Does anyone have some .310. .315 round balls they'd sell/send me so I can see how it shoots not using split shot? I know I can get rb's from TotW cheap but I'd rather buy a mold if I keep the rifle.
Sorry, but I don't have any lead balls of the size you need. However, Track has lead round balls in .310", .311", .315", .319", and .320" for under $10.00 per hundred. If it were me, I wouldn't spend the money on a mould until I knew for sure what size I needed.
You might also
consider using buckshot, as the old timers did. No. 1 buck measures .300", No. 1-1/2 buck is .310", and #0 measures .320". My dad just about always used buckshot for shooting in his smallbore muzzleloaders, and Ned Roberts commented favorably on this practice in his book,
The Muzzle-Loading Cap Lock Rifle. The only issue might be that buckshot (even back then) was and still is generally made of an alloy somewhat harder than pure lead. However, if buckshot works for you with this rifle, it's cheaper than cast or swaged round balls and you don't have to buy a mould or spend the time casting. I'm willing to bet your new/old rifle has tasted buckshot before.
I also had a question. There is a tool in that pouch that appears to have a dark wooden handle. However, my vision is not great and I can't determine what the shank is made of, whether wood or iron. Is it a short starter? A screwdriver? I honestly can't tell.
Anyway, you ended up with a nice rifle, and to have the original accoutrements with it,
en suite, makes this outfit exceptional.
Best regards,
Notchy Bob
