GR Douglas 45 barrel question

[Leatherbark]

Hello All

I recently rescued a 44 inch barreled Ohio Style rifle with a 13/16ths inch .45 caliber GR Douglas barrel. By rescuing I mean re-breeching and making a patent breech and redoing the tenons, pins and such.  I have but one question. You guys that use or have used this barrel in the past, what is your recommended ball size ?  .440 or .445?  Is it correct these barrels had 1/66 inch twists?  I have tried some .445 balls and it seems more accurate at 65 grains of 3f than the lower charges.

Bob

[rhbrink]

Through the years I have owned and shot several Douglas 45 barrels and always used a .445 ball with .017 ticking and 70 to 75 grains of 3F GOEX shot very well for me anyway. Your mileage may vary.

RB

[Squirrel pizza]

I own a couple rifles with the Douglas barrel. Ones an"xx", the other an "x". For target shooting, even out to 75-100 yds, both seem to like 45grs. of FFFg shooting a .445 ball and .15 patch. And they don't seem to be particular about the lube. But I like Bore Butter. Can shoot many times without build up of fouling, cleans up easier too.  P.S. Love that Picture. "You got a pretty mouth boy"

[gunmaker]

Been shooting a Douglas .45 X 40" rifle since 1979,  .445 ball. spit patch at least .018, 45 gr 3f target work & 80 gr 3f for deer....Shoots better (still) than I can hold...Tom

[Leatherbark]

Thanks guys for all the load suggestions.

Bob

[stuart cee dub]

So the question ......

Who does NOT use 1214L in their regular barrel manufacture ?

A knowledgeable builder and gentleman of my aquaintaince , was strongly of the opinion of the evils of leaded steel ,and was pleased that the new /old barrel I provided him for a build was from a maker ,now long since out of business ,who did not use leaded steel.

Mr Burton ? Ed Rayl ?

Mongo just pawn in game of life.

[Daryl]

Green Mountain does not use 12L14, nor does Ed. Rayl - also Badger Barrels are 4150 (I think), same as McGilmore? McKellan?
I do not know about Colraine.