Question

f8fbearcat · 06-05-2006, 02:01 PM

I hope I've found the right forum for this post.

I have an Allen & Thurber double barrel pistol from the 1845-50 era and was told by the local blackpowder gunshop owner that it is .34 caliber (He measured it for me). He said etting .34 caliber balls would be tough, so he recommended making my own and I was wondering if anyone has any plans to make a mold for the .34? Or any caliber for that matter, as I can adjust for it. My friend works at a machine shop and he'll make the mold for me, but I would like to find out the proper way to do it.

Also, does it have to be a ball? Can it be a slug instead? Just curious.

Any other recommendations or thoughts about firing this pistol??
Many thanks!
Chris

Mooseman684 · 06-06-2006, 02:12 AM

I usually don't advise people to shoot the real antiques but if you insist...
You can buy a .32 cal ball mold and use a patch around them for a tight fit in the bore, a machinist could also re-machine it to 34 cal, but the ball still needs a patch. Using 2 aluminum blocks pinned and drilled to fit together you can use a drill bit the proper size Drilled right on the joint center Then run a coarse Tap for grooves for lube to make a cone head mini ball mold but not too long of a minie ball, so dont drill it too deep! Cast and weigh them on a set of powder scales. Start with about 30 grains of FFFg powder.
Rich

GeneCockrell · 09-08-2006, 11:39 PM

OO buckshot is about 32-33 caliber and should be able to be used with a patch. A bag goes a LONG way and is a !!!! of a lot easier than casting those miniscule things....

Smokin_Gun · 09-15-2006, 01:47 AM

Did he say to get .340" balls or that it was .34 caliber? Cause I think a .36 cal takes .340" or .345" balls with patches or pillow ticking.
I was think thinkin' about it and thought maybe you'd check the bores again with some calipers.
Jus' tryin' to help.

06-05-2006, 02:01 PM	#1
f8fbearcat Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NE Pennsylvania Posts: 11 Trader Rating: (0)	Question I hope I've found the right forum for this post. I have an Allen & Thurber double barrel pistol from the 1845-50 era and was told by the local blackpowder gunshop owner that it is .34 caliber (He measured it for me). He said etting .34 caliber balls would be tough, so he recommended making my own and I was wondering if anyone has any plans to make a mold for the .34? Or any caliber for that matter, as I can adjust for it. My friend works at a machine shop and he'll make the mold for me, but I would like to find out the proper way to do it. Also, does it have to be a ball? Can it be a slug instead? Just curious. Any other recommendations or thoughts about firing this pistol?? Many thanks! Chris

06-06-2006, 02:12 AM	#2
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,266 Trader Rating: (0)	I usually don't advise people to shoot the real antiques but if you insist... You can buy a .32 cal ball mold and use a patch around them for a tight fit in the bore, a machinist could also re-machine it to 34 cal, but the ball still needs a patch. Using 2 aluminum blocks pinned and drilled to fit together you can use a drill bit the proper size Drilled right on the joint center Then run a coarse Tap for grooves for lube to make a cone head mini ball mold but not too long of a minie ball, so dont drill it too deep! Cast and weigh them on a set of powder scales. Start with about 30 grains of FFFg powder. Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

09-15-2006, 01:47 AM	#4
Smokin_Gun Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mojave Desert, So. California Posts: 71 Trader Rating: (0)	Did he say to get .340" balls or that it was .34 caliber? Cause I think a .36 cal takes .340" or .345" balls with patches or pillow ticking. I was think thinkin' about it and thought maybe you'd check the bores again with some calipers. Jus' tryin' to help. __________________ :right: Nothin' like smokin' Black powder!

09-08-2006, 11:39 PM	#3
GeneCockrell Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: lAMPASAS TEXAS Posts: 86 Trader Rating: (0)	OO buckshot is about 32-33 caliber and should be able to be used with a patch. A bag goes a LONG way and is a !!!! of a lot easier than casting those miniscule things....