Author Topic: .32 or .36 (Read 5007 times)

MuskratMike · « **on:** February 24, 2020, 11:11:31 PM »

I am working up the desire for my next rifle. Thinking a true frontier of North Carolina in the late 1700's - middle 1800's in flintlock. Possibly a Gillespie style true "poor boy/barn gun". As my state doesn't have a large squirrel population my squirrel shooting will be at paper squirrels and metal swinging squirrels in the 25 - 35 yard range. Trying to decide between .32 and .36 caliber. I already have a .40 so that is out of the running. What do you guys who live in squirrel country shoot in .32 or .36 and WHY? What are your decided advantages and disadvantages to each and again WHY?

Dave Marsh · « **Reply #1 on:** February 24, 2020, 11:30:13 PM »

Probably find what you are looking for in this post. There are many others.

https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=30688.msg294138;topicseen#msg294138

Gordy · « **Reply #2 on:** February 24, 2020, 11:41:56 PM »

Well here's my take on the situation. I have an old rifle I built years ago, it's a .32 caliber Douglas barrel. When I built this rifle I was a young man had better feelings in the ends of my fingers and could also see much better. So here I am almost 40 years later, still shooting this rifle in matches. But here is my actual problem with the 32. The balls are so small I have trouble holding onto them especially after spraying patch lube on your patch, and in low light conditions I do have difficulty in finding the sprue on the ball. I don't like to shoot swedged balls, so therefore I cast my own. But I still love shootin the ol girl. These are just a few things to consider based on you age and how many years ya gonna shoot that rifle.
Good day, Gordy

Mike Lyons · « **Reply #3 on:** February 24, 2020, 11:42:42 PM »

I have both and like them equally. I can't see any advantages or disadvantages to either one.

Tilefish · « **Reply #4 on:** February 24, 2020, 11:55:17 PM »

Was struggling with the same choice a couple months ago. Having a 36 cal being built now. But will also be using it for coons and turkeys.

Bob McBride · « **Reply #5 on:** February 25, 2020, 12:03:54 AM »

I think the size of the ball if you’re ham fisted may be the only difference. And it’s hard to hear a .32 clang steel targets...

rich pierce · « **Reply #6 on:** February 25, 2020, 12:11:09 AM »

Middle to late 1700s would have a ball .42-.54, probably.

smylee grouch · « **Reply #7 on:** February 25, 2020, 12:32:27 AM »

I have the same problem as Gordy and the 32 RR is just that much smaller.

MuskratMike · « **Reply #8 on:** February 25, 2020, 01:56:37 AM »

Rich: this I do know but hall I need that caliber range. People still made and ordered squirrel guns that late. So .32 or .36 it will be.

Fyrstyk · « **Reply #9 on:** February 25, 2020, 02:06:41 AM »

I have both, and have similar problems as some of the other posters. I no longer try to load from the pouch in the field. I prepare a ball block with 4-6 holes for field outings, that way I only have to center the ball over the muzzle and start it down the bore. I like the economy of the .32. 20 grains of 3f will take any squirrel within range that my eyes can see the sights for. I use the .36 once the leaves have fallen and shots can be somewhat longer at times. .The .36 bucks the wind better and is almost as economical to shoot. You have a tough choice to make, but I solved my problem by getting guns in both calibers. Can't have enough BP guns. I have both flint and percussion in .32, 36, 45, 50, 54 and 58.

Bob McBride · « **Reply #10 on:** February 25, 2020, 02:08:54 AM »

Quote from: Fyrstyk on February 25, 2020, 02:06:41 AM

....I have both flint and percussion in .32, 36, 45, 50, 54 and 58.

That’s IS the most logical solution....

rich pierce · « **Reply #11 on:** February 25, 2020, 02:35:44 AM »

Quote from: MuskratMike on February 25, 2020, 01:56:37 AM

Rich: this I do know but hall I need that caliber range. People still made and ordered squirrel guns that late. So .32 or .36 it will be.

Do you mean that early? Mid to late 1700s is early for squirrel rifles. My main concern is architecture. With a small caliber you will have a skinny barrel and this affects architecture. Note any/all of Chambers and Kibler’s offerings. Small calibers = skinny, later guns.

Your gun, build what makes sense to you and pleases you.

Dennis Glazener · « **Reply #12 on:** February 25, 2020, 03:17:44 AM »

Mike,
My Mathew Gillespie rifle is the earliest Gillespie that I have run across. Earl Lanning dated it circa 1810. Earl owns an almost twin to mine except for a couple of later traits (one trait was a single lock bolt used on the flint lock and I forget the second one he mentioned) and he dated his circa 1820's. Mine is a 41 cal and Earl's is a 45 cal.

The earlier Gillespie's usually are 40-45 and most of the later ones are 30-36 caliber. The only Gillespie that I recall larger than 45 Cal was a 1840's back action lock that had a 52 Cal barrel on it.

Dennis

alyce-james · « **Reply #13 on:** February 25, 2020, 03:37:06 AM »

MuskratMike; Sir, I have one of each .32 Cal and .36 Cal. The .36 Cal. is by far the most versatile. However the .32 Cal. is by far the most fun. Great for squirrel and well placed other small game shooting. Middle 1700's, not sure about the Carolinas. Will be interesting to read other input. Have a great week. AJ.

WadePatton · « **Reply #14 on:** February 25, 2020, 03:40:01 AM »

You already have a 40, so getting a 36 makes little sense to me because they are so close in size. I'd go 32 to have a bigger difference between calibers. I started with a 54, am making a 40, then a 30, and will go up to 66 smooth after that. Then I should have a gun, or two, for every occasion.

MuskratMike · « **Reply #15 on:** February 25, 2020, 03:43:58 AM »

Dennis I stand corrected and modified my post to reflect the corrected dates.
I am looking forward to receiving your book. I mailed the check a few days ago.
Your builder of choice for one of these has graciously consented to do the build and we are in the very early stages of working out of the details. Not much will get done until I have a chance to review the book. Can you recommend a trigger set to purchase that can be modified to fit a Gillespie profile?
Getting a little off topic but am still trying to decide between .32 and.36 (leaning toward the .32).

Daryl · « **Reply #16 on:** February 25, 2020, 04:08:40 AM »

If you have a .40, then get a .32. It will still load with a 5/16" rod. That is the same size (tapered from .310" to about .27") I use in my .36.
2-finger loading with .022" patch and .350" ball. When the rifle had a .32bl. on it, I used the same rod and either .311" & .320" balls with the
same patches. The little balls conform into the rifling very easily. Using mink oil in the .32, the 50th shot loaded easier than the 1st one did in
the dry bore. No wiping. I was shooting 35gr. 3F GOEX, but if only shooting to 25yards, 20gr. shot just as well. The heavier charge was needed
for group shooting at 50yards. I use the same load in my .36 bl. and it does even better. The .32 had very narrow grooves & wide lands. I did
not have great faith in it so re-barreled the rifle.
This is the .32's muzzle crown. Some 320 grit wet/dry, rotated in the muzzle did the work from the machine cut by the factory.

alacran · « **Reply #17 on:** February 25, 2020, 04:32:48 AM »

A"squirrel rifle" is a modern term. Regardless of caliber if you hunt squirrels with it it is a "squirrel rifle".

MuskratMike · « **Reply #18 on:** February 25, 2020, 05:00:49 AM »

Okay.... I guess then I am not asking about information on .32 vs .36 "squirrel" rifle I am looking for information on .32 vs .36 "rifle"

?

Smokey Plainsman · « **Reply #19 on:** February 25, 2020, 05:43:00 AM »

I’ve read of guys here using up to a .54 with light charges on squirrels.

I think if I were the OP, I’d get a .32. What a load of fun, and CHEAP to shoot! The .36 would not be much different than your .40.

Mike from OK · « **Reply #20 on:** February 25, 2020, 01:24:54 PM »

A few things to consider... Both calibers will use a 5/16 ramrod. Both calibers will sip the powder.

Now if you cast your own balls there is a bit of a difference...

1 pound of lead will net you about 155 balls at .310 dia. and 148 balls at .315 diameter. Whereas a pound of lead will yield about 107 balls at .350 diameter... Basically a 40%+ difference in yield per pound.

It seems there are more options when it comes to ball molds for .32 caliber... But a custom size mold from Tanner or Larry Callahan should solve that if you want a specific size for the .36

If you buy your balls, it is usually easier (around here anyway) to find balls for the .36, not a lot of retailers here carry .310/.315 balls... Again, internet retailers should solve that issue.

Aside from number of balls per pound, I can't see much difference between the two... The .36 barrel weight might be less than the .32 but probably not remarkably so.

I'm sure I didn't make your decision any easier. Sorry.

Mike

alacran · « **Reply #21 on:** February 25, 2020, 02:14:48 PM »

Hornady 000 Buck shot works very well on a .36. I believe 0 Buck is ,310. It is swaged and not dropped.

Killed this javelina with a .36, a .32 would have done the job just as well. On squirrels either one is like shooting a man with a 3 pounder.

Daryl · « **Reply #22 on:** February 25, 2020, 09:12:26 PM »

I've with that statement, alacran. One must stay well away from any of the eating parts, of a squirrel or grouse.

Mike from OK · « **Reply #23 on:** February 25, 2020, 11:36:58 PM »

#1 buck is .300, 0 buck is .320...

Ballistic products sells .310 buckshot pellets in an 8 lb jar... But I can't remember the size designation.

Mike

Mike from OK · « **Reply #24 on:** February 25, 2020, 11:44:41 PM »

Here it is...

https://www.ballisticproducts.com/mobile/Super-Buck-Lead-1-1_2-8-lb_jar-310/productinfo/SBK15/

They designate .310 as #1.5 which strikes me as odd. Price wise it is about half the cost of Hornady or Speer swaged lead balls, 1280 balls per 8 lb jar at $38.... But it is hardened lead. So loading might be a bit tougher. However, another member here (can't remember who) says he uses it with no issue.

Mike

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Author Topic: .32 or .36 (Read 5007 times)

Smokey Plainsman