Muzzle loaders

bigd · Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 6:50 pm Post subject: Muzzle loaders

Can you still order muzzle loaders in 38-40 cal ?

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 7:17 pm Post subject: Re: Muzzle loaders

Welcome to the HuntingNut. I haven't seen any offered in standard production ( That I no of ) maybe one of our members can help ya better again welcome to the site.
Joe

bigd · Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 7:23 pm Post subject: Re: Muzzle loaders

I'm taking a Gunsmithing Course, and the reason I asked, the person who wrote the study manual said that the 38-40 was the best all around deer round for muzzleloaders. I've never heard of it myself. Thought maybe I could get some input. I could probably look it up Gun Parts Corporation Catalog I guess. Thanks anyway

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 10:24 am Post subject: Re: Muzzle loaders

Dixie Gun Works has barrels and at least one rifle for .40 cal muzzleloading. The rifle is a target model for conical bullets.

Looking in my old (1975) Lyman Black Powder Handbook I see that a .40 caliber round ball only weighs 92 grains. You can get just over 1000 ftlbs of energy at the muzzle with the top loads but it would shed it fast. For some reason they don't show the 100 yard energy for the .40 but for a .45 they show loads getting 1000-1100 ftlbs at the muzzle dropping to 330-350 ftlbs at 100 yards.

Guessing a ballistic coefficient of 0.06 (a little generous, based on the BCs givien for .350" and .440" round balls) with a muzzle velocity of 2300 ft/sec I ran it through PointBlank and got a 100 yard energy of 309 ftlbs. It would seem to me to be a bit light for deer at that distance.

bigd · Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 6:43 pm Post subject: Re: Muzzle loaders

I've never been to much involved with Black Powder or Muzzleloaders,but what you tell me sounds good to me. I had never heard of the 38/40, just thought I'd throw it out to the experts and get some input. Christmas

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 12:29 am Post subject: Re: Muzzle loaders

Ummmm... Are you talking about a .38 or .40 caliber muzzleloader or the .38-40 black powder cartridge?

bigd · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 7:55 pm Post subject: Re: Muzzle loaders

After I looked it up the reference was 38-40 gun with black powder. Bonk

terry264 · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 8:53 pm Post subject: Re: Muzzle loaders

yeah,, 38-40 cartridge case w/black powder.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 11:55 pm Post subject: Re: Muzzle loaders

The .38-40 cartridge uses a .40 caliber bullet (I've read why they called it a ".38" but honestly don't remember. Bore diameter instead of groove dia?) and is ballistically about the same as a .40 S&W. With Cowboy Action shooting it has seen some increase in popularity. Again, I'd think it would be a bit light for deer.

roundball · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2007 7:52 pm Post subject: Re: Muzzle loaders

If its a cartridge, wouldn't it be a 'breechloader' and therefore not allowed in ML seasons?

Also, it may be below many state caliber minimums...check regs to be sure.

d_hoffman · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2007 11:10 pm Post subject: Re: Muzzle loaders

You can't use any muzzle loader pistols in ohio but you can hunt with any muzzle loader rifle .38 cal or larger. Black powder pistols are not concidered muzzle loaders so no, they can't be used during muzzle loader season. You can use pistols with black powder cartridges .357 or larger during regular gun season.