeliusCreekTrapper

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Re: My New .32 Squirreling Piece
« Reply #2 on: January 03, 2023, 03:54:11 PM »
I agree with WF, a Crockett was my entrance into blackpowder, and it really shined with 30 grains of 3F and a 310 ball. Head shot squirrels out to 35 yards.

Have fun with it.

Offline hanshi

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Re: My New .32 Squirreling Piece
« Reply #3 on: January 04, 2023, 12:24:30 AM »
You will love that little rifle.  In mine I fired 30 grains of 3F with a .311" home cast ball.  At 44 yards I fired 5 shot groups that barely let me stick my pinky finger through.  Let's just say it ought to group on a dime at that distance.
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Offline Daryl

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Re: My New .32 Squirreling Piece
« Reply #4 on: January 04, 2023, 09:36:54 PM »
My .32 liked best, either the .311" ball or the .320"(.319"Lee mould) balls, pure lead, with .021" denim patches and 35gr. 3F GOEX.
Short starter was not needed for loading, just choked up on the rod and pushed straight down- in they went after conforming to the bore.
picture of the muzzle crown - note that this barrel has the opposite of rifling style preferred today, as it has narrow grooves and wider lands
yet it was easily loaded with the 5/16" hickory rod only. I still mostly used a short starter, but it was not necessary, just quicker.


Daryl

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