White Lightning Size

[blackdog]

Just curious if anyone has any imput if a 3/8 white lightning has any advantage over a 5/16 in a 54cal. 1'' 1/16 barrel. Would going to 3/8 would have any advantage, faster, easier to clean etc? Curious what everyone uses.

[eagle24]

I've only used the 5/16", but my guess is that the 3/8" would have a larger cone and might be faster in a .54.  I would call Jim and go with his recommendation.

[Lucky R A]

       One thing to consider before going to a 3/8 liner is: what if you have to replace it and screw up; where are you going to go?   You would be stuck with making a custom liner or rebreeching.  The 5/16 provides plenty quick ignition.  I mainly use the 1/4 size on most barrels and get very good ignition. 

[Dphariss]

Just curious if anyone has any imput if a 3/8 white lightning has any advantage over a 5/16 in a 54cal. 1'' 1/16 barrel. Would going to 3/8 would have any advantage, faster, easier to clean etc? Curious what everyone uses.

Use the 1/4".
I actually prefer 12x32 but its so close to 1/4 that its really a moot point.
There is no difference in speed that any human could see and I doubt it could be timed but that is Larry Pletcher's territory.
Making great big holes in the sides of barrels does not appeal to me.
I have a 5/16" in my Nock breech, but a Nock breech is not a barrel.

Dan

[blackdog]

Thats true if the 5/16 ever needs replacement 3/8 would be easy to do.  I've only used the 5/16 myself too, but always looking for the extra edge....

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

1/4 inch in .50, .54, .62 and they all work great  I am doing some internally coned toucholes without a liner now and am using a 1/4 inch coning tool.

[mjm46@bellsouth.net]

I use 1/4" in my 50 cal. and put it into 54cal as well, and keep the larger sizes for back-up incase of a screwup during installation. That'll give you 3 chances to get it right.

My 1/4" white lightening Liner in my flintlock makes it as fast as any caplock I've ever seen.

Have faith all these people aren't lying to you.

[ironwolf]

  3/8" may be a little large for that size of barrel flat which is about 7/16" on that bbl.  The smaller size would give you more leeway in touch hole location. They all clean well.  However the larger cone holds more powder thus are somewhat more reliable.  Don't drill out larger than .065 or .067 or consistency will become eratic due to powder blowing out while loading.  Ask me how I know that.
  I've got the same barrel with a 5/16" WL and it works great. You'll love it.

   KW

  Can be replaced to the same size in the same hole with an EZ-OUT, no need to go up in size.

[volatpluvia]

I used the 3/8 on three barrels.  I can tell you they work great.  I saw no need to enlarge the flash hole.  The WL is extremely reliable and fast.  I know it is a huge hole through the side of the barrel but I had absolutely no indication of that being a problem.
The choice is yours.
volatpluvia

[Pete G.]

I've used both and prefer the smaller size just because it looks better on the gun. I have built several guns and left the vent as is, but have come back later and drilled them to a 1/16". There is a perceptible difference with the vent drilled to a 1/16" size.

[big AL]

Hi,  I understand the "internal coning " , I'm trying it too!, but what does that final " 1/4" inch mean?  I'm confused. Big Al

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Hi,  I understand the "internal coning " , I'm trying it too!, but what does that final " 1/4" inch mean?  I'm confused. Big Al

The coning tool I am using (Tom Snyder) is thesmal one which is comparable to a 14" WL liner.

[Dave Dolliver]

Big Al

The final 1/4 is the outside diameter of the threads on the WL liner and the diameter of the threads needed in the barrel wall.

Dave Dolliver